The Chase Fish and Oyster (Brunch): Toronto, Canada

Name: The Chase Fish and Oyster
Address: 10 Temperance St, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4, Canada
Website: Website
Phone: (647) 348-7000
Wifi: No
Tender: Debit, Credit, Cash
Neighbourhood: Financial District
Type: Seafood

Located on Temperance Street in Toronto’s Financial District, the Chase Fish and Oyster has recently started to offer brunch on the weekends. On one hand I think to myself “it’s about damn time”. On the other hand I think it’s somewhat of a bold move given that it is in the heart of the Financial District. While this area is bustling from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm during business hours it pretty much becomes a ghost-town in the evenings and on weekends when all the Bay Street bankers return to their sprawling homes in the suburbs.

That being said I welcome any potential opportunity to have a new brunch spot to dine at on weekends. I was especially anticipating this brunch since I’ve dined here for lunch and dinner on numerous occasions and every experience has been phenomenal.

What is brunch without a few drinks to start? We choose an O’Shandy cocktail ($11 CDN + tax) and a Strawberry Basil Juice ($7 CDN + tax)

The O’Shandy is a cocktail mixture of gin, pineapple, Orgeat, IPA float. The Strawberry Basil juice is just that, strawberry and basil poured over ice and garnished with more basil. Both drinks are tart, yet refreshing. Perfect summer drinks.

Next, we get the Large Seafood Platter, $105 CDN + tax.  Oysters, clams, shrimp, tuna, crab, and salmon deviled eggs are served alongside freshly grated horseradish and  house made sauces including hot sauce, cocktail sauce, and a mignonette. Known for their seafood it’s not surprising that this is where the Chase Fish and Oyster shines. Everything is fresh and tastes like it was caught just that same morning. This is a dish you would regret not having when visiting. A smaller version without the crab and salmon deviled eggs is also available for $50 CDN + tax.

We then try the Banana Foster’s Pancakes ($15 CDN + tax) and the Hogtown Fry ($17 CDN + tax).

The Banana Foster’s Pancakes consist of 3 pancakes which are served with dark rum, bananas, candied pecans, and bitters. The bananas are roasted perfectly with the dark rum and the flavors are deep, rich, yet not overly sweet.

The Hogtown Fry is served with three crispy oysters, bacon, eggs, and then drizzled with garlic horseradish aioli. The oysters are cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and meaty on the inside. Paired with the bacon, eggs, and horseradish aioli it is a perfect tasting seafood frittata-style meal.

Lastly, we try the King Crab Benedict ($29 CDN + tax). Two poached eggs are served on top of coleslaw, watercress, hollandaise, and two thick king crab cakes. This is the perfect seafood eggs benedict. The king crab is fresh and eggs and hollandaise do not overpower the delicate taste of the crab. The coleslaw and watercress add nice texture and complement the rest of the dish well.

The Chase Fish and Oyster has garnered a reputation for some of the best seafood in the city, and rightfully so. Each dish was beyond exceptional, to the point where I couldn’t quite pinpoint which I enjoyed most. Even their non-seafood dish, the Banana Foster’s pancakes, shined amongst the seafood gems. While I have yet to try every dish that is offered on their brunch menu, if what I have tried is any indication, it is most likely the type of menu where you could close your eyes, point to anything, and still be happy with what you get.

The brunch was exactly what I, and majority of Toronto, have come to expect from the Chase Fish and Oyster – friendly & attentive service paired with perfectly cooked and sinfully delicious dishes. I would go as far as to say that this is my new favorite brunch in the city.

 

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored, however the meal/items were complimentary. All opinions expressed are my own. All menu offerings and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to restaurant/shop for most up to date information.

*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable