| Lola's Commissary – the
new restaurant on Church Street that feels like the best dinner party you ever attended;
unpretentious great food amongst an eclectic and intimate crowd. Great aunt Lola knew how to throw a party. She was a natural
connecter who made everyone feel at home and always served up food and drink that dazzled
the guests. It was an obvious choice then that co-owners, and life partners, Therese De
Grace and Karen Balcom named their new restaurant after the woman who was the life of the
party and ultimate host.
Although Lola's Commissary is new on the scene, De Grace
and Balcom are anything but. Balcom owned Toronto's iconic bar Pope Joan, named for yet
another infamous character (it is said that Joan, disguised as a man, rose to rule
Christianity during the 9th century). The bar was the "it" spot for Toronto
lesbians and is rumored to have been frequented by queer celebrities such as Portia Del
Rossi frequented the bar in its heyday. De Grace; winner of Sun TV's ruthless "black
box" culinary competition Pressure Cooker, has opened many restaurants in the city,
but this is the first time she has engaged in a project so near and dear to her heart.
"The restaurant has been a true labour of love" says De Grace of the venue that
was completely remodeled with the help of friends, family, community members, and young
up-and coming architect Elisa Salcedo, from its former existence as a derelict structure
and eye-sore on the face of Church Street.
Located on Church Street, just south of Bloor, the plates
and décor of newly opened Lola's Commissary are coloured by the incredible energy and
passion of its owners and the street itself. Whimsical brunches feature blueberry
cheesecake stuffed French toast and vegan artisan pizzas, fresh lunches such as the
signature roasted ancho chicken wrapped sandwich topped with pico de gallo and extra-ripe
avocado, and tapas-style shared-plate dinners like warm delectable taleggio stuffed
medjool dates or homespun fettuccine with hemp pesto and Cajun cornmeal shrimp;
demonstrating their motto "food is one of the only art forms that touches all the
senses". De Grace and Balcom credit the incredible tasting dishes to their personal
philosophy that great food comes from cooking with love. Says De Grace, "the very
best food can contain the most simple, natural ingredients, as long as soul is the primary
flavor".
Described as "fine dining with warmth and
personality", Lola's also has the capacity to provide an outstanding venue for
private parties, and conveniently offers off-site catering. With a menu literally created
from the demands of the neighbourhood, Lola's is bound to be Toronto's newest
"it" spot for expert foodies and hungry locals alike. |
