North Toronto restaurateur ups the ante

When Conrad Chen, co-owner of Cravings Asian Cuisine, had to start turning customers away during peak dinner hours,he knew he needed a bigger space. Enter 3323 Yonge St., a two-storey, Roman-style building with an oversized skylight, where Chen plans to open Up restaurant later this month.

Like Cravings and Chen’s other restaurant Azian, Up will feature traditional Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare.But there’s an eclectic twist.

“We are going to put lobster and even stuffed duck on the menu,” says Chen,a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry. “And grilled fish , people always ask for grilled fish.”

Popular Cravings staples will be showcased as well, including dim sum, mango salad and the legendary UFO sushi, which is spicy tuna on a bed of fried sweet potatoes.Featured drinks include a local Ontario Riesling, the exotic lychee martini and a selection of fruit juices.

On the first floor,which seats up to 90, customers can sit in wooden booths or at round tables. The second floor seats 60, including three private rooms that can be booked for larger parties.

Up is located at 3323 Yonge St.

 

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO