A first glimpse inside the renovated Canoe
Last December we reported that Canoe would be closing up shop for a million-dollar facelift. Unlike most construction projects in the city, the restaurant was remodeled on schedule, and opened last night with insiders reporting (ok, tweeting) its down-to-the-wire progress. We snagged some images at the start of yesterday’s service for this first look at Canoe’s new digs.
The first thing to note in the Anacleto-designed space is an explosion of browns and taupes flooding the room. Hardwood floors and walnut tabletops are complimented by neutral upholstery. Moving a half-step more casual, linens are replaced with place mats and runners. Canadiana tributes dominate the dining room, with dangling antler-like fixtures and a large caribou—lifted from the face of the quarter—etched into the wall near the soapstone bar.
Although the current a la carte menu is limited, with Winterlicious as its primary focus, a full menu launch is expected after Valentine’s weekend. Same goes for the much-coveted Chef’s table.
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- A caribou etching adorns the wall near the soapstone bar
- The New Canoe
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- The view from the 54th floor
- The New Canoe
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- The New Canoe
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- Runners and placemats replace Canoe’s linens
- The New Canoe
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- The New Canoe
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![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/a-first-glimpse-inside-the-renovated-canoe/&title=A first glimpse inside the renovated Canoe&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/bar.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_54406" align="alignright" width="385" caption="A caribou etching adorns the wall near the soapstone bar (Image: Suresh Doss)"][/caption]
Last December we reported that Canoe would be closing up shop for a million-dollar facelift. Unlike most construction projects in the city, the restaurant was remodeled on schedule, and opened last night with insiders reporting (ok, tweeting) its down-to-the-wire progress. We snagged some images at the start of yesterday’s service for this first look at Canoe’s new digs.
The first thing to note in the Anacleto-designed space is an explosion of browns and taupes flooding the room. Hardwood floors and walnut tabletops are complimented by neutral upholstery. Moving a half-step more casual, linens are replaced with place mats and runners. Canadiana tributes dominate the dining room, with dangling antler-like fixtures and a large caribou—lifted from the face of the quarter—etched into the wall near the soapstone bar.
Although the current a la carte menu is limited, with Winterlicious as its primary focus, a full menu launch is expected after Valentine’s weekend. Same goes for the much-coveted Chef’s table.
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looks pretty dull to me
It looks like a 70’s lounge…and, no, that’s not a good thing. What time capsule did they dig those godawful chairs out of? Hopefully the renovations didn’t impact the kitchen and the food is still superb since I definitely won’t be going back for the decor.
The power of suggestion Basil. I too see 70’s lounge.
How disappointing… Such potential and nothing exciting to look at. Toronto has got to stop accepting mediocrity!
Is the branch chandelier in the corner supposed to be “the feature”?
How much longer can we use “canadiana” to describe something that’s simply boring?
YEP…..step back in time….Looks like the CN Tower…in the early 70’s…..LOL…..what a waste.!!!!
Were any of you even alive in the 70’s? I’ll wait until I actually go back there before I pass judgement.
The chairs look like the ones they designed for “new” city hall in the 60s. And the palette is 70s alright, though the quality of the finishes will probably tilt the balance of that impression somewhat positively.
The chairs seem to be a version of the Saarinen Executive chair from late 50’s…
http://www.knoll.com/products/product.jsp?prod_id=52
I think it looks sleek and interesting regardless of what others commented on so far. A change is always going to attract people who want to only voice negative opinions (nothing better to do). Let’s hope the food continues to be outstanding.
To me, it looks like some dreadful airport lounge. What were they thinking?