The Chase Fish and Oyster Bar — once known for shelling out unlimited oysters to its customers for a reasonable $40, or the lip-smacking menu boasting of crispy cod tacos and tuna nachos — is being transformed into Planta Cocina.
The classic seafood spot, formerly on the first floor of 10 Temperance St., will now be an entirely new, 100 per cent plant-based restaurant — all set to celebrate some of the finest Mexican dishes meant to tantalize your taste buds. The opening date is set for Sept. 21.
Discussing the move, Steven Salm, president and CEO of Chase Hospitality Group and Planta Restaurants says, “The impact of COVID-19 and the current state of the world has made it evident that transparency in our food supply chain is more important than ever. And that aligns itself perfectly to plant-based cuisine and what the PLANTA vision has been from the start.”
“Plant-based cuisine has a strong and lasting impact on our immunity, and we can’t wait to provide our guests with an entirely new experience that does not compromise health or quality,” Salm explains.
Despite being able to operate at only 50 per cent of their original dining capacity, Salm is optimistic about greeting guests once again.
“It was exciting news when we were able to welcome guests back. It is undoubtedly a different experience out there and our commitment to being an evolving and experience-based hospitality group is always on the top of our mind,” he says.
For those wandering what the new menu will look like, there’s some good news. Chef David Lee’s specials at Planta Cocina will include the hot mess nachos with pulled barbecue jackfruit, queso, cashew lime crema, black beans and pico, as well as the amarillo and azul corn masa tamales, seasoned with wild mushroom, huitlacoche and tomatillo. And of course, the huitlacoche tacos with árbol, sweet potato and truffle. And if you know chef Lee, you know anything with truffle is his specialty.
Keeping in mind a greater clientele, Planta has also partnered with Uber Eats, DoorDash and Ritual to deliver your favourite Planta items, as well as pantry staples and meal kits right to your doorstep.