Crush Wine Bar
455 King St. W.
426-977-1234
www.crushwinebar.com
Ambience: If you haven’t visited Crush in a while and are longing for a taste of their delectable dishes or numerous vintages on offer, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. The venue has been completely re-designed by the firm Ralph Giannone and Associates, transforming the space from New World French bistro to what management are referring to as a British-style wine bar. That doesn’t mean they’ve added dart boards and Rover’s Return décor notes, but think of it as the type of contemporary establishment that would be frequented by London’s young corporate climbers — except in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Crowd: Expect to find a good number of those young local corporate climbers, as well as the ones who have already carved a niche for themselves in the ivory tower. Most of the clientele is slightly more mature (mid-30s to mid-40s) with a smattering of patrons in their mid-20s and early-30s.
Dress code: As a guideline, opt for corporate or evening casual. Some patrons arrive in full business suits, others in jeans, so dress somewhere in the middle and you’ll fit in quite nicely.
Will I?get lucky? This isn’t a place to get lucky, but it is a place that can put you on track for getting lucky — in other words, bring your date to Crush and the rest of your night could go very well.
Should I dance on the bar? Not a chance.
Best reason to pay a visit: The new décor is worth a look, but in the end it’s all about the wine.
Cocktail du jour: Obviously the vino, the list for which is varied. Don’t be afraid to ask advice of the knowledgeable and helpful Crush staff who can help tailor choices to your specific tastes.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
