Culture and Class, Canadian-style:
An eye-opening experience at Bb33
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| The Delta Chelsea's Bb33 Brasserie and Bistro |
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Bb33(Delta Chelsea Hotel)
33 Gerrard St. W. Toronto
Toronto
416-585-4319
Hours:
Brasserie: 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
Bistro: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
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By Julia Rufo
Although it took me at least an hour to prepare for my night out, it proved to be well worth the effort. I wanted to look just right, as I had heard that Bb33, which opened in the spring of 2000, was (and I quote my mother on this) "a very classy" restaurant. She sent me back to my closet about three times before any of my outfits were deemed appropriate. When I finally left my house, I was feeling a little nervous, which is understandable due to the fact that I don’t dine outside my house very often. Having an Italian mother who enjoys cooking for her family, there is hardly a reason for me to leave the comfort of my own home. Of course, as is usually the case, my fears were unfounded. My "date" and I were treated like Gods, or more appropriately, Goddesses. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left (some four hours later!), we were pampered and catered to until we didn't know what to do with ourselves.
Bb33 in the Delta Chelsea Hotel confirmed my suspicions. I had a wonderful night out and stuffed myself silly with foods I had never taken the opportunity to experience.
Upon entry, guests of Bb33 are formally greeted and then taken to their seats. I suspect that we were given "the best seat in the house", as I was able to sit beside the fireplace and warm my frozen toes. As soon as I took my seat, I noticed a beautiful mural on the eastern wall, which depicted a vast field. Upon being asked for its history, Irfan, the Assistant Manager explained that Bb33 likes to showcase Canadian talent. Throughout the meal, we learned that most of the wines are Canadian, as is the music that plays in the background. Of course you would not hear Alannis Morrisette or The Tragically Hip, but the music of other Canadian artists such, as Diana Krall, are likely to be experienced.
Although the name Bb33 is self-explanatory, this does not become apparent until after the history has been explained to you. When asked what it was all about, I was told to hazard a guess. I had no idea.
Bb33 is a 'B'istro on one side and a 'b'rasserie on the other. It is located at 33 Gerrard Street, hence the name. That made sense.
The deciding factor on which section to sit in depends on the amount of time one wishes to spend on dinner. If you want to have a leisurely (and ultimately more expensive!) meal, you will be escorted to the bistro. If you prefer to eat-and-go (or are in the company of antsy children), the brasserie is the place for you. Each side seats approximately 50 people.
Now comes the fun part. The food was absolutely exquisite.
My meal began with the soup of the day, which was tasty cream of potato, and was followed by a three-course dinner. This consisted of a salad dressed with balsamic vinegar (one of my all-time favourites), Arctic Char in a lemon beurre blanc sauce and for dessert, an apple flan with vanilla icecream. At this point, I would have to mention that I am a sucker for apple flans. I have tasted the best and the worst, but this was by far the finest and freshest that I have ever had. My compliments to the chef. My "date" had the Coq au Vin and for dessert, a "chocolate ginger cake with raspberry overtones." In order to emphasize the quality of our food, I would have to mention that my "date" for the evening is a very picky eater. On this occasion, she had no qualms with eating all that she was given. We were also given the opportunity to be the guinea pigs for the Chef de Cuisine, Margaret MacKay’s, newest sorbet creation. This was made from a rare flower found in the Ottawa Valley and was truly a taste of heaven.
Our waiter, Peter who we were told used to manage his own place, took the time to explain everything that we were given. When my "date" asked about the wine list (which I was completely oblivious to), he brought her a sample of the two wines she was caught between and waited patiently for her to decide.
On this note, I would like to emphasize the interesting fact that Bb33 takes great pride in showcasing Canadian cuisine. Most, if not all, of the options on the menu are grown in Canada and are selected from coast to coast. Margaret was pleased to mention that all of the vegetables she uses are organic. The menu changes from day-to-day and the meals match the seasons. Bb33 likes to think of itself as having "four menus for four seasons." For example, in the winter, the soup is a hearty, stick-to-the-ribs deal. In the summer, the soup changes and would be a light broth.
At the end of the meal, we had the chance to speak with Irfan again. He took about an hour to sit down and talk to us about the restaurant and answer any questions we had. We also spoke of wines, school, and India, his native land. Having come to Canada two years ago, he is quite confident in saying that he likes it here much more than in India. "In minus-forty degree weather, you can always put another sweater on, in plus-forty degree weather, there is only so much you can take off."
Although Irfan once had an office-job, he is definitely much happier with the position he holds now. It is quite obvious that he honestly loves what he does.
Irfan says that the restaurant is in the business of "selling lifestyles." As he comments so eloquently, "People come to restaurants not really for the food. If they did, they would go to McDonalds where the food is the same every time." People are drawn to Bb33 for the cultural and social experience. Once they sample what the restaurant has to offer, they cannot stop themselves from returning.
The restaurant is set up so as to accommodate each dinner party appropriately. The tables are spaced accordingly and it is impossible to feel cramped or crowded. Irfan believes that at most restaurants, the tables are too close together. "You're eavesdropping on the lovers on one side while taking stock tips from the group on the other side." Bb33 annihilates that problem, but still manages to be cozy.
The decor was simply astounding. Not too modern or old-fashioned, Bb33 is simple and not at all overwhelming. It provides the perfect atmosphere to make any dinner a gorgeous experience.
If you are looking for an elegant place to take a date, business partner or family, Bb33 is the place to go. A dinner for two with drinks would cost on average, $150.
Bb33 offers a $14 breakfast buffet seven days a week, as well as a $17 lunch buffet and a $23 dinner buffet from Monday to Saturday. Sundays feature a $25 brunch. Fixed price dinners are available at both ends of the restaurant. At the brasserie, a three-course meal is $19, while at the bistro, the three-course dinner is $29. On Sundays, there is a "Meat-eaters" special, which features roast beef, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. This is priced at $18.
Bb33's hours of operation are different for each section. The brasserie opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 2:30 a.m. The bistro is open from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m.
Julia Rufo is a co-op student from Humberside Collegiate Institute. She is learning the art of journalism at Toronto Free Press
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