What's the vibe?
Shopping can really take it out of you. After a long day of burning plastic, it's nice to sit down and enjoy some good grub. Even better when it's right at your fingertips, courtesy of a favourite Toronto culinary institution, Oliver & Bonacini. Beaumont Kitchen, the group's newest property, sits on the first floor of the newly opened Saks Fifth Avenue at Sherway Gardens. Whether strategically or not, it's tucked away like a good bargain, so anyone who enters feels like they've just landed the jackpot. The airy interior caters to long lunches, and there's a strong brunch menu for the weekend peak.
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What to drink?
Expect all your standard tipples and a well-curated wine list, complemented by a selection of house-made cocktails. The Dillon's 22 Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic (spoiler alert: it's made with gin instead of whiskey), with cucumber lavender bitters and elderflower liqueur. Pair that with the BB Smash—vodka, blackberry, basil and a hit of lime juice—and it's just what the doctor ordered after a long day of lugging shopping bags. The restaurant boasts daily drink specials, with signature Caesars and Bellinis served alongside brunch on the weekends for a wallet-friendly $5.
What to eat?
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District Chef Michael Hay (ex-Moto Restaurant, a Michelin-starred property in Chicago, and most recently O&B Canteen) joins forces with Chef de Cuisine Paul Senecal (an O&B veteran previously seen at Luma, Jump and Biff's Bistro). They do what O&B does best: an ingredient-driven menu they've pegged as "eclectic West Coast cuisine." There's a distinct mix of healthy and indulgent, so pick an appetizer like the crudité salad to offset the braised beef brisket and whipped potato as your main. The chicken kale caesar salad lands in the latter category thanks to its thick Caesar dressing and generous helping of pancetta. Brunch-wise, after a morning of shopping, you can play it healthy with a smoothie bowl of banana, dates and granola, or tuck into the PB&J-stuffed French toast with marscapone and vanilla ice cream. (We say go for the latter—you've earned it.)
Dinner and drinks for two: Around $95
Saks Fifth Avenue, CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall; 416-641-7327; beaumontkitchen.com
