Simpl Things is a welcome addition to Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood. The all day food and beverage collective is offering two different experiences under one roof: serving up Italian-inspired dishes by day and Taiwanese street food and cocktails by night.
With the mantra, “the most joyful moments in life are often Simpl,” the new restaurant is the brainchild of hospitality expert, Evelyn Chick. Thinking outside the box for this latest venture, Simpl Things offers a welcoming environment for day drinking complete with delicious food, and at night, seamlessly transitions into a dynamic setting with curated cocktails and dinner options.
“A space in which you will feel welcome to come for a nice date, have casual hangs with friends for a late night bite or park on our comfy bench with your laptop and spritz in the morning. This can simply be your go-to second home,” Chick said in an instagram post.
Helming the kitchen are two accomplished chefs — Cody Wilkes, (of Pasta Cartl), and Betty Chia (of Eats by Betty) who have created two separate menus for day and night.
Wilkes’ artisanal Italian-inspired menu features handmade bread, pasta and cicchetti (small snacks), made with seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients. Standout dishes include tagliolini with Ontario mushrooms, and croquettes with smoked white fish.
By night, the kitchen will be taken over by Chia, with her take on reinvented Taiwanese street food and recipes derived from the kitchens of her loved ones. Menu items include Sichuan beef tartare on bone marrow with beef tenderloin, and spicy silken tofu with garlic.
Tying both dishes together is Chick’s signature cocktail offerings and canned beverages including Flower Power, a canned cocktail made with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, fino sherry, acidifier and soda.
Simpl Things is located at 269 Dunn Ave., and is open for day service Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and night service Thursday to Monday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
