Name: Gaslight Contact Info:1426 Bloor St. W., 647-402-9728 Previously: Zocalo Neighbourhood: Junction Triangle Owners: Megan Jones (Reposado) and Tim Pritchard (Communist’s Daughter), who have a combined 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry Chefs: Head chef Michael Greer and consulting chef Garth Legree, the former chef de cuisine at The County General and current executive chef at Little Anthony’s
The Food: Gaslight is more bar than restaurant, so the menu focuses on stuff that’s easy to nibble with a drink in hand—mainly sandwiches and snacks. Still, the short list includes some interesting options. “Poi boi” pierogies are stuffed with shrimp and chorizo, and broccoli poutine is served under a blanket of gruyere cheese sauce and pickled jalapeños.
The Drinks: This is one of the few places in Toronto where a complicated cocktail (house-made this, infused that) still costs around ten bucks. A couple house wines and over a dozen regional craft beers are also available, and the back bar stocks a sizable collection of quality tequilas and whiskies.
The Place: Owners Jones and Prichard gave the space a been-there-forever feel by replacing concrete floors with hardwood, and outfitting the room with cozy booths and church pews.
<b>Gaslight</b> took over the space at 1426 Bloor West, near Symington. (It used to house a bistro called <b>Zocalo.</b>) Co-owner <b>Megan Jones</b> had her eye on the spot for ages, and was thrilled when it finally came on the market.
Poutine’s healthy when there’s broccoli in it, right? (Just don’t mind the bacon and gruyere cheese sauce.) Also in the mix: pickled jalapenos, chives and caramelized onions ($8).
There's also a “daily punch” special. The hibiscus-margarita punch (pictured left) blends tequila, Cointreau and cinnamon–all spice syrup with hibiscus tea, lime juice and salt ($25).
Love this place! So cozy – the bar that I would love as my neighborhood local – too bad it’s not in my neighborhood!