Brad Long’s new spot in Bloor West Village will have four floors, luck and tourtière

46 thoughts on “Brad Long’s new spot in Bloor West Village will have four floors, luck and tourtière”

1. Yeah, good luck Brad. 4 Floors? Bloor West? Hmmm. Seems a little over-confident to me. Maybe you should re-watch your Restaurant Makeover old tapes and see where those guys are now. Pretty cocky in this environment to think that you’ll be able to pull this off. Must have a)cheap rent b)partners with deep pockets or c)don’t care to lose your life savings.

   Haven’t you done any research, man? Read a paper one of these days…sheesh. And, sorry, but am I the only one that doesn’t think Brad’s food is that exciting? Canadian food? Uhh, ok, we already have Canoe. And we already have a cabillion gastro-pubs. How many freakin’ gastro pubs do we need in this city? Are we turning into London? At least London can do a decent pie and fish & chips.

   Toronto Life: let’s revisit this story in a year, ok?

2. A welcome addition to the Bloor West neighbourhood…I for one support Canadian and local food – there is much goodness to be had….if there is a decent wine list to match, then yahoo!

3. Ok Brad, oops I mean Anne, whatever you say.

   In what way will this be a welcome addition? There are already pubs/restaurants in that area serving the same food that Brad is saying he wants to serve. Why is his going to be so much better? Cause it has 4 floors? Or cause he’s there?

   Oh, and what does a ‘decent’ wine list mean to you in a gastro-pub? Just curious to see if you have the chops.

4. @ Shocker.

   Someone is a little sour huh? The Fan had its run as a pretty good sports bar. If someone wants to be extravagant with his location and up the ante for the competition at Bloor West Village, then it’s all good.

5. Bloor West needs this pub, many people my age (late 20s) need a new, big, slightly upscale retaurant/bar to frequent…there’s only so many times you can visit Bryden’s and A Dark Horse.

   I commend Brad for taking this perfect location and getting locals like me excited for a roof top patio!

   Food won’t be the main attraction here…atmosphere and entertainment will be.

6. I think this is great news. Bloor West is a great neighbourbood, but sorely lacking in the food department. I wish him all the best and am looking forward to it.

7. I am an early 30’s female living in Old Mill hood and am very happy to see a new gastro-pub opening so close to home. A big patio too….finally. Rooftop hopefully means we’ll get to enjoy the sunshine in the evenings.

   Yahoooo!

8. I completely agree that Bloor West is SORELY lacking in the food department, what a shame. We usually head to Roncy to eat out.

9. Does anyone know what exactly Bloor West means? I am at High Park and Bloor and would really appreacite a nice place within walking distance from my home, especially during winter. However, I’ve noticed that whenever someone mentions “Bloor West”, they usually mean Bathurstish… Exact address pls!

10. Agree with all the posts aside from Shocker’s. BWV so needs something of this nature. He isn’t opening a bakery or a European butcher/meat store: two things that BWV REALLY doesn’t need.

    The gastro-pub theme also hasn’t been THAT played out yet. Although I agree it is au courant to do use that as a concept; there’s an opportunity to bring this to a different area. Because the other BWV options are pubs first; cuisine second. I am welcoming a new food option for the area – especially one with an accompanying pub atmosphere.

    Also, in terms of restos that serve “Canadian” food, saying that we already have 1 (!?) in Canoe is a bit of a laugh. How many people can eat at Canoe on a frequent basis? Plus, we live in Canada – nothing wrong with a little nationalism and trying to nail down a sense of what Canadian cuisine could/should be.

11. GS, I think it’s laughable that:

    a)You don’t think that the gastro-pub concept hasn’t been THAT played out yet? Are you waiting for McDonald’s type dominance in the theme for you to declare it over?

    b)You think that this new ‘pub’ will make cuisine FIRST! Ha. Haa. Haaa. Have you ever EATEN at Veritas? That place is disgusting on a plate. Please.

    c)That you think that this will actually be Canadian food, for that many people, at those prices that they will probably charge, which will be low to mid. Mark my words and you’ll see the usual suspects on this menu with a couple twists that make it seem Canadian.

    d)You think you’ll want to be eating that this place on a regular bais because it’s cheap! That one takes the cake.

    I’d rather eat at Canoe once every year than eat at a shitty place everyday. It’s called quality over quantity. Maybe a concept you and Brad would like to explore further….???

12. Sorry, forgot one more laughable:

    That you think BRAD LONG will be the one who will show us what our Canadian cuisine identity will be!!! Good one GS.

    Again, do some research before you declare this guy the bearer of the Cdn cuisine torch. As a Platinum season ticket holder for Leafs, I was forced to eat his garbage food that was overpriced for years. Even before that, I was forced when entertaining family/friends to the city to eat at the gross 360. I’m all for national pride and supporting our own locals, but let’s have more Jamie Kennedys, Mark McEwans, and Anthony Walshs to do it with, please.

13. Went to the small opening this evening. Having been a regular of the old restaurant for many years (and having planned more than a few parties and my own reception there over the years) I can definitely say that this place will appeal to everyone and anyone. I’m so looking forward to this being our local – not only for the great food, but for the ambience that it clearly promises by having redone everything, but keeping some of the charm. A lot of the staff is local, keeping in mind that many of the patrons will be as well and are well trained and accomodating. We look forward to seeing Brad and his staff make My Place a great destination – once again – for the Bloor West Village!

14. You know, here is a list of positive and encouraging comments, and Shocker, you sound so cynical and unhappy. Toronto has many good dining establishments, and Canoe may be one, but not a realistic regular destination. For that matter, you can go to Didier, and even if the food is French, most of the ingredients are local and support the local economy.So let’s be more positive and get a grip on reality…

    As far as a decent wine list, and this goes for beers too, stuff that is NOT on general list at the LCBO is already a good thing. I do not like knowing the retail price of a bottle and then pay 200-300% mark up. So if there is something original, than fine..

    Glad to hear soft opening went well…look forward going there!

15. Caution! Trolls are on the loose!!

16. Shocker Yikes, you need to lighten up.

    The personal nature of your attacks on Mr Long would make one suspect that you had an alterior motive??

17. No, Stinky, I don’t even know him truth be told. He just kinda bugs me on Restaurant Makeover cause he comes off as a know-it-all. So, I don’t mind cocky chefs, but when I eat their food, it’d better be stellar to live up to that cockiness. And his doesn’t. My mother taught me something very important that’s served me well through life: make sure you perfect ONE thing at a time, BEFORE you move on to your next thing.

    Now, can anyone on this board seriously, seriously now, tell me that Veritas is even average? Let alone PERFECT? No. So why are we opening up ANOTHER mediocre place? To get rich? What about Brad’s alterior motive to try to get more money out of you and still serve you schlocky food? It tells me that his motives are all $$$$ driven because it’s a “pub”. What’s a pub? A place where mostly you go to drink. What does drink do for a pub? Give them about 90% of their revenue. So, Brad is not wanting to serve Canadian food out of his nationalistic pride, IMO, he’s there to make money. Otherwise, he’d perfect Veritas before moving on to something else because it’s not fun anymore, or open up another smaller place that he wanted to perfect the food.

    So this has nothing to do with Brad Long specifically, but c’mon guys, what are we doing here? Are we planting mediocre restaurants all over the city just to open up restaurants? What happened to perfecting a place first, then, sure open up another.

    Oh and what does it tell you when even the posters on here that are excited about this even state that the food will be whatever but they are excited about having a patio to drink on?

18. Unlike Shocker I actually live in Bloor West Village……and have taste buds.

    Let’s see, sit on a dirty couch at Bryden’s, hangout with the riff-raff at the Dark Horse …Watch some hockey with the boys at Shakey’s, party with my children at the Firkin, have a peanut butter burger at the Yellow Griffin, have want to be food at Sharkey’s or Dr. G’sd (bar area’s a little to small).

    Yeah, I think it’s time that us real Bloor West Villagers had something like this.

19. A La Rus….when people who live in Bloor West Village (BWV) say Bloor West, they are referring to South Kingsway to pretty much the LCBO across from the Library

20. Shocky.

    Like I said, you need to lighten up. Trashing the guy because you dont like him on Restaurant Makeover. Uh huh.

    Alterior motive much??

21. Stinky.

    There’s no alterior motive. And I have a right NOT to like him. Why don’t YOU lighten up?

    Now I ask: What’s YOUR alterior motive for half assedly (yes, my word) defending him? Like, why don’t you give me an example of how he blew your mind with one of your dishes? I’ll tell you why: because you like the idea of him coming to the area more than you’ve ever eaten his food or will even care when he’s there.

    But whatev. Like I said, at the end of the day, not $$$ out of my pocket.

    Oh, and no I don’t live anywhere near Bloor West Village. Went there once a little while ago to get some Shiatsu. Nice little man there. Felt like I was in old world Poland though. Got some of the best strudel, bavarian donuts, etc. But to be honest, I have no desire to return. Sorry. You can have it.

22. I think it’s great that we will have some alternatives in the area. Currently the pickings are pretty slim. Dark Horse, Bryden’s and Dr.Generosity just don’t cut it.

    I am entertaining the idea of going there tonight, but sometimes it’s better to wait until the kinks are worked out.

    By the way guys, it’s ULTERIOR motive not ALTERIOR…

23. It has been fun reading this dialog – a nice distraction from work.

    I think I’ll wait until I try the food and experience the service and atmosphere before I pass judgement on Brad or on this new establishment. I haven’t eaten at Veritas so I, like I expect many of the other posters, can’t assume anything about Brad’s quality or focus.

    Thanks to everyone for the entertainment.

24. Lady of the Lake: Uh, duh. What a dum dum I am. I should know better. Thanks for pointing that spelling mistake out.

    As for waiting for the kinks to get worked out. Why? If it’s open today, at least you’ll be assured that the food and booze will be fresh! I can’t say that will still be the case in 6 months! Go and try it out! But please, report back. And be honest. And that goes for the rest of you BWV peeps out there that are holding a love in for Brad.

25. Lighten up dude – go have a beer and some Canadian food somewhere nice.

26. I’d be curious to hear just what constitutes a “gastropub” — in Toronto terms, that is. I’ve eaten in two starred gastropubs (spotted pig in nyc and the goose in the uk) but my local experiences are limited and the Abbot on the Hill is the only onewhose wares I’ve sampled. My impression is that Mr. Long could more than match the Abbot and, in this economic climate, I would wager that there are more than enough available competent George Brown grads to ensure that the food meets a resonably high (pub) standard.

27. Shocker,dude,i think you need to relax a little. You mentioned something your mother taught you… well mine taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!! I wish Brad well, he seems like a nice person. And why wouldn’t he be in it for the $$, is that not how we pay our bills?

28. Strong opinions from an ignorant commentator (Shocker).

    Oh, and don’t believe everything you read in the media…Gastropub isn’t exactly true.

29. I hesitate to give Shocker any more space in this comments section, but seriously dude, why don’t you tell us all what you have against Brad Long. I find it hard to believe that it isn’t personal. Unless you really really really hated him on Restaurant Makeover and are some sort of sociopath.

    I’m very sad for you, you poor fellow that you were “forced to eat his garbage food” as a Platinum season ticket holder for the Leafs. That must have been hard for you. But after enduring all of this punishment, I find it kind of funny that you would even bother going to Veritas. Why you you go to another one of Brad’s restaurants once you’d broken free of the Platinum Club shackles? I myself have never eaten at the Platinum Club so I can’t comment on the food there. I ate at Veritas once, thought it was pretty good. But I’m not a restaurant expert like Shocker, who enjoys eating at Canoe once a year and doesn’t think restaurants should make money, so I’m not sure my opinion counts much.

    I rarely find myself in BWV and chances are I’ll probably never go to this new place. The commenters who live in the neighbourhood seem quite positive. However I have been there more than once like Shocker, who admits that he (I’m assuming it’s a he – forgive me if I’m wrong)went there once a while ago and enjoyed some of the polish heritage.

    Shocker, why do you care so much? You don’t live there. You’re not going to go there. Who cares? It’s just a restaurant. How do you know it’s a mediocre restaurant if you’ve never even been there?

    And to finish one of your later posts with “And that goes for the rest of you BWV peeps out there that are holding a love in for Brad.” Seriously Shocker? Are we really supposed to believe that you don’t have some personal beef against Brad Long? Why would you think that the only reason someone would go to that restaurant is becuase they love Brad Long? What I got from reading the other more sane and objective posts is that people seemed to simply be happy that there was a new restaurant opening up in their neighbourhood regardless of who the chef was.

    Let us all know when you’ll be at Canoe next. I’d love to share some overpriced Canadian food with you. I bet you’re a real treat to dine with.

30. i forgot about this hilarious thread. Thanks Shocker. You’re a real gem! Loved your paraphrasing and the context in which my post was completely skewed in favour of your tirade, er, thoughts.

    Why don’t you lay on me the cabillion gastropubs that are in the city that you know so much about? And remember: a place that’s a pub first isn’t a gastropub or restaurant. So even if his food’s not great, I would imagine it’s better than about 90% of the food offered at the standard pub.

    Let’s be clear that I’m not looking to have my mind blown by Brad’s food (and do agree with you that I’d rather have Canadian food made by Walsh, Kennedy and McEwan any day – although to think that BL is a know-it-all compared to McEwan is hilarious; ever watched any of HIS shows?), I’m just happy that something is coming to BWV that’s more buzz-worthy than anything else that’s come there lately.

    If you don’t even come to the area, why bother comment or be this concerned? Head back up to McEwan and pay $13.50 for a BBQ chicken and the like.

31. wow, maybe shocker is a disgruntled ex employee, maybe you should go for a paddle in your canoe.

32. If you haven’t been…GO! Went for burgers on the patio just after opening- fantastic! Dinner last night..again-fantastic!! I love the fact they are using local farmers & organic foods! If they keep up the quality & service they will have a gold mine!! Best food I have had in a long, long, time…for reasonable $!! Wines & beers are also very good…and local!
    Enjoy!

33. I don’t know why everyone has to belittle what Shocker has to say–just because s/he doesn’t express him/herself in the form of lingo that the rest of you might prefer. everyone here is entitled to their opinion and I find too often, mags like TO Life like to big-up new restos that are just plain ol’ pretentious or crappy, and for those of you too unenlightened to have any discerning taste to decide for yourselves what is great food, rather than rely on some resto reviewers, get a life and try to be open to other peoples’ comments. stop telling them how to be a part of the discussion and no I don’t know Shocker from a hole in the wall but negative comments should be allowed too, this is an open “forum” for peoples’ opinion (and sounds like some of you need to be led in your thoughts), so yours is no more righteous than anyone else’s who doesn’t agree. and yes, that goes for you too, Shocker. I’ll bet if you polished up the speech a little so that it appeals to all these boring ppl, they might be more inclined to take what you say more seriously.

34. Whatev

    I dont think anyone ever said shocker shouldnt be able to post, most of the questions focused on his motive(s)for posting in the manner / content that he chose.

    for what it’s worth, i’d rather read posts like his than sanctimonious ones like yours.

    just sayin…………

35. Shocker must have worked for Brad and got canned for being incompetent. My guess anyways. The man is a genius. Plain and simple.

36. Thank you Brad Long for choosing BWV for your latest venture! I must admit I had never heard of the fellow prior to My Place. For those familiar with the neighbourhood, this is exactly the type of restaurant needed here. They have done an excellent job of targeting the local demographic. I have eaten there twice and left thoroughly impressed with the food and service on both occasions. The value is excellent. I have had both better and worse meals at restaurants such as North 44 and Canoe, however I had to spend 2 to 3 times as much. I especially loved the Bison ribs and the excellent poutine! Nice job on the fries, even Corey Mintz would be impressed.

37. Shocker? Is that you again? I told you your internet privileges had been suspended now, Momma has a John coming over in 30 minutes so you get back down to the basement and finish your homework before I put you back in the Jesus closet for more prayers and self-flatulation!

38. Whatev, thank you. It’s nice that at least *1* other sane person is posting these days on TO Life.com

    So, as you’ve seen, I’ve been quiet on commenting and am wildly anticipating the first reviews from all the majors. If they are great, then good for them, it means that if they all agree, then he learned from his awful food mistakes and he is a better cook. If they are not good, then it will prove what I have said above.

    And to those that think I have a personal problem with Brad Long, and was fired, and whatever else you think, I probably can’t convince you otherwise, but nothing could be further from the truth. And why do you think it makes me a sociopath for disliking his whole TV persona, and not enjoying his food at TWO different establishments? And no, going to Veritas to eat was not my choice but went. Didn’t know who owned it until after we dined and thought it was awful and found out it was his.

    Anyway, you will see me again on this topic when it is reviewed.

    And really BWV-Brad lover’s: if you accept mediocrity, that’s what you will always get.

39. Ate there Wednesday night
    -Bison Brisket flavourful & tender
    -Tourtiere was spiced just right
    -Service a little sketchy (our server didn’t know the menu very well).
    -Atmosphere needs work – hard in such a large space

    Overall pleased with the food and will go back sometime.

40. That’s nice to know, but since I don’t know you, nor what you deem “good” or “excellent”, I’ll still wait for the opinions that count within the city for me:

    Kates, Mintz, & Mallet.

41. 360’s food = Awful.
    So personally I assume the same for this restaurant, although I have not tried this place.

42. Gina Mallet’s review? Her reviews have less food content than a 3-item long grocery list. Anyone who ends their reviews with a “yums for bucks” factor, needs a dose of reality and a grip on who her readers are (hint: they’re not young adults and tweens – even though that’s who she aims her “reviews” at).

    Aside from her, I think your list is right on, although missing James Chatto and Steven Davey.

43. Ok, GS, you have a point. Gina has slid on her reviews recently. And I’ll even give you James Chatto. How could I forget him??!! But sorry, I’m not with you with Steven Davey. I don’t like his reviews, and I don’t think he has the food pedigree to critique.

44. So here’s the VERDICT…amidst all the highly speculative predictions from non-BWV residents. I actually live in Bloor West Village (North of Bloor, South of Dundas, East of Jane and West of Runnymede – to be specific-ish) and I recently visited My Place last Friday with my husband. We eat out alot, mostly downtown, and agree with many other posters that there is a HUGE opportunity for “finer dining” restaurants to set up in Bloor West Village. Right now Queens Pasta rules Bloor West hands down and Bloom is on it’s way back to becoming a good place to eat (reputation wasn’t great back in the day, but now they have a new young chef who really knows what he’s doing). And just forget about Strada for food – so gross – will never eat there again unless I want food poisoning. Villa is OK-ish. We’re really OVER the usual greasy pub fare from the usual pubs in BWV and My Place is a VERY WELCOME addition! We were SO IMPRESSED with the service, ambiance and especially the food – not at all what we expected, but glad we were wrong! We can’t wait to go back on a Thursday night to check out the live jazz and the best part? We can walk (stagger) home after a fun night out… we’ll be back. Alot!

45. I don’t get it. A respected chef opens up a new business with the main goal of trying to create a place where people in the neighbourhood can enjoy some high quality food and drink in a nice setting and it sets of a sh!t storm of debate.

    Go give it a try and if you like it go back and if you don’t – don’t.

    No need to attack a restaurateur for trying to bring us more dining options.

46. Shocker, you have way too much time on your hands. Maybe you should take a break from the internet. Take a walk or something. Jesus get outside.

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