#FOOD: MINAMI TO HOST BAR BATTLE SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

On Monday, September 22, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Minami Toronto will host its first ever Bar Battle, a cocktail showdown between Morgan McLaughlin of Simpl Things and Daichi Takahashi, representing Civil Works at Waterworks Food Hall and 915 Dupont. Simpl Things, named Campari’s “One to Watch” at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024, faces off against Civil Works, winner of the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award 2025 and ranked number 55 in the extended list for North America’s 50 Best Bars. Each bartender will be creating original whisky-based cocktails made with Toki Whisky, generously provided by Suntory Global Spirits. Attendees will have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner, while a panel of expert judges selects their top pick. The judging panel includes Troy Gilchrist, Beverage Director at No Vacancy, Christian Hamel, Wine Director at Harbour Sixty and Arianna, Abdullah Khan, On Premise and Retail Representative at Suntory Global Spirits, Angela Allan, Beverage Manager and Sommelier at Minami Toronto and Miku Toronto, and a representative from Cocktail Emporium. The event is proudly sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits, Perrier and Cocktail Emporium. Tickets are priced at $35 plus tax and gratuity and are available for purchase HERE.

Guests will be welcomed into Minami Toronto’s stylish lounge area with a Perrier mocktail upon arrival, followed by two full-sized cocktails crafted by the competing bartenders. Light bites from Head Chef Nao Akutagawa will be available throughout the evening, highlighting the restaurant’s reputation for refined Japanese tapas. Once guests have enjoyed their drinks, the cocktail competition will begin as each bartender presents their creations. Attendees will then cast their votes, and the evening will conclude with the announcement of both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice winners.

Meet the Bartenders:

Morgan McLaughlin
Bar Lead, Simpl Things
Morgan grew up surrounded by the hospitality industry and has spent the past two years as Bar Lead at Evelyn Chick’s projects, including standout ventures like Ahma and Simpl Things. Her background in theatre sparked a love for performance and competition, which has carried into her bartending career. That passion recently took her to France, where she proudly represented Canada at the 2024 Global Finals of the Monin Cup. “I’m thrilled to bring that same spirit of creativity and competition to Minami’s Bar Battle,” says McLaughlin. “It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with Toronto’s cocktail community and share what I love most about bartending.”

Daichi Takahashi
Civil Works & 915 Dupont
Daichi Takahashi has made a name for himself at Civil Works and 915 Dupont, where he brings precision, flair, and thoughtful technique to every cocktail. Known for his ability to balance bold flavours with elegant presentation, Daichi has quickly become one of Toronto’s most exciting rising talents behind the bar. “I’m excited to step behind the bar at Minami and showcase my approach to cocktails in this friendly competition,” says Takahashi. “Bar Battles are a chance to push creativity and connect with the city’s cocktail lovers in a fun, high-energy way.”

Meet the Judges:
Troy Gilchrist
Beverage Director, No Vacancy
Troy Gilchrist is the Beverage Director at No Vacancy in Toronto with close to three decades of experience behind the bar. His career highlights include roles at acclaimed venues such as Boehmer, Lucid Cocktail and Kitchen, URSA, Harbour Sixty, BlueBlood Steakhouse, Ace Mercado, and Overpressure Club, which was ranked number 24 on Canada’s Best Bars 2024. A past winner of the Bombay Sapphire and GQ Most Imaginative Bartender competition in Ontario and the Grey Goose Pourmasters competition, Troy has built a reputation for creativity, hospitality, and a refined approach to cocktail culture, establishing himself as a respected leader in Toronto’s bar scene.

Chrtistian Hamel
Wine Director at Harbour Sixty & Arianna

Christian Hamel is the Wine Director at Harbour Sixty, a seasoned expert and advanced sommelier with the WCAT, a WSET 4 diploma, along with being named Best Sommelier in Ontario by the Certified Association of Professional Sommeliers. He curates a very special wine list that complements diverse menus through a thoughtful collection of international wines.

Abdullah Khan
On-Premise & Retail Representative at Suntory Canada

With over five years of experience in trade marketing and brand representation within the beverage alcohol industry, Abdullah Khan brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the field. Highly educated and trained in the artistry of spirits development and pairings, Abdullah holds a WSET certification and has earned multiple certificates from renowned spirit distillers worldwide. His deep knowledge and dedication to the craft enable him to drive brand success and foster meaningful partnerships in the industry.

Angela Allan
Beverage Manager and Sommelier, Aburi Restaurants Toronto
Angela Allan brings over a decade of international experience to Canada’s hospitality scene, having honed her craft in New Zealand at acclaimed restaurants like Pasture and Onslow by Josh Emett. A certified sommelier with WSET Level 3 and a French Wine Scholar designation, she was named New Zealand’s Best Sommelier in 2023 and has represented the country at global events including Vinexpo Hong Kong. Now back in Toronto, Angela is recognized for her ability to create unforgettable pairings.

Event Details
Event: Bar Battle at Minami Toronto
Date: Monday, September 22
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Minami Toronto, 225 King St W, Toronto, ON
Tickets: $35 (plus tax and gratuity). Includes two full-sized cocktails, light bites, and voting privileges. Tickets available HERE.

About Minami Toronto
Located in the heart of Toronto’s bustling entertainment district, Minami Toronto is the latest Japanese restaurant from Aburi Restaurants Canada, known for their signature flame seared Aburi sushi. Minami offers a drinks focused experience with one of the largest sake selections in the city, alongside original cocktails, beer, and wine. The menu is led by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa, whose approach reflects both tradition and innovation. The space combines fire inspired design elements with stunning custom art installations, including a mural by renowned Japanese artist Hideki Kimura and a fabric art installation by Toronto based designers Moss and Lam. Featuring a lounge, dining banquettes, and a main dining room, Minami provides an elevated yet intimate atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from day to night.

About Simpl Things
Simpl Things is a neighbourhood gathering place offering craft cocktails, wine, beer, and delightful bites. By day, guests can enjoy comforting Italian dishes, while by night the space transforms into an Asian snack bar. The result is a playful fusion of familiar flavours with a unique twist, creating food and drinks that go straight to the heart. With its welcoming atmosphere, Simpl Things is your home away from home, a place to share amazing food, sip thoughtful cocktails, and enjoy great vibes with friends.

About Civil Works
From the award-winning bar Civil Liberties comes Civil Works, recently ranked number 55 on the Best Bars in North America list. Located on the mezzanine off Brant Street, this Art Deco-inspired space combines industrial charm with timeless glamour and overlooks the vibrant food hall below. The menu is narrative-driven, featuring inventive cocktails, martinis, alcohol free options, curated wine and beer, and a unique spirits program paired with custom water from around the world.

About 915 Dupont
Located in Dovercourt Village, 915 Dupont is a Japanese inspired listening lounge, restaurant, café and cocktail bar created by Nigel Wang. Guests can enjoy seasonal izakaya style small plates crafted by chef Arush Singh, often blending Indian and Japanese flavours such as house harissa accented beef tartare, kimchi inspired daikon pickles and charcoal grilled caulilini. The venue transforms throughout the day, serving as a café in the morning and afternoon before becoming a hi-fi listening bar and cocktail destination by night.