Bar Isabel alumni to open new wine bar on Queen West in July

A team of alumni from one of Toronto’s favourite hangouts, Bar Isabel, is rallying together to open a new wine bar on Queen West next month.

Piquette is set to open at Queen and Dovercourt in July, and will offer an “ever-changing selection of carefully sourced wines” by both glass and bottle, in a chill atmosphere.

The space by Ellen Shrybman (Bar Isabel, Montgomery’s Restaurant, Tennessee Tavern, Parasol), Nathan Morrell (Bar Isabel, Bar Raval, Quetzal) and Bar Isabel co-founder Grant van Gameren will serve as the ideal place to wind down at the end of the day.

‘Piquette’ is a French term that refers to a simple, refreshing wine made by adding water to the ‘leftovers’ of winemaking. Taking inspiration from that, the atmopshere of Piquette aims to offer a relaxed, easy and approachable environment to explore new wines.

Knowledgeable and hospitable staff will be at the ready, poised to aid guests in their exploration through Piquette’s offerings. Beyond flavour, staff will offer assistance on choices based on mood and budget, too.

“In our years working in the restaurant and wine industries, Nate and I have come across so many incredible wines that you can’t easily get in Ontario. One of the most exciting parts about this project is that we can finally showcase our favourite small producers that are making exceptional wines,” said Shrybman, in a release.

Morrell is an award-winning Advanced Sommelier with experience in many of the world’s top wine regions, and will co-run the wine bar with Shrybman, who holds a Masters in Food Culture from the University of Gastronomic Science in Piemonte.

“Ellen and I are excited to open Piquette and share our love and respect for our favourite wine producers. We’re putting together a selection of wines that is quite personal to us, and can’t wait to share the stories that brought them to Piquette. The wines that we’ll feature will change all the time, even over the course of a day, so there will always be something new to try,” said Morrell.

“Whether someone knows a whole lot or nothing at all about wine, they will be able to come here, have a chat with our team and try something different and exciting. We’re creating the kind of place that we’d all love to spend time at,” he said.

Piquette’s food menu will change often, with a focus on small sharing plates that celebrate the ingredients that pair best with current wines.

The space will be open from lunch ’til late, seven days a week. Anticipate a 30-seat dining room, ideal for a quick mid-day sip or an evening of lounging with pals.

While an exact opening date is yet to be announced, you know we’re just as excited as you are. Watch this space for more.

Piquette

Address: 1084 Queen Street West

Instagram

See also

Piquette