Serving Up Mexican x Mediterranean Fusion Eats—with an Electric VIBE.
Ever since day one of the 1 Hotel Toronto opening back in August 2021, we all couldn’t help but peek through the windows, corridors and side doors out of curiosity… What’s happening to the neighbouring space that was once home to the beloved, Colette Grand Café? Noble 33, that’s what happened to it. The LA hospitality and lifestyle company, that owns and operates the iconic Toca Madera and Casa Madera brands set out to further expand the boundaries of high-energy fine-dining…in Toronto. But sadly, due to the numerous lockdowns, they knew the timing just wasn’t right to be able to truly open with a BANG in Toronto. Fast forward nearly 7-months and they’re now officially set to open their doors on April 5th, 2022.
What’s on the Menu at Casa Madera inside the 1 Hotel Toronto?
Needless to say, expanding into Canada, especially during a pandemic, is no small feat…luckily the Noble 33 team knew that in-order to achieve the unique dining experience they were looking to offer at Casa Madera Toronto, they were going to need some help…enter chef Olivier Le Calvez (originally from Mexico, but previously working with El Catrin in The Distillery in Toronto). Without a shadow of a doubt, I’d say he did not disappoint…my mouth is watering just thinking about the menu, so let’s dive right in.
The Eats
Not exactly your traditional Mexican cuisine, they clearly snuck in some Mediterranean influence. But very well balanced. There’s a stacked raw bar with all the classics, but I must say there is nothing ordinary about anything. From the epic seafood tower, to the ceviche, and even the oysters, they all come with a variety of sauces, well presented and tasted absolutely fresh and delicious. I mean, how can you go wrong with Oysters. But they also have an excellent array of appetizers, as well as vegan/vegetarian and pescatarian options too. But I’m told that the kitchen is quite accommodating and the servers always ask for any allergies or dietary restrictions. Chef even told us that in keeping with the 1 Hotel mindset, they really do strive to source locally (within 100-kms) and grow a lot of their own ingredients onsite too.
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Must Haves
Surprisingly, and not because everything else wasn’t as good (because that’s totally not it), but because this dish really blew us away…the Heirloom Tomato Burrata Salad is divine. I’m not even crazy about burrata, but this dish was scrumptious. Like if I were at home I would probably be scraping the bowl with something, if not my tongue lol.
From the appetizers, I’d have to say hands down the Octopus (Chile Pulpo). It was creamy, perfectly cooked, rich, savoury and delicious. My only bone to pick…I wish it was spicy! But I just took some of the hot sauce from the oysters and it did the trick. That said, I never asked…but I feel like they would have an array of hot sauces to offer if we asked.
From the raw bar… if you’re willing to splurge, go for the seafood tower (because I was kicking myself for not getting it), but if a more intimate night, then I would definitely say the tuna timbale–very similar to tuna tartare. It’s flavourful, fresh, and the house-made ponzu sauce makes a world of a difference.
From the Taqueria (tacos), hands down I would have to say the Tiger Shrimp Tacos. Although I kind of wish the taco shells had been steamed or warmed up, because they came to the table and cold tortilla start to crack and make a mess when you try to eat them–so it did a disservice to the deliciousness of the flavour. Very well seasoned, but came with an array of sauces so that you can top them up to your liking. We obviously were too preoccupied taking in the magical ambiance at that time that we didn’t listen. So, let’s just say some of us unknowingly had a little too much spice–so beware, listen to your server, ha!
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As for the entrees, although the ribeye was absolutely delicious (and the confit truffle potatoes were divine to pair), the Pacifico Striped Bass was on another level. It packed flavour, perfectly deboned, and our server brought us warmed tortillas and we made tacos with it and it truly hit the spot (you must be thinking where did they put all of this…let’s just say I nearly had to be rolled out).
Don’t Forget Dessert…
The server warned us…but obviously, we didn’t listen and over ate …but couldn’t just leave without at least trying the dessert. So we did. But I would say we did it a disservice and couldn’t really enjoy it (how could you when you’re already that full). But that said, the Salted Caramel was the perfect ending to such an amazing meal. It just hits all the checkpoints texturally, flavours, and did I mention, it’s stunning too…see for yourself.
The Drinks
This is definitely one of those places that if you ever tried to taste all the cocktails, you would totally have to come back multiple times because they just have sooooo much to offer. Obviously Noble 33’s beverage director, Carla Lorenzo knows how to get LITT… because that cocktail menu is on FIYA! Bravo. We were trying to save room for the food. But, we did get to taste a few of their cocktails, but truthfully, not enough. They have an array of tequila cocktails, but these cocktails aren’t your average cocktails–they clearly went out of their way to make them an experience.
Their old fashion…which is such a classic, is anything but ordinary. It’s mixed table side, and the server makes it very interactive where they have you mix it to your liking…so you can control how sweet or how bitter you like it, and then pour in your spirit of choice (between whisky, reposado tequila or mezcal). But there are so many intricacies in-between that I could not even attempt to explain. All in all, come hungry, and don’t drive… you can thank me later. This way you can drink comfortably and have more than just a couple cocktails. 😉
The Looks
Stunning. The atmosphere is truly like no other in this city. Down to the last detail. They really brought the outside in, in keeping with the 1 Hotel “green” theme and are covered in greenery. But not just that, the lighting is amazing, the up-lit bar in the centre of the room is a spectacle that you cannot miss, and let’s just say their staff are definitely not an eye sore. 🙂
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The VIBE
We honestly felt transported. Like as if we had been teleported to LA–honestly though. Having just spent quite a bit of time in Mexico, the only thing I could remotely assimilate to it, is the vibe at the Taboo in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Tulum. Similar electric party vibes, while still maintaining this level of elegance. Where the who’s who in the city comes to play. To see and be seen. Needless to say it is definitely going to be a star-studded destination…and the word on the street is the place hasn’t even opened and Alicia Keys dined there last night (after a couple of appearances in Toronto for the launch of her new brand in Sephora Canada), Julien Christian Lutz (previously known as Director X), athletes, local celebrities and more.
Perfect for birthdays, a night out, business dinners, and they even have a stunning private dining room.
Location: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4
Contact: (416) 601-3593, Website
Community: King Street West
Crowd/VIBE: Mixed, Date Night, Birthdays, Business, Party
Delivery: Not available
Reservations: Sevenrooms
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