FARMHOUSE TAVERN

June 7th was the opening of my former chef's new restaurant, called FARMHOUSE tavern, located in the Junction. I wanted to be there for opening night to try out, what proved to be a wonderful menu. Local, fresh, simple & elegant, FARMHOUSE tavern did not disappoint!

Their mantra: Serving farmhouse hospitality. Rooted in the charming influences of the rural Ontario farmhouse. A little bit country / a lot rock & roll. Cooking a blackboard menu of farm driven food. Pouring Ontario craft brews & VQA juice.

We arrived at FT in some weird weather, a few rainy showers despite the shining sun, but, the place was already packed at 7:30! Good thing I had made a reservation, as we were seated at the last table.

A new local spot, after talking to a few "neighbours," you could tell patrons were eager to have a restaurant like this open in the heart of the neighbourhood. The restaurant is divided into the "tavern" area and the restaurant seating, with an open kitchen, allowing you to see the chefs at work! The tavern area is cozy and warm, with old photos, taverna memorabilia and a old licence plate runner around the bar. The "Juice" lists as they call it boast local wines & brews. Excellent choices.

I started off the with vichyssoise, one of my all time favourite soups. A rich and creamy combination of potatoes & leek, this soup was pure luxury. Topped with some spicy sausage and herb oil, the accompaniments were perfectly suited to the already smooth soup. Served on old china, the plate as it was being put down equaled beauty.

For our mains I ordered the steak & fries, and my boyfriend the burger, with a FARMHOUSE tavern sauce. The steak & fries was excellent, served with a bistro gravy and a compound butter on top of the steak. The butter was orange in colour, with hints of citrus flavours, melting quickly over the perfectly cooked medium-rare flatiron steak. The burger was a combination of ground meats, which just oozed juices and sauce all over the best of bistro style fries. (As per the servers recommendation!) The burger was truly a hit, with a homemade sauce topping it all off.

I know FARMHOUSE tavern will be a great success! Night one and the place was packed, with a lineup from the time I arrived to the time I left. Located at 1627 Dupont, making it convenient for many to just zip across Dupont, I will be back in no time! Love the all Ontario idea & the perfect blend of, as they say, country & rock and roll.

Congrats Chef & to the FARMHOUSE tavern team!

1627 Dupont St. 

Thursday - Sunday Dinner @ 6pm

Saturday & Sunday Brunch @ 11 -3pm

For reservations text: 416-561-9114