Toronto’s food bloggers were abuzz back in 2011 when news broke that Splendido co-owners Victor Barry and Carlo Catallo were planning to bring their five-star dining cred to Queen West.
The duo, two of the city’s most lauded restauranteurs, weren’t keen on opening another valet-serviced, white tablecloth spot. Instead, they dreamed up County General, a rugged gem that would serve top-notch nosh with zero pretention. “Fine dining places were dropping like flies,” says Carlo, reflecting on the city’s changing dining culture.
Carlo, a self-avowed punk at heart, had grown tired of hoity-toity restaurants. He names a three-star Michelin restaurant in California and says, “I remember sitting there and thinking ‘this is so boring; everything is so contrived.'" After some reflection, he decided that what he really wanted to open was a rock ‘n’ roll spot that would serve up sandwiches, rum and whiskey.
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It's always a sad day when a gastronomic great shuts down. So when Oddfellows dead bolted its doors, local foodies let out a collective sigh, shook their fists at the heavens and groaned mightily at their loss. Mercifully, the mourning period was momentary with the sudden opening of County General in the same sweet spot. This is not just your typical neighbourhood haunt; it is very serious indeed about its food offerings. No surprise there. County General is the brainchild of Splendido co-owners Carlo Catallo and chef Victor Barry, who along with partner/chef "Colonel" Garth Legree (also from Splendido), have re-invented the fine dining experience with the most basic of menu items. Each week CG goes through an entire Cumbrae's pig, using the whole beast, which might explain on this night why they are serving something as delightfully disgusting but delicious as pig face croquettes. Sure you can get burgers and sandwiches anywhere. But a genuine aim-to-please and sincerity in everything they do is something to savour. Call it an eclectic gastropub or a rockin' roadhouse, but call it freakin' great. Never has such fine food been such fun.
View this Smart ListThis local hotspot is known for its home-style food, brunch and cocktails. The interior is rustic and warm, making it the perfect place to sit down for a tasty cocktail. The Country General is inspired and supplied by Ontario farmers and offers unique and well-crafted cocktails, including an eggnog-inspired drink called the Kraken 'n' nog that can be made on request. In it, Kraken rum is mixed with milk, a whole egg, apple-cinnamon bitters, simple syrup, Boulard Calvados, and is finished with spices.
View this Smart ListJeff Carroll, the skilled bartender behind the County General’s renowned cocktail list, has earned a cult following among Toronto boozehounds for his unique approach to mixology. His signature 3 oz Manhattan features a fragrant combination of Knob Creek Bourbon, Dolin vermouth and his own Carroll & Co. homemade cherry masala chai bitters.
View this Smart List