Oct. 19, 2005 - Issue #522: Frozen
Lounge wizards
Downtown's Suede Lounge offers a perfect blend of great food and relaxing atmosphere
I looked across the tiny table at my bride, her eyes sparkling in the flickering light of the oil lamp; we were taking the evening off from parental responsibilities and chose the relaxed, urban vibe of Suede Lounge. This was the perfect place for a nightcap and a nibble before we rejoined our adorable toddler.
The fall evening was too brisk to enjoy the wrought iron and glass-enclosed patio a few feet off busy Jasper Avenue, so we relaxed instead in Suede’s neutral-toned interior. My wife requested a two-ounce Tongue and Cheek ($7.71) from the extensive martini list, while I forsook the equally extensive cocktail menu for a Red Bull ($4.25) and bar vodka ($4.91). Our dimpled waitress exited to seek our libations and we perched comfortably on our swoop-seated, backless stools to check out the lounge.
On weekends, live DJs bring a chill, younger vibe to the space, which explains the lounge’s drum and bass soundtrack (I had expected cool jazz notes to complete Suede’s modern atmosphere). This weekday evening crowd was mostly 35+ after-work suits, including a business function and a few groups seated on the eponymous suede chaises, collected around plates of tapas. I pointed out the muted pastel light features that accented the room as my wife, the psychology grad student, admired the framed minimalist Rorschach blots.
When our warm, cheerful server brought our drinks, our grumbling stomachs reminded us of our hunger. I sipped my candylike, high-octane Red Bull and vodka while my bride savoured her strongly citrus combination of Absolut Citron, cranberry and grapefruit juice in a colossal martini glass. We turned our attention to the brief menu, which covered one side of a single card, while an excellent selection of sparkling, red and white wines were listed on the back. Careful attention and luscious detail had gone into each delectable description of tapas, flatbreads, and sweets. There were no entrées available, but the tapas dishes for six to nine dollars would definitely suit group-style sampling. My wife and I both selected flatbreads ($12 each) and planned to return to the Sweets afterwards.
Our server returned with unexpected speed. She placed two mouth-watering platters on our table and asked if we needed anything more, but I didn’t even hear her. Obviously used to patrons overwhelmed by their cuisine, she left us to our feast and returned to the elegant wood bar.
My bride’s “red” flatbread boasted a bracing tomato-basil salsa, prosciutto, and the surprising addition of peaches under a thick layer of melted mozzarella. The sweetness balanced delightfully with the salsa’s tang for a complex, highly nuanced treat. My own “black” flatbread was altogether more basic in tone and texture, with a strong cumin flavour underlying the black bean, corn and melted goat cheese. Large, tender chucks of smoked chicken rounded out the robust sensation. Both dishes were excellently served by their light, crisp, airy flatbread, which was nowhere near as filling as thick pizza dough.
Our server whisked the plates away when we finished and grinned at our final request. Moments later, the chef himself brought out his $7 signature dessert: five large, succulent strawberries stuffed with warm Callebaut chocolate and drizzled with a light caramel sauce. My first reaction was “five strawberries for seven bucks?!” My reaction after a single taste was to design a conveyor belt that would deliver these luscious treats directly into my mouth for the rest of my gluttonous existence. My wife waved away the rough sketch I drew on my napkin as she helped herself to the tiebreaking fifth berry. I contented myself with licking the plate clean. Figuratively. Kind of.
Our evening was complete. After a drink, light pizza substitute and dessert that tasted like the best caramel apple ever wrapped around a chocolate-filled strawberry, we were ready to return to parenthood. Our bill cleared $50 including tax and we settled with a smile. I was hyped on Red Bull and caramel sauce, my beloved was well contented after our romantic soirée and we set off to collect our daughter. It doesn’t get any better than this. V
Suede Lounge
11806 Jasper Avenue • 482-0707
More info about Suede Lounge →
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