Click to view gallery (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Name: Braised
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Contact Info: 896 Queen St. E., 416-519-6280, braised.ca
Previously: Bistro 896, which lasted less than a year in the space
Owner: Sam Scanga, who also owns the Danforth stalwart Lolita’s Lust
Chef: Candace Chase (Trinity Taverna)
The Food: As the name implies, most of the food served at Braised undergoes some form of braising (i.e. searing, followed by simmering in liquid) before being plated. The menu veers toward traditional Euro fare (bruschetta, calamari, braised lamb shoulder), but chef Chase flexes her creative muscles with some less conventional dishes, like braised pork-cheek croquettes with cranberry coulis and tartar sauce.
The Drinks: The drinks list is dominated by the kind of booze that’s generally served in stemware (i.e. wines and martinis).
The Place: A garage door rolls up to give a patio effect to the streamlined space. A rotating display of abstract canvases adds a little panache to the déjà-vu decor: polished concrete floors, Edison bulbs and heaps of vintage tin and wood rescued from a demolished barn.
283062 <strong>Braised</strong> takes over the space at 896 Queen East that used to house <strong>Bistro 896</strong> (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3020-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3020.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3020.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3020/ _mg_3020 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283060 A rotating display of contemporary artworks from <strong>MJG Gallery</strong> adds colour to the space (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3044-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3044.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3044.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3044/ _mg_3044 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283061 The garage-style door at the front of the restaurant lets in lots of light and air (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3037-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3037.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3037.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3037/ _mg_3037 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283058 Deep-fried, beer-braised pork cheeks with two dips: tartar sauce and cranberry coulis ($8) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3111-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3111.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3111.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3111/ _mg_3111 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283056 Southern-fried tofu with house hot sauce ($10) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3155-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3155.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3155.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3155/ _mg_3155 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283057 Red wine–braised short ribs with grilled rapini ($25) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3134-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3134.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3134.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3134/ _mg_3134 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283059 Grilled hanger steak in a brandy-peppercorn sauce, served on top of feta-tossed frites ($26) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3076-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3076.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3076.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3076/ _mg_3076 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283055 Feta cheesecake with raspberry coulis ($9) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3179-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3179.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_3179.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/_mg_3179/ _mg_3179 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
283053 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Braised https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_3125-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_3125.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_3125.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/braised-toronto-restaurants/slide/img_3125-2/ img_3125-2 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
Leslieville could really use some non-uber heavy braised meat comfort food restaurants…cue Skin and Bones, Prohibition, Boots and Bourbon, Rashers, Hey Meatball….
I totally agree, but I do like Braised’s twists to veggies and how they thoughtfully added tofu as an option for me too. Mmmmm… don’t know what makes it southern style, but it’s good!
You might want to verify who the owner is before you misalign him with with The Playpen and other such ventures. Try a little fact-checking next time.
Valid research attempt. Except there’s an issue with the tenses — ‘they’ve run’. Yes, they opened Lolita’s Lust, true, but true to questionable style, sold it when the opportunity was right. That was well over 10 years ago. At either restaurant, the only ‘ice’ you’ll find is in the bottom of a glass. Stop by Braised for a drink on the rocks, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Hi Christina. You need to retract your statements immediately and remove them from this page. First of all you will be held legally liable for defamation when you cannot prove that any of your vicious remarks have ANY facts in them. The owner of this restaurant has absolutely nothing to do with The Playpen. Lolita’s is an east side favorite and my personal local. Your stupid and sensation-seeking rant reflects on everybody who has made Lolita’s one of the cities best loved restaurants, and reveal you to be a troll of the lowest order. You know nothing. And you have not the decency or manners or good sense to check your facts before trying to destroy people’s livelihoods. And my guess is that you have been paid to do this. And we know what that makes you. Retract these statements immediately or you will be compelled to do so.
Oh. You’re playing that game. Need attention do we? Your facts are incorrect as anybody with even a tiny knowledge of the restaurant business will attest Christina. The owner of Braised is not the owner of The Playpen. He has been at his location playing rent for over 10 years. Please do the right thing and remove your remarks. I’m sure you are a very nice person who is not too proud to admit you’ve made a mistake. Let’s see shall we.
There is only one person who needs to move out of Leslieville Christina and that’s you. Honestly! Don’t you know that the owner of Braised and Playpen are two different owners??? Do your research or shut up.
I agree. I’ve had the tofu twice already and it’s absolutely delicious!!
Thank you Christina. We care about both these restaurants and the people who work there. They are good people and good restaurants. Your facts were incorrect and your statements were more than “petty remarks”. I’m glad your retracted them. I’ll do the same. Don’t forget to remove the last one.
Wow, you’re seriously in need of help. Nobody was bullying you. Take responsibilities for your actions. You were saying things about a perfectly lovely resto in Leslieville that just weren’t true and we all called you on it. That’s not bullying. And thank you for removing those vicious comments.
I’m not sure what everyone on here is talking about but I went here with my partner this week and loved it. Beautifully designed space with delicious food and drinks. The braised chicken and linguini was amazing and so tasty!! We will be back soon.
Awful place. Rude server named Kevin. Stay away from him. He’s a fumbling idiot.
Went there last night because tabule was packed. Had the steak frites and my friend had the pork belly sandwich. Looked good on the menu but fell flat…. Almost asked for salt with my steak that had way too much peppercorn, I couldn’t tatste my meat. Price was ok had I enjoyed my dinner but overpriced because I didn’t. Nothing more worse than paying for food you didn’t enjoy but that’s why you never go back. Unfortunate…
My husband and I were there a few nights ago .. and we were so pleased. We both give the place a 5 star rating. Every part of our experience was a delight. Our dinner from our appitizers to our deserts were amazing. Everyone that was eating in the restraunt seem to be have a great time. All the employees are very good at thier jobs. Upbeat and fun. We had a young gentleman name Kevin. He was very polite and when I dropped my fork on the floor he was there with a clean fork before I even had to ask for it. The place was spotless and the table settings were beautiful. Keep up the great food and the great work. We will be back very soon!
“A red neon sign of the word “braised” with extended ascenders caught our eye, with it’s sense of simple elegance.”
“The curious interior ambiance, energetic staff and reasonable prices all contributed to our enjoyment of Braised.”
A few bites from our full review – http://ilianaspalette.blogspot.ca/2015/10/braised.html