Michael Hunter leaves Reds Wine Tavern to open Antler

A quick survey of chef Michael Hunter’s Instagram account proves he’s passionate about wild game and foraged foods—things he didn’t often get to play with as the executive chef at Reds Wine Tavern (a downtown mini-chain from the same restaurant group that owns Jack Astor’s). Last week, he announced that he’s left Reds to continue his wild food advocacy at his own spot, Antler, opening later this year. “For so long, I’ve been working for corporate restaurants, and I can’t do that anymore,” he says. “I want to celebrate regional ingredients, and I want to be a part of defining Canadian cuisine.” Hunter and his business partner, Jody Shapiro, have snagged the Dundas West storefront that previously housed This End Up. As expected, Antler’s menu will feature foraged ingredients and farmed game (due to the restrictions on serving wild game in restaurants). “I want to be different and open people’s eyes,” Hunter says. “There’s more to meat than chicken, beef and pork.”