TORONTO — The team at Local Leaside hosted a pre-opening party for media last night to celebrate the launch of the brand’s second unit in Toronto by showcasing menu offerings, beverages and a funky design.
A sister brand to Joey Restaurants, which is a fast-growing casual-dining concept moving across the country, Local Public Eatery has seven units in Canada and offers a more laid-back feel to its full-service counterpart: guests seat themselves, there’s a revolving list of craft brews on tap, and there’s upscale pub-grub. Located inside an old building that once housed a CIBC, the new 200-seat concept features an upper patio and lower level, with funky neon signs, exposed steel pipes and mismatched furniture.
Head chef Jon Carncross’ menu of casual fare includes appetizers such as the Tuna Poke, with sushi-grade ahi, avocado, ginger, jalapeño and soy, served with tortilla chips ($13) and baja chicken tacos with crispy chicken, shredded cabbage and pico de gallo ($4.75) as well as burgers and salads. Beverages on offer include local micro-brews as well as cocktails served in a boot, such as the Baja Margarita, with El Jimador tequila, fresh lime sour, salted rim and a splash of Grand Marnier ($9.75). Brunch is also available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local Leaside opens to the public today at 180 Laird Dr.
