Introducing: Rock Lobster Food Co. on Queen West, a second outpost of the trendy seafood restaurant
Name: Rock Lobster Food Co.
Neighbourhood: Queen West
Contact Info: 538 Queen St. W., 416-203-6623, rocklobsterfood.com/, @RockLobsterFood
Owners: Matt Dean Pettit, Darryl Fine and Alan Thomson
Chef: Matt Dean Pettit
The Food: Rock Lobster serves east-coast Canadian comfort food: think seafood shack meets gastropub. Along with lobster rolls and poutine, the two greatest hits from the original Ossington location, new dishes include a play on the McDonalds fish sandwich called the Fillet “Eh” Fish, lobster-stuffed devilled eggs and bacon-wrapped corn dogs.
The Drinks: Cocktails made with mostly house-brewed bitters, syrups and infusions, like a White Russian with Froot Loop-infused vodka and a Caesar garnished with candied bacon strips.
The Place: The former Shanghai Cowgirl space is twice the size of the Ossington location and covered in 100 percent pure Canadiana, including wall-mounted wildlife, decorative canoe paddles and a painting of a beaver on the back patio. There’s also a retail counter that sells seafood and accompanying condiments like McClure’s pickles.
The Numbers: • 150 seats (70 inside and 80 on the back patio) • 6 jumbo black-and-white letters spelling out the word “Canada” across the back wall of the patio • 3 a.m. is closing time on Fridays and Saturdays • 3 words to describe the Rock Lobster concept, according to chef Matt Pettit: “Seafood. Canadiana. Booze.” • 0 reservations
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