Bar Isabel is one of the city’s hottest eateries. Chef Grant van Gameren’s ode to the Barcelonan tapas bar comes gussied up with mismatched tiles and multicoloured pendant lamps, which act as a charming backdrop to the murmur of folks tucking into their grub. Noteworthy eats include the whole fish ceviche and a dish of porcini, scallop and oh-so-tender blood sausage.
At the bar up front, mixologist Michael Webster pours the classics alongside his own innovative concoctions. Our pick is the …A Woman Scorned ($16), which recently won Webster a bartenders’ contest down in Kentucky, land of bourbon.
This beverage pairs The Devil’s Cut whiskey with Amaro Averna liqueur, Campari, a house-made cinnamon and clove tincture and the so-called deathwish syrup (a medley of warming spices).
Finished with some Snake Oil tobacco bitters and served over a single rock, this smooth tipple has prizewinner written all over it.
Bar Isabel, 797 College St., 416-532-2222
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