I recently had an opportunity to take in the succulent pleasures of Chez Lavelle – a luxurious roof top lounge bar with a sophisticated dining room, outdoor pool bar with cabanas and a garden, all resting 16 floors above King Street West.
The dining room seats 250 and is overseen by, Paris born, Chef Romain Avril, who started his career in France at 18, training in Michelin starred restaurants. Chef Romain shared the story of his impressive culinary tattoos – they are actually an inked resume, showcasing his culinary journey.
Chef Romain’s Winning Modern French Tasting Menu
Starters included a terrific Beet Salad with lemon goat yogurt and goat cheese, a wonderful Tuna Tartare with soy dressing, daikon, and pickled ginger.
The classic Pan Seared Quebec Duck Breast is one of the most popular dishes on the menu and it tastes incredible.
The pasta dish, Agnolotti, with parmesan foam and spring onion pesto – literally made the diners weep with joy.
The Fogo Island Cod with a barley noir risotto and Matane shrimp was a surefire winner as well.
Cocktails to Swoon Over
The extraordinary cocktail menu offers a number of Riviera-inspired drink experiences. Each is concocted well, perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a sip by the poolside.
Not to outdo himself, Chef Lavelle, classically trained, is a master pastry chef as well. The first bite into the Choco Latte – milk chocolate Nespresso Grand Cru mousse with praline and salted cacao crumb, was divine.
Poolside Luxury
Luxury doesn’t stop with the dining room; it’s carried out to the pool lounge where you find a 155 foot long pool surrounded by guests enjoying a refreshing drink and the breathtaking view. You have the option of lounging in one of the pool side cabanas where you can enjoy a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose or bucket of 5 Coronas.
All in all, this 16,000 square foot venue provides Toronto with a new sophisticated destination for dinner, your next corporate event, wedding, shower, or Charity Gala – part of the pool can be covered to provide a dance floor.
IF YOU GO:
Chez Lavelle
627 King Street West, where you board an elevator to the 16th floor.
Telephone: 647 -347-9353
PRICES
Cocktails: start at $17 +
Entrees: $21 & up
Lunch & Dinner
Monday – Friday 11:00am to 03:00pm
Monday – Saturday 5:00pm to late
Sunday 11:00am to 08:00pm
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH
11:00am to 03:00pm
Disclosure: I was hosted by Chez Lavelle for the Summer Tasting Menu note all opinions expressed in this article are my own.
