Pulling from many corners of east Asian cuisine, Three Monks and a Duck is an intimate and stylish cocktail bar a few blocks away from Trinity Bellwoods Park. Much of the restaurant’s concept lies within the name: three monks and then also a duck, because only a quarter of the menu is not vegetarian-friendly, and, as with how the chefs seamlessly fuse many Asian cooking styles together, three monks and a duck may not always be a common group we see, but they can still get together. The bar makes 10 original cocktails to sip over shared plates, with highlights including the “send noods” miki noodles with chopped Asian greens, egg and mushroom and mild tofu. Expect a cool space with a colourful mural and huge front window, and test your luck to see if there will be a “gong show,” meaning that, when a gong is rung, all diners get a snack for free, or you can play the bartender at a game of chess for a free drink; although, he is a trained grand master.
