Furlough, a new bistro from the owners of BarChef, is opening on West Queen West

The words “classic” and “traditional” aren’t usually associated with BarChef concoctionist Frankie Solarik, whose hyper-modern drinks tend to look more like abstract artworks than happy hour tipples. (His overall mixing philosophy is equally intense. This, from his website: “The general goal for me artistically is to challenge the conventional thought as to what’s possible within the medium of a glass.”) So the details of Solarik’s next project—a bistro and bar called Furlough, opening mid-January in the former Ursa space at 924 Queen West—come as a bit of a surprise. “The drinks and food will be classic in style,” says co-owner Brent VanderVeen. “It’ll be a warm neighbourhood spot—tin ceilings, tufted brown leathers. The kind of place you want to keep coming back.” Instead of flavoured airs and foams, customers will find European wines, classic cocktails and a custom-built absinthe fountain, plus traditional bistro dishes like duck confit and steak frites. According to VanderVeen, the price points will also be a bit more traditional. “No $45 smoked manhattans,” he says.