Hot Spot Review

Restaurant: Berber Bar & Lounge

Location: 49 Front Street East

City: Toronto, ON

Website: http://www.berberlounge.ca

Call: 1.416.860.9000

Reviewed By: Kindah Mardam Bey

Meet Toronto’s newest exotic Hot Spot. The Berber Lounge, located on Front Street East is a Moroccan dream that will fill your senses full of spices after a long workday or in prep for a beguiling weekend. Opening last week, I received a sneak peak at Berber prior to its official opening. What was discovered is perhaps the most inviting place to meet people and mingle in Toronto.

If you have already had the pleasure to dine at The Sultan’s Tent, a downstairs venue directly beneath the restaurant is where the lounge is located. The possibility of slipping to Berber after a delightful dinner at The Sultan’s Tent would be a perfect evening for any couple, colleagues or group of friends. For a truly adventurous weekend, you might want to visit the King Tut exhibit at the AGO, then off for dinner, belly dancing and Berber to follow. That way, you can experience the orient in all its splendour.

Perhaps the most visually dynamic lounge the city has seen in a long time, the decor is a feast for the eyes. Fully furnished directly from Morocco, from the floors to the copper doors attached to the ceiling, to life-size statues, Morocco has descended on Toronto. Sections of tents flank one side of the rectangular establishment, while the bar and an open seating area with exquisite chairs and tables dominates the other side of the space. Brick walls, comfortable booths, little seating areas with large tables to fit a bounty of snacks give Berber the most authenticity. If you have travelled to Morocco, the decor and atmosphere has been immaculately restored for Canadians to experience and enjoy.

Berber has an extensive menu of platters that groups can enjoy while discussing a long work week or convening over the play they just saw or concert they just enjoyed. Weddings are already being booked, and cooking classes with Chef Bouchra will start soon. I suspect Berber will be the toast of TIFF this 2010 and will be a successful events place until the 2010 Film Festival arrives.

Berber Lounge is sophisticated, exotic, chic and inviting....

Written by :

Kindah