Name: Porter House Neighbourhood: Little Portugal Contact Info:1321 Dundas St. W., 647-346-3000, porterhouse.com, @porterhouse_to Previously: Brockton General Co-owners and co-chefs: Ross Corder (Hot Beans, formerly of Hogtown Vegan) and Rick Hardisty (Fresh, Momofuku Noodle Bar, Woodlot)
The Food: The cheekily named Porter House is Corder and Hardisty’s answer to the lack of vegan pub options in Toronto. But while their meatless menu is stocked with decidedly British-sounding snacks and mains, there isn’t a piece of mock meat to be found: the two chefs use ingredients like shredded jackfruit for their pulled-pork sandwich and puy lentils to play the part of steak in a lentil-and-ale-pie. Other substantial plates include curry and roasted cauliflower–topped fries, and a ploughman’s lunch of prepared fruits and vegetables, miso-cured tofu and pickles, accompanied by a beer gravy. A late-night menu is in the works.
The Drinks: The bar menu is heavy on craft beer; a changing selection of bottles, cans and draught features a number of hard-to-find brews like Westvleteren 12. A short selection of liquor and wine is also available, and one out of the six taps is devoted to cider.
The Place: Aside from new flooring and beer and spirit bottles lining the walls, minimal changes have been made to the space, previously occupied by Brockton General—even the mishmash of old chairs, barstools and antique dishware was inherited from its former occupant.
Lentil and ale pie—the pub's riff on a traditional steak and ale dish—is made with puy lentils and wrapped in puff pastry. On the side: slaw and bitter greens. ($14)
Don’t be deterred by the line-ups – it’s worth the wait. I can’t stop thinking about how delicious those curry fries are! Great menu and wine/beer list – prices include tax, so was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable it was!
West: 8
East: 2
Bravo for bringing more vegan options to Toronto diners! I’ll be sure to stop in.