A famous Beverly Hills steak house, The Grill on the Alley, is set to make its grand entrance into Toronto, and the city’s food scene is buzzing. Known for its hidden entrance north of Wilshire Boulevard, this classic American restaurant has been a haunt for Hollywood’s elite since it opened in 1984.
Now, rumor has it that The Grill on the Alley is preparing to open beside Toronto’s French institution, Le Sélect Bistro, on Wellington Street West. This new venture is spearheaded by restaurateur David Aisenstat, formerly of The Keg. Aisenstat is also one of the owners of Hy’s Steakhouse chain, which boasts a gilded 18,000-square-foot flagship in Toronto’s Financial District.
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The Grill on the Alley is renowned for its prime beef and seafood, luring in celebrities and power brokers alike. Founded by Bob Spivak, who turned his life around after a rocky start, this LA icon channels the grill vibes of ’30s and ’40s New York and San Francisco. Just half a block from Rodeo Drive, the 4,600-square-foot spot is a daily magnet for stars such as Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Lawrence. The restaurant has a unique phenomenon known as “the hush,” where certain celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Mikhail Baryshnikov command such respect that the room quiets upon their entry.
One of the steak house’s most popular dishes is their renowned chicken pot pie. It arrives at your table like a giant, golden-crusted marvel, packed with savoury goodness and draped in puff pastry. It’s a dish that challenges the notion of what comfort food can be.
For Torontonians, the arrival of The Grill on the Alley is more than just an addition to the city’s exciting restaurant scene; it’s a culinary event. The Grill’s famous truffle cheese fries, alongside its steaks and seafood, is expected to draw crowds, just as it did in Beverly Hills.
Meanwhile, Le Sélect’s patrons will continue to enjoy their duck confit and tarte tatin, perhaps peeking next door to see what the fuss is all about.