TORONTO GUARDIAN.
Mademoiselle makes a splashy entrance on King West.
King Street West has garnered a reputation of being the city’s nightlife and clubbing district. Mixed in with contemporary restaurants and neighbourhood hangs, it’s a playground for downtown dwellers and those who want to be seen. If the pandemic years have got you down then a visit to the area any given night and you’ll see that life for many has decided to move on. We recently were invited to peek inside Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill during the splashy media preview/opening night party.
The building itself is hardly recognizable from its past life. Walking past it during construction about a month ago I didn’t even think about who, or rather what, this warehouse-sized space was used for. Having lived within walking distance for eight years, I was reminded that it was For Your Eyes Only. Remember? Right. For years, I would walk past the dark unassuming exterior of the popular strip club. Today, the exterior is painted over in crisp white with ocean blue mediterranean accents and trim.
Take in a dinner, yes. The food we had tried was delicious and the staff were attentive — it’s on our list to return to have a proper meal at some point. But as the night progressed the whole Mademoiselle vibe changes from “oh, hey Toronto is looking so sophisticated!” to where the fuck are we? Vegas? Ibiza? The number of champagne bottles that were raised in the air was quite something to see after cocooning with our warm cocoa at home for the past few years. Yes, this place is next level and pushes further, farther and faster the later you stay — if it’s your scene then have fun but if it’s not, get out after dinner.
Mademoiselle is vibrant and has an energy many of us haven’t seen since pre-covid. For many here on media preview turned opening night party it was all about living the life. Put away your leisurewear boys and girls…unless it’s Fendi or Balenciaga. And be prepared to open your wallets.
Written by: Sonya Davidson
Toronto Guardian
Full Article: https://torontoguardian.com/2022/05/mademoiselle-toronto/
