where jess ate

I’ve always been a big fan of the Drake Hotel (@thedrakehotel). It’s such a versatile destination in the city – you can enjoy brunch on the street-level patio (with the most amazing blueberry scones, I might add), enjoy a drink in their lounge or get a bit of sun on their rooftop patio, the Sky Yard.

The patio, which is open from 4pm to 2am Monday to Friday and 11am to 2am Saturdays and Sundays, was recently redesigned just in time for the summer.

Executive chef Ted Corrado (@cheftedcorrado) took over the kitchen at the Drake Hotel earlier this year and I had the pleasure of sampling some of his new summer menu items. The new menu consists of comfort foods and classics with a twist. Think lobster nachos, popcorn shrimp, pork belly and “fancy” french fries – all plates which are perfect for sharing!

Here’s a little peek at what they have to offer, starting with the Guava Margerita – with tequila blanco, triple sec, lime juice, guava nectar + jalapeno syrup. A perfect drink to enjoy on the Sky Yard.

Green Gazpacho – green tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, cilantro & topped with Dungeness crab. A light, cool soup with a bright green colour that just shouts “summer.”

Ontario Burrata Salad – 100km cherry tomatoes, watermelon, marcona almonds and a sherry vinaigrette. A fresh salad with a chunk of delicious burrata cheese. What’s not to love?

Fried Chicken – with jalapeno cornbread, smoked potato salad and honey. The Drake Hotel makes a damn good fried chicken. It had a crisp batter with a nice and juicy interior. Complimented with a tasty potato salad and moist cornbread, it was my favourite dish of the evening.

3 Day Short Rib – with charred green onion, red potatoes and crème fraiche. The meat was tender and packed full of flavour. I also loved the addition of the charred green onions – grilling them really brings out their flavour.

Charred Octopus. The pieces of octopus had a nice char on them and would make for a fun sharing appetizer.

Flourless Chocolate Cake – with a salted caramel mousse, popcorn, cocoa nibs & almond streusel. Rich, chocolatey and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of the meal.

Macarons for the road!

Needless to say, I love what the Drake Hotel has done with their summer menu. Take advantage of the great weather and drop by their Sky Yard rooftop patio!

*This was a complimentary meal. The opinions in the post are my own.*