Brassaii gears up for summer with a revamped patio, a new menu—and a new chef
The makeover of King West has been going on for over a decade now, and members of the old guard (relatively speaking) are trying to reinvent themselves to keep up with some of the new kids on the block. Brassaii, one of the first resto-lounges to call King West home, is doing just that, with a newly renovated patio and accompanying menu—executed by a new chef.
The new Mediterranean-inspired menu is the brainchild of Brassaii’s new executive chef, Chris Kalisperas, previously the sous-chef under the departing Bruce Woods (both formerly of Centro). His fare will focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on making things in-house, including bread, pastas and sheep’s milk ricotta. Though the menu hasn’t been finalized, Kalisperas promises dishes like beet carpaccio with a ginger vinaigrette, sablefish with sweet parsnip purée and a brunch heavy on some trendy proteins: pork belly and duck confit. Woods, meanwhile, who left his gig as chef and co-owner at Centro in 2009 to head up the kitchen at Brassaii, is apparently on the verge of opening his own upscale spot in the Financial District.
Following on the heels of last year’s stylish overhaul of the interior courtesy of The Design Agency, Brassaii’s patio has just met a similar fate. The new cedar-heavy space should now feel less cramped thanks to an extended deck, additional banquettes and a second bar in the cobblestone courtyard—all of which should alleviate the usual crush of thirsty patrons.
Brassaii, 461 King St. W., 416-598-4730, brassaii.com.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/brassaii-gears-up-for-summer-with-a-revamped-patio-a-new-menu-and-a-new-chef/&title=Brassaii gears up for summer with a revamped patio, a new menu—and a new chef&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Brassii-e1307374758665.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_20244" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Brassaii’s dining room was renovated last year (Image: Karon Liu)"][/caption]
The makeover of King West has been going on for over a decade now, and members of the old guard (relatively speaking) are trying to reinvent themselves to keep up with some of the new kids on the block. Brassaii, one of the first resto-lounges to call King West home, is doing just that, with a newly renovated patio and accompanying menu—executed by a new chef.
The new Mediterranean-inspired menu is the brainchild of Brassaii’s new executive chef, Chris Kalisperas, previously the sous-chef under the departing Bruce Woods (both formerly of Centro). His fare will focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on making things in-house, including bread, pastas and sheep’s milk ricotta. Though the menu hasn’t been finalized, Kalisperas promises dishes like beet carpaccio with a ginger vinaigrette, sablefish with sweet parsnip purée and a brunch heavy on some trendy proteins: pork belly and duck confit. Woods, meanwhile, who left his gig as chef and co-owner at Centro in 2009 to head up the kitchen at Brassaii, is apparently on the verge of opening his own upscale spot in the Financial District.
Following on the heels of last year’s stylish overhaul of the interior courtesy of The Design Agency, Brassaii’s patio has just met a similar fate. The new cedar-heavy space should now feel less cramped thanks to an extended deck, additional banquettes and a second bar in the cobblestone courtyard—all of which should alleviate the usual crush of thirsty patrons.
Brassaii, 461 King St. W., 416-598-4730, brassaii.com.){kind=link}
new brunch menu started this weeknd, new lunch and dinner menu’s begin June 20th
Will never pay a cover to sit on a patio…Brassaii I’m talking to you!
Went there for a girls night out. We were told to make sure to be there by 8:30pm as we have to clear the table by 10pm. The waitress took the order at 8:30, but the 1st course did not arrive until 9:30pm. The main course arrived at around 10 ish and they screw up the dessert. Not sure if I will be back
I also went there for a girls night out. We were seated right away and the abience was great especially the patio on the way in. Things went downhill from there. We ordered coctails only to find out that they were out of a key ingredient of what we ordered. Very narrow coctail menu and after 15 minutes of waiting for an alternate suggestion the waiter/bartender were unable to suggest anything! We went on to order our appetizers. 10 Minutes later we were informed that they were out of oysters. 2 of the ladies stated they would share the scallops. When our apps arrived, there was only one scallop in the order and it was not brought to our attention that it would most likely be an inappropriate appetizer to share. Then we ordered our wine. Again 10 minutes later our waiter came by to tell us they were once again out of the item we had ordered. The waiter then just walked away and did not suggest an alternate that we may enjoy. Half way through the meal we finally recieved the bread. We all ordered main dishes that were to be cooked rare. When they arrived they were all cooked to medium.
Overall, it is obvious that Brassai is more focussed on their nightlife than actually being a place to have a nice dinner.