TORONTO — Cactus Club Cafe is opening its second Ontario location at Sherway Gardens as part of the shopping centre’s major $550-million redevelopment. Doors officially open at the new location October 24 at 5 p.m.
Cactus Club Cafe’s menu was developed by its test kitchen, which is led by a team of world-class chefs, including Iron Chef America champion chef Rob Feenie and head of Culinary Development, Toronto, chef Cory Vitiello. The menu features a mix of signature dishes, such as chef Feenie’s butternut-squash ravioli with prawns and double-braised short rib, as well as new highlights, including chef Vitiello’s lobster and prawn tagliatelle Nero with pistachio green-chili pesto and Mediterranean-inspired salmon fresca with fresh herbs, baby gem tomatoes, shaved fennel and hummus. New vegetarian and vegan menu items will also be featured on the menu, such as the tofu lettuce wraps and grilled-tofu Modern Bowl.
In addition to the menu of globally inspired foods, sommelier and service director Sebastien Le Goff has developed an extensive wine list that includes bold, esoteric and intricate offerings to highlight Canada’s growing wine industry, old world gems and new world discoveries.
The two-level, 450-seat restaurant features sleek and modern decor, as well as an art collection showcasing pieces from internationally recognized artist Andy Warhol, the influential Jean-Michel Basquiat, Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and well-known L.A. street artist Mr. Brainwash. Daniel Mazzone has created a show-stopping custom piece that adorns the wall of the two-storey entranceway. Beyond the art, the retractable roof is also a standout element, with the second-floor all-season dining room and lounge featuring one of the largest retractable roofs found at any restaurant in North America.
“Our design team has truly created a beautiful restaurant and we look forward to bringing our food, service and ambiance to Sherway Gardens,” says president and founder Richard Jaffray. “Building on the success of our first Toronto location in the Financial District, our new location will allow us to reach more guests and continue to grow our brand in the east.”
