MICHELIN-recommended Restaurant Lucie is thrilled to present La Collab No. 8, the second La Collab of the Monthly Chef Series in 2025. An exclusive one-night-only dining event taking place on February 27, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Lucie (100 Yonge St., Toronto). This month features Chef Michael Angeloni, who leads the kitchens at Amano Trattoria and The Berczy Tavern, alongside Executive Chef Arnaud Bloquel of Lucie. Together, they will celebrate the perfect harmony between French gastronomy and traditional Italian cuisine. Guests will enjoy a meticulously curated multi-course tasting experience, expertly paired with premium wines and signature cocktails, for $295 per person, inclusive of beverage pairings and gratuity. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Reservations can be made HERE.
Meet the Chefs:
Chef Arnaud Bloquel (right, above)
Executive Chef, Restaurant Lucie
Born in Guadeloupe, Chef Arnaud Bloquel has built an impressive career shaped by diverse cultural influences and rigorous training in France’s most celebrated MICHELIN-starred kitchens. After earning accolades for his restaurant L’Orchidea in the Caribbean, Chef Bloquel now leads the kitchen at Restaurant Lucie, where his modern take on French cuisine continues to elevate Toronto’s fine dining landscape.
Chef Michael Angeloni (left, above)
Executive Chef, Amano Trattoria & The Berczy Tavern
Chef Michael Angeloni is a celebrated Toronto-based chef known for his contemporary approach to Italian cuisine. Currently leading the kitchens at Amano Trattoria and The Berczy Tavern, Chef Angeloni merges his Italian and Polish heritage with a deep respect for time-honoured culinary traditions. His menus highlight handmade pasta, in-house butchery, and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that honour Italian classics while embracing modern techniques.
With experience at some of Toronto’s most acclaimed restaurants, including L’Unita, Splendido, The Black Hoof, and Grand Electric, Chef Angeloni has developed a culinary style that is bold, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
The evening will begin with a welcome glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne, followed by a meticulously curated multi-course menu, designed to showcase the harmonious blend of French and Italian culinary traditions. Guests will enjoy an immersive dining experience, with the opportunity to engage with the chefs as they share the culinary inspirations behind each dish. This exclusive event celebrates the rich heritage of two of the world’s most beloved cuisines.
Please note, La Collab No. 8 is a prepaid event with a fixed menu, and dietary restrictions may not be accommodated. The event is for guests aged 19 and over.
Experience an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry and reserve your table HERE.
For Inquiries About La Collab No. 8, Please Visit HERE.
A special thank you to San Pellegrino and G.H. Mumm Champagne for their support in making this collaboration possible.
The much-anticipated grand opening of The Berczy Tavern is set for July 18, 2024, at 69 Front Street East in the heart of Old Town Toronto. Brought to life by Chef Michael Angeloni and his partners Adam Teolis and Yannick Bigourdan, the new locale promises to be a standout destination for locals and visitors alike with its vibrant live music, new American Bistro cuisine, and historic charm.
“We are thrilled to establish The Berczy Tavern in such a historic and vibrant part of Toronto,” said Adam Teolis, co-owner of The Berczy Tavern. “Our goal is to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, where the community can come together to enjoy great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.”
Located at the intersection of Front and Church Streets, The Berczy Tavern occupies a heritage building across from its namesake, Berczy Park. The restaurant has undergone significant renovations to preserve the building’s historic charm while introducing contemporary elements. Guests will be greeted by a 20-foot tall marble bar, brass detailing, and a grand piano – set to create an unforgettable atmosphere with live performances every evening.
Chef Michael Angeloni has a personal connection to the building, having frequented it during his culinary school days when it housed a Japanese restaurant. This deep-rooted affinity for the location, combined with a desire to create a unique, owner-operated establishment, is at the heart of The Berczy Tavern. Chef Michael is in the kitchen, and Adam is on the floor, ensuring a personal touch in every aspect.
“Toronto needed a destination where people could go for unique experiences. Food and beverage is one thing, but adding music to the mix elevates it to another level,” added Teolis, “The Berczy is a combination of everything we love—perfect dining room, ambiance, and music. We aim to create that dinner party feel with music, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere where tables aren’t too spread out.” Guests can enjoy live performances by local talent on weekdays starting at 8:00 p.m. and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) beginning at 9:30 p.m., featuring a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, big band tunes, and some of the city’s best piano players.
The restaurant offers a New American bistro menu influenced by the culinary traditions of the South of France, North of Italy, and Spain. The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavours and techniques from these regions, blending them seamlessly with contemporary North American cuisine. Highlights include snackable favourites like crab cakes and grilled oysters, as well as shareable plates like octopus and rack of lamb. The beverage program is equally diverse, boasting over 50 wine labels, a selection of local and foreign beers, classic and contemporary cocktails, and a dedicated whiskey nook.
“Old Town Toronto’s unique blend of history and modern vibrancy makes it the perfect home for The Berczy Tavern,” said Chef Michael Angeloni. “We’re excited to contribute to the neighbourhood’s rich culinary scene with a menu that reflects the diverse influences of my culinary journey. We want every diner to leave our restaurant feeling proud of living in Toronto, as the food, drinks, and atmosphere work in harmony to create an unforgettable experience.”
The Berczy Tavern caters to a wide range of dining preferences and occasions, offering a refined dining room at the back for romantic dinners or family celebrations, while the front area provides a more casual bar environment with live music. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Excitingly, there is plenty in the works as the team prepares to open for lunch and brunch in the near future.
For more information, visit www.theberczy.com or follow us on @theberczy.
See some highlights from a Media Preview we were so lucky to attend:
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