Name: The Huntsman Contact Info: 890 College St.,@TheHunstmanTO Neighbourhood: Little Italy Owners: Nic Savage, who also owns The Red Light on Dundas West, and Saeed Mohamed, the co-owner of BQM Burger on Queen West Chefs: Eric Hadley, the former chef-owner of barbecue spot Hadley’s, and Michael Tan
The Food: A mix of traditional Canadian comfort dishes—think tourtière and house stew with venison—and updated street food, like taquitos stuffed with duck confit and a deconstructed chorizo corndog. Fans of the southern brunch menu at now-defunct Hadley’s can rest easy: chef Eric Hadley has resurrected some hits, including the decadent, smoked cheddar–topped eggs Benny.
The Drinks: Bottled beers and tall boys, plus six brews on tap. Former County General and Emerson bartender Aja Sax, who doubles as restaurant manager, slings inventive updates on classic cocktails, like a sazerac made with rum instead of bourbon. Bottles on the consignment-only wine list range from $40-$85.
The Place: An updated hunting lodge with leather booths and restrained touches of taxidermy and equine art. Behind the bar, an antique wooden hutch is crammed with a jumble of liquor bottles, antique books and crystal decanters.
The Numbers
• 1760 midnight-blue wall tiles
• 15 antique decanters repurposed as a string of LED lights
• 12 bar stools upholstered in woolen plaid
• 7 weeks to redecorate the space
• 3rd restaurant at the College street address in under two years (previous occupants: brunch spot Mitzi’s and seafood restaurant Red Fish)
Went to the Huntsman for brunch on the weekend. Was impressed with the reasonable price point, the selection, and the quality. The area needed it. Will be back.