Introducing: The Huntsman, a cozy Canadian tavern on College Street
Name: The Huntsman
Contact Info: 890 College St., @TheHunstmanTO
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
Owners: Nic Savage, who also owns The Red Light on Dundas West, and Saeed Mohamed, the co-owner of BQM Burger on Queen West
Chefs: Eric Hadley, the former chef-owner of barbecue spot Hadley’s, and Michael Tan
The Food: A mix of traditional Canadian comfort dishes—think tourtière and house stew with venison—and updated street food, like taquitos stuffed with duck confit and a deconstructed chorizo corndog. Fans of the southern brunch menu at now-defunct Hadley’s can rest easy: chef Eric Hadley has resurrected some hits, including the decadent, smoked cheddar–topped eggs Benny.
The Drinks: Bottled beers and tall boys, plus six brews on tap. Former County General and Emerson bartender Aja Sax, who doubles as restaurant manager, slings inventive updates on classic cocktails, like a sazerac made with rum instead of bourbon. Bottles on the consignment-only wine list range from $40-$85.
The Place: An updated hunting lodge with leather booths and restrained touches of taxidermy and equine art. Behind the bar, an antique wooden hutch is crammed with a jumble of liquor bottles, antique books and crystal decanters.
The Numbers • 1760 midnight-blue wall tiles • 15 antique decanters repurposed as a string of LED lights • 12 bar stools upholstered in woolen plaid • 7 weeks to redecorate the space • 3rd restaurant at the College street address in under two years (previous occupants: brunch spot Mitzi’s and seafood restaurant Red Fish)
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