Michelin Star Awarded Don Alfonso 1890 Opening in Toronto

Created in partnership with hospitality icon Nick Di Donato of the Liberty Entertainment Group, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto will be the first North American location of world-renowned Michelin star Chef Ernesto Iaccarino’s Don Alfonso 1890. It will be located in the historic Consumer’s Gas Building of 1852 on Toronto Street, in the heart of the Financial District in downtown Toronto.

Showcasing the incredible cuisine of Chef Ernesto Iaccarino and the wonderful fresh flavours of the Amalfi coast, Don Alfonso 1890 is an internationally recognized award-winning concept with locations in Sant’Agata, Amalfi Coast, Italy; Lavello, Basilicata, Italy; Helena Bay, New Zealand; Macau, China and now Toronto.

Menu

Don Alfonso 1890’s cuisine is characterized by its modernity, Mediterranean flare and the exceptional quality of the raw materials used.  These key principals are reflected in the 8-course tasting menu available in the dining room.  The menu of uniquely crafted dishes begins with a collection of canapés proceeded by courses including ice creamed eel with Sturgeon caviar, seared Muscovy duck breast, organic Manitoba bison tenderloin in a rustic bread crust and finished with a Neapolitan Sfogliatella, an Italian delicacy with layers of phyllo, cinnamon-infused pastry cream and Amarena cherry glaze. The tasting menu is also available with vegetarian options including a rendition of the traditional baked egg with black truffle caviar, soy smoked organic tofu soup and rigatoni Vesuvius. Guests can also dine on the full selection of canapés and order courses à la carte in the lounge on the mezzanine level.

Chef Saverio Macri will oversee the kitchen, having spent several months in Italy working with Chef Ernesto Iaccarino at the original Don Alfonso 1890. Chef Macri and his team of culinary professions create each dish with expert precision using the finest quality ingredients available. Each course is plated on a one of a kind vessel selected specifically to highlight the characteristics of the food and the stunning presentation.

Corporate Mixologist Oliver Stern has created a cocktail menu intended to elevate the cocktail experience to the level of the cuisine. In addition to offering a selection of classic cocktails, the menu will also feature a number of one of a kind molecular cocktails.

Design

The space is designed to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication and acts as a canvas for the food it presents. Every detail and every piece of furniture has been crafted from the finest materials, many of which were imported directly from Italy.

The visionary behind this truly unique space is Liberty Entertainment Group VP and Creative Director, Nadia Di Donato. Ms. Di Donato has been instrumental in creating unique design approaches for each of the Liberty Group properties. With particular attention to detail, she has established the Liberty Entertainment Group facilities as the most creatively themed venues in Toronto and Miami.

The restaurant boasts three uniquely designed spaces: the main dining room, the mezzanine lounge, and the open concept kitchen. Given its heritage location, the entire restaurant is complete with hand-painted cornice moldings and original pillars. Crisp white marble and stonework is accentuated with mosaic tiles and gold accent furnishings creating a refined contemporary setting. The dining room has a full view of the open concept kitchen giving diners a front row seat to the nightly, behind-the-scenes culinary ballet.

Art

The centre piece of the dining room is “Crane” by renowned artist Philippe Pasqua. The one of a kind piece offers a unique juxtaposition to the elegance of its surroundings with a contemporary conversation piece. Born in Grasse, France in 1965, Philippe Pasqua is a self-taught painter who alternates mediums and mixes drawing on paper, oil painting and sculpture.

The interior walls at Don Alfonso 1890 are made complete with two original works by Toronto born artist, Daniel Mazzone. Mazzone’s objective is to give a different perspective on how we perceive things in life – to provide a new lens through which we can view the intricacies of life – and learn to slow down and appreciate the little things. The bold colouring of the pieces draws the eye within space.

The restaurant is located at 19 Toronto Street. To make a reservation, book online or call 416.214.5888 www.do. nalfonsotoronto.com