Los Angeles-based hospitality group Noble 33 has brought the taste of Riviera Maya to the city with the opening of Casa Madera inside Wellington Street’s 1 Hotel Toronto.
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Chef Olivier Le Calvez offers an upscale Mexican-inspired menu of coastal cuisine that is inspired by his native country, as well as Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and a nod to sustainable and organic farm combine to create a Mexican and Mediterranean menu focussing heavily on meat and seafood, with fresh vegetables and herbs complementing the main courses.
Dishes are crafted for sharing, tapas-style, and offerings such as whipped aubergine (a take on baba ghanoush) and hummus come served on huge slabs of wood with fresh, seasoned pita, and elevated on the table to be shared amongst friends. This delicious beginning leads to shareables such as mushroom risotto and Mediterranean salad, which are complemented by tacos and raw bar options such as oysters and ceviche.
Casa Madera’s cocktail list is, following the traditional 1 Hotel Toronto inspiration, named after the elements and divided into earth, wind, air and water flavour profiles. The solstice is set on fire, while the agua rosa comes decorated with delicate flowers and on-the-side vials of drinks to encourage guests to build their own version of the rose-infused drink.
The wood design element is carried through the space, with accents in the bar, wooden bathroom stalls, again paying tribute to 1 Hotel’s earth-focused vibe.
Casa Madera opens on April 5. The restaurant is located inside 1 Hotel Toronto at 550 Wellington St. W., joining 1 Kitchen and other food offerings.