#FOOD: DAPHNE TO OPEN IN TORONTO’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT

INK Entertainment Group and Dream Office REIT (TSX:D.UN) (“Dream”) are proud to announce their new collaboration, Daphne, a tantalizing American concept restaurant and bar, located at 67 Richmond St. West, in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District.

Daphne is a partnership between hospitality and entertainment powerhouse INK Entertainment Group and one of Canada’s leading real estate companies, Dream. This is the first partnership between the two established companies as they look to revitalize and bring the energy and zeal back to the Financial District. With a shared vision to establish the Alleyway, a vibrant outdoor destination that transforms a series of back laneways and features elevated seating and lounge spaces. Creating indoor-outdoor connections, Dream and INK Entertainment aspire to set a new standard for hospitality in this renowned neighbourhood.

“We’re proud to bring a fresh rendition of an American-style restaurant, positioned at the heart of the Financial District’s revitalization. With a shared vision to create something special for the city, we’re looking forward to creating an elevated culinary destination as part of the Alleyway project, says Charles Khabouth, CEO, INK Entertainment.

Dream’s ambitious plan for the Financial District, through its Dream Collection – Financial District, seeks to redefine the area’s identity and create a new destination that will captivate visitors and residents alike.

“More than a workplace destination, the Financial District is a hospitality hub for Toronto. It’s been an honour to partner with INK Entertainment and Studio Paolo Ferrari to bridge our city’s rich heritage with iconic design and top hospitality experiences,” adds Krystal Koo, Head of Sales and Marketing of Dream.

Opening on June 22, Daphne is a modern American style restaurant and garden terrace totalling over 8,000 sq. ft., and serving as the flagship space in the Alleyway. The one-of-a-kind restaurant is nestled among Toronto’s high-rises, bounded by Bay Street to the east, Temperance Street to the south and Richmond Street to the north. This marks INK’s first foray into the Financial District, building on its vast expertise after helming some of the most iconic brands in hospitality – including restaurants Amal, Byblos and Sofia Yorkville as well as the Bisha Hotel.

Daphne offers American cuisine with a contemporary twist, skillfully curated by Executive Chef John Chee (previously at Patois, Shook, Patria). The menu showcases a delectable selection of seasonal American classics, complemented by an array of small bites, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list, all presented within an elegant and modern ambiance. At the heart of the culinary offerings are two authentic wood-fired grills, infusing a distinct flavor into each dish. Locally sourced ingredients, along with local and imported seafood, are expertly grilled over live coals, ensuring a tantalizing dining experience. Each dish is thoughtfully enhanced with the addition of seasonal produce, while the bakery crafts artisanal breads by hand.

Complementary to each dish is the carefully curated wine collection which highlights the benchmarks of American winemaking. Paying homage to its famous West Coast heritage, it also incorporates classic old-world regions that have stood the test of time. The cocktails, designed by Daphne’s Mixologist Nishan Chandra, emphasize the ingredients and taste of Americana that serve notes of nostalgia and the comfort of tradition with each sip.

The design of the Alleyway and Daphne is being led by the visionary interior design firm, Studio Paolo Ferrari with a contemporary and eclectic reimagining of the quintessential American bistro. With his vast portfolio in designing beautiful, upscale commercial spaces in sought-after international markets like Dubai, Ferrari’s vision for the restaurant is poised at a natural tension of eras. Sprawling, expansive, and set across a series of distinctive rooms, Daphne embodies the unexpected while also bringing in the warmth and nostalgia of New England prep. Furnishings and lighting are entirely custom-designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, from the elegant pinstripe seating in the drawing room to the artful polished metal host station. Extending out from the interiors is a sprawling garden terrace, filled with plants and abundant soft seating that encourages lounging. As guests journey through the multi-room space, unexpected touches and details evoke wonder and awe, reminiscent of the mannerism you would expect to find in a grand private residence.

Daphne is located at 67 Richmond St. West and will be open for lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday between 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m., Fridays between 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting June 22. Advance reservations can now be made via OpenTable.

For more information, visit www.daphnetoronto.com or follow Daphne on Instagram @daphnetoronto.