Rodney’s Oyster House

Canada > Archive by tag 'Rodney's Oyster House'

Rodney’s Oyster House

Hot Dining: Get the Catch of the Day at these 5 Seafood Restaurants

Rodney's Oyster House

Let these fish and seafood restos serve you a memorable meal.

1 The city’s newest seafood space, Catch boasts an experienced staff that dishes out Mediterranean-inspired, Ocean Wise–approved fare.

2 Bring your friends to Fishbar to ensure you can taste as many of its tapas offerings as possible—from cod croquettes to octopus ceviche.

3 Centrally located Fisherman’s Wharf has made its name serving a huge selection of seafood for nearly 40 years.

4 Go to Pier 4 Storehouse for the food, stay for the waterfront patio and whimsical maritime ambience—check out the sharks hanging over the dining room!

5 Renowned as one of the world’s top oyster bars, Rodney’s Oyster House features an expansive and very fresh selection of succulent bivalves.

Hot Dining: Heritage Flavours at The Flying Pig

Yaletown's The Flying Pig restaurant. Photo by KK Law

Once the town’s transportation hub and warehouse district, Yaletown has been transformed into a hotbed of great eats, often in funky surroundings. Go early to get a seat at newly landed The Flying Pig (pictured); try the skirt steak and don’t miss the homemade waffle cone. Nibble on sweet and succulent ebi mayo (tempura wild prawns) at Hapa Izakaya. Check in for the cheese and meat board at the Opus Hotel’s edgy pop-up Cento Notti. Or pop by down-east-style Rodney’s Oyster House for a dozen freshly shucked BC bivalves and a healthy serving of no-nonsense hospitality.—Tim Pawsey

You Are Here: Hamilton Street

Find an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and places for pampering on this stretch in historic Yaletown

By Jill Von Sprecken

Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law

SPLURGE ON STYLE
The bold graphic prints at iconic Finnish company Marimekko pack a punch on bright handbags, home accessories and fashions for the whole family. Or try the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a brand established in 1895, on for size. The stylish boutique carries a selection of toppers for men and women, ranging from classic to creative.

BEAUTY-FULL
In an area brimming with salons, Noir Lash Lounge has the niche market covered. Eyelash extensions, the only service offered, make peepers pop with styles ranging from au naturel to high drama. At Blo, a bombshell blowout is only a hairdryer away. There’s nary a pair of scissors nor a bottle of dye to be found, just salon-worthy locks in a snap. Guilt-free indulgence can be found at Frilly Lilly, where dessert-inspired beauty products, such as the “bathcake,” are (almost) good enough to eat.

SPOT-ON SEAFOOD
A converted brick-and-beam warehouse space is the backdrop for Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, where innovative offerings, such as jellyfish and sea urchin, are always local and sustainable as well as beautifully prepared. Drop anchor at casual Rodney’s Oyster House for raw oysters and chowders that are sure to make a splash.

Society. Photo by KK Law

TOP TASTES
For a new take on small plates, visit Hapa Izakaya to sample Japanese tapas, sake and cocktails. At Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, the extensive wine cellar is second only to the fresh ingredients and traditional flavours, which take centre stage. Try Hamilton Street Grill for steaks or the famous burger, served with aged cheddar and truffle mayonnaise. Sip cool cocktails and nosh on pad thai on Charm Modern Thai’s trendy patio. For other South Asian bites, try Simply Thai or Urban Thai Bistro. Hot spot Society serves creative comfort food with a twist, from spiked milkshakes to lobster shepherd’s pie.

DRINK UP
For inspired cocktails that will get your creativity flowing, check out Raw Canvas. An extensive menu of beer, wine and mixed drinks is served alongside the “painting pit.” Purchase a canvas and unleash your inner artist. If a caffeine buzz is what you’re after, try Argo Cafe for that perfect cup. Fair trade beans are roasted in-house and complemented with soups, sandwiches and baked goods.

BY NIGHT
DJs set the scene at George Ultra Lounge, the perfect spot to sip a classic martini. Built on a foundation of food, drink and graffiti art, 100 Nights is a lively venue with plenty of glitz and glamour. Trendy Afterglow Lounge combines sultry decor, beautiful people and libations—certainly a potent cocktail.

Hamilton Street is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.

Weekend Roundup, July 15 to 17

Friday: Hear all manner of music as the Beaches International Jazz Festival begins

Friday, July 15
Kick off your weekend at the 23rd annual Beaches International Jazz Festival, which begins tonight at Woodbine Park. With acts ranging from jazz, blues, calypso and more—legendary Toronto rocker Carole Pope is even part of this evening’s bill—the festival offers ear candy for a wide variety of listeners.

The Colombian Colours Il Diaspora Festival also starts this evening an continues all weekend long. Part of Harbourfront Centre‘s summer line-up of cultural celebrations, it features performances by Colombian musicians, dancers and other artists proudly representing their distinct heritage.

Do you have tickets to see Grammy-winning sensation Taylor Swift belt out her hits at the Air Canada Centre? The contemporary country singer’s Speak Now Tour brings one of 2011′s hottest concerts to Toronto for one night only.

Saturday: Sarah Harmer and other artists celebrate Parks Canada's 100th anniversary

Saturday, July 16
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Parks Canada—the world’s first national park service—with a free festival on Centre Island. Starting at noon, the special Parks Day event showcases the country’s diverse natural heritage, and boasts live performances by musicians including Serena Ryder and Sarah Harmer.

Yonge-Dundas Square also offers an event for the environmentally aware—the Live Green Toronto Festival features hundreds of vendors with eco-friendly products, live music and more.

Sit back and relax with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at the Molson Canadian Ampitheatre. The “Margaritaville” singer instills a beachy state of mind as part of his Welcome to Fin Land tour.

Sunday: Slurp up some seafood at the Souther Ontario Oyster Festival

Sunday, July 17
Foodies are invited to take part in a truly succulent tasting at the much-anticipated Southern Ontario Oyster Festival hosted by Toronto’s mollusk mecca Rodney’s Oyster House. Attendees can enjoy live music, cheer on the oyster shucking contest, and, of course, indulge in fresh oysters. Tickets are $30 and help benefit the Environmental Defense organization.

Spend your Sunday night with British indie-rock band Gomez as they fill the Phoenix Concert Theatre with their distinctively rootsy sound.

Experience the rich culture of the Asian subcontinent at the 39th annual Festival of India, taking place on the Toronto Islands. This free event, celebrating Toronto’s large Indian community, includes an arts and culture showcase, a South-Asian bazaar, and much more.

Hot Dining: 5 Finny Faves

Pan-seared BC sablefish at The Fish House in Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

No surprise, but marine cuisine is our specialty. Where to go for some of the freshest fare?
1 The Fish House in Stanley Park Celebrated chef and author Karen Barnaby delights with Ocean Wise tastes such as cedar-planked Arctic char, in an idyllic setting.
2 Fishworks Hop on the SeaBus to discover chef Shallaw Kadir’s daring inventions, from scallop risotto to wild salmon Wellington.
3 Miku Sleek and stylin’ space close to the Vancouver Convention Centre sports a sparkling ceiling, not to mention trademark aburi (flame-seared) sushi, as well as a wealth of creative sushi and hot plates.
4 Rodney’s Oyster House East Coast–inspired haunt lures locals for its casual atmosphere, raw oyster selection, abundant chowders and well-packed steamers.
5 Blue Water Cafe East meets west at this Yaletown spot, where choices range from the superlative raw bar to chef Frank Pabst’s sablefish in miso-sake glaze.—Tim Pawsey

2010 Dining Guide: Surf and Turf

For a classic dinner of steak or seafood, these restaurants are hard to top.

Hot Dining: Oysters R Us

Oysters at Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. Photo by KK Law

Whether you like them freshly shucked on the half shell or reincarnated as Angels on Horseback, more than 15 varieties—from Chef’s Creek to Kusshi to Royal Miyagi—confirm BC as an oyster lover’s paradise. Connoisseurs head for the gleaming brass and mahogany bar at Joe Fortes (pictured) for one of the city’s best raw plates. Prefer them cooked? Opt for oysters Rockefeller, with spinach, pernod and Hollandaise, or oysters Kilpatrick, with bacon, Worcester sauce and scallions. Other notable bivalve boosters include view-kissed Monk McQueens, Coast, The Boathouse and Rodney’s Oyster House.—Tim Pawsey

Weekend Roundup, July 16 to 18

A weekend filled with festivals, concerts, theatre and culture! Toronto’s multiculturalism openly displayed right in front of your eyes. Lots to choose from, so little time…

Friday: Revel in Shakespearean derring-do under the stars at High Park (photo by Chris Gallow)

Friday, July 16
Spend your evening at the launch of the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park, where you can enjoy some fresh air while listening to top acts like Digging Roots and Jay Douglas & The All-Stars. Bring a blanket or some chairs, recline on the grass and celebrate the weekend with free music. If you like what you hear, be sure to come back Saturday and Sunday for more.

Fall in love with Shakespeare under the stars at the Canadian Stage TD Dream in High Park, which offers a pay-what-you-can performance of Romeo Juliet with a modern twist—the story of the star-crossed lovers is told using iPods and other contemporary props.

Tantalize your taste buds for less thanks to Summerlicious. The popular dining sees restaurants offering three-course meals at a fixed price. Make a reservation to sample the cuisines of the world at such Toronto favourites as Alize (Italian), Bangkok Garden (Thai), Célestin (French), Jaipur Grille (Indian) and Katsura (Japanese).

Or, try a different kind of ‘licious menu at Lee. Its “Susur-licious” menu, named for star chef and owner Susur Lee, is a three-course prix fixe featuring dishes from Lee’s tenure on the Food Network’s Top Chef Masters.

Saturday: See Geddy Lee and the rest of Rush (photo by ceedub13)

Saturday, July 17
Forget the 19-hour flight to the other side of the world. Today you can experience Indian culture on Toronto’s Centre Island, which hosts the annual Festival of India. Your immersion includes Indian music, dance, food and dramatic performances, plus crafts and souvenirs available from the bazaar. An exhibition reflecting the country’s history offers further enlightenment.

Swing by the Distillery Historic District to grab a bite from one of its many restaurants or cafés, then be sure to check out one of two Soulpepper Theatre Company shows at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Turgenev’s romantic comedy A Month in the Country is sure to stir up your emotions, and David French’s original and acclaimed Jitters also draws guffaws today.

Sing along with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart as they bring their Rush classics back to the Air Canada Centre. The legendary Canadian prog rock band‘s Time Machine tour is guaranteed to have you reminiscing about the glory days.

Come face to face with some of the world’s most celebrated historical artifacts at the Royal Ontario Museum‘s landmark exhibition, The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, featuring full-sized clay warriors from the tomb of Chinese emperor Ying Zheng.

Sunday: Don't forget your earplugs! The Hondy Indy zooms through Toronto

Sunday, July 18
There’s more musical nostalgia on offer at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, as Rock of Ages continues its successful run. This engaging show sets a rock ‘n’ roll love story to a soundtrack of ’80s hits by Journey, REO Speedwagon and many others.

South America’s largest nation gets a showcase this weekend at the Expressions of Brazil festival, part of Harbourfront Centre’s summer-long “world routes” programming. Today’s cultural mix includes samba performances, a drumming workshop, cooking and capoeira demonstrations and much more.

It’ll be easy to find Exhibition Place today—just head toward the sound of revving engines at the much-anticipated Honda Indy car race. Cheer on professional drivers like Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti as they speed toward the checkered flag.

Indulge in a decadent taste from the briny deep at the annual Ontario Oyster Festival hosted by Rodney’s Oyster House. For $30, guests can feast on some exceptional oysters, hear live music, cheer on competitive oyster shuckers and much more. All proceeds go to Environmental Defence, a charitable organization.

September Editor’s Picks: Dining

1. Oysters, those slippery, subtly salty little bivalves, get the star treatment at a new Financial District saloon with considerable cachet. Amidst the East Coast-chic decor of reclaimed wainscoting and antique tin ceiling tiles at Rodney’s By Bay, the area’s elite can luxuriously slurp their favourite market-priced mollusks. Five to 10 different oyster varieties are available here each day, with quality controlled by owner John Belknap, who spent the past five years at renowned Rodney’s Oyster House. (Though not a franchise of that famed restaurant, Rodney’s By Bay does have the blessing of celebrated shucker Rodney Clark.) And if a preferred variety is out of season, there’s always beer-battered haddock with chips ($15) and the hand-pulled lobster roll ($21) to satisfy your seafood cravings.

2. Forget for a second the clubhouse and back bacon on a bun; Toronto’s hottest sandwiches are the fresh-grilled varieties at Negroni. Authentic Italian panini are the focus of this casual College Street resto from the owners of neighbourhood staple Sidecar, with fillings like prosciutto, oven-dried tomato and buffalo mozzarella ($12), and asparagus, goat cheese and peperonata ($9). Still hungry? A short list of antipasto-style plates is also offered.

3. Travel west along King Street and you’ll pass quickly through a number of diverse sectors of the city—the Financial District at Bay Street, the Theatre District and the Fashion District near Spadina Avenue. No matter your allegiance, the King Street Social Kitchen has room for all. Sleek yet welcoming in the renovated Hyatt Regency Toronto hotel, the restaurant offers small and large plates prepared by a multicultural team of chefs—each brings his or her expertise to the table with authentically global dishes such as Phuket chicken and noodles ($23), sweet and sour sticky ribs ($27) and paella mixta with shrimp, clams and mussels ($25 for two). Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 370 King St. W., 416-343-1234.

4. It is claimed that losing one of your five senses promotes an intensification of the remaining four. Put that notion to the test at O. Noir, Toronto’s first dine-in-the-dark restaurant. Imported from Montreal, the concept eatery offers two- and three-course set menus ($32 and $39) presented by blind servers and consumed in a pitch-black dining room. Lacking sight, you’ll appreciate your entree’s texture, aroma and, of course, taste all the more.