How many brewers does it take to create a beer you can drink without getting a dry mouth? In the case of the Habits Gastropub, it took three who worked closely to perfect the gastro pub's first custom beer. "It’s a Belgian style saison," says Michelle Genttner who runs the popular College Street hangout with Luis Martins "It's made with hops and has a light, citrusy taste."
Likely the first of a range of beers that will be under the Habits label, Luis and Michelle place a lot of importance on creative wines, spirits and craft beers.
"We have one of the biggest collections of whiskies in the GTA," says Michelle. "We had no idea, but a whiskey connoisseur told us! We just collected what we enjoyed over the years and stocked it at Habits Gastropub, it was a labour of love."
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CREAMY CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT
grilled sourdough, caramelized onions
CRISPY PORK BELLY
shaved fennel, mustard, chili
STEAK TARTARE
shallot, caper, quail egg, grilled bread
CHARRED LEEKS
gribiche, pickled radish, buttermilk fried rings
WARM MUSHROOM SALAD
chorizo, sunchoke, frisée, grated egg yolk
CURED TROUT
beets, pickled onion, herbalicious
CRISPY PORK BELLY
shaved fennel, mustard, chili
BRAISED OCTOPUS
romesco, crispy potatoes
HABITS BURGER
puttanesca relish, smoked brie, pancetta, fries
MAC & CHEESE
smoked bacon, mushrooms, truffle, asiago, parm
GRILLED WHOLE SEA BREAM
zucchini, garlic, grilled lemon
STRIPLOIN
fries, chimichurri
Habits Nanobrewery Saison
Toronto, Ontario (5.5% ABV) Unfilitered with citrus and floral aromatics. Light, crisp malt character, slightly prickly acidity. Refreshing and fruity; dry, peppery finish.
Clifford Porter
Hamilton, Ontario (5.7% ABV) The inaugural beer of Clifford's lineup, this is the perfect winter brew. A balanced bitterness with chocolate and mocha.
Left Field Prospect: Citra
Toronto, Ontario (6.8% ABV) Big, juicy grapefruit, lime, peach and melon aromas are present and the taste is more of the same with a lasting, bitter finish.
Nickel Brook Malevolent Imperial IPA
Burlington, Ontario (9.5% ABV) A black IPA, this beer comes with a heavy, dark roasted maltiness and resiny hops aroma. Full-bodied, well balanced, big bitterness.
Northwinds Gatekeeper IPA
Collingwood, Ontario (7.8% ABV) An American hop-focused beer with a Belgian yeast strain. Aromas of lychee, gooseberry, citrus and pine. Light body with tropical citrus and peppery notes. Finishes sharp and dry with a light biscuit malt flavour.
Northwinds Dubbel Diamond
Collingwood, Ontario (7.3% ABV)
Aromas of plums, raisins and melon, with complex flavours. Hints of figs and spice
Sawdust City Skinny Dipping Stout
Gravenhurst, Ontario (5.5% ABV) A beer for cool spring nights, with aromas of roasted malt, chocolate and coffee. Perfect with dinner or on it's own.
Pommies Dry Cider
Caledon, Ontario (5% ABV) A gluten-free alternative with no artificial flavours or colours. This dry cider is crispy, easy drinking, and a happy alternative to the same-old, same-old of ciders.
Nickel Brook Le Paysan Saison
Burlington, Ontario (5.7% ABV) Distinct fruity aromas. Initial malt flavour with lingering spiciness creates a smooth, refreshing beer.
Nickel Brook Continental Drift
Burlington, Ontario (5.6% ABV) A Belgian pale ale combining American hops with Belgian yeast & malts. The results create an earthy aroma with stone fruit characteristics.
Domaine Saint Michel 2013 Cotes du Rhone, France
Herdade Grande 2013 Monte das Talhas, Portugal
Domingos Alves de Sousa Caldas 2012, Portugal
Blazon 2013 Pinot Noir, California
Castano Solanera 2012 Vinas Viejas, Spain
Zolo 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Argentina
Azienda Casale 2010 Rosso di Toscana ‘Il Bosco’, Italy
San Giorgio Ugolforte 2005 Brunello di Montalcino, Italy
Avignonesi 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Italy
Barone Ricasoli 2009, Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy
Jacopo Biondi Santi 2010 Braccale, Italy
J.P. Ramos, Marques de Borba 2012, Portugal
Casa dos Zagalos, 2008, Portugal
Conde de Vimioso Reserva 2008, Portugal
Quinta do Crasto Reserva 2010, Portugal
Megalomaniac 2013 Reserve Narcissist Riesling VQA, Ontario
Megalomaniac 2012 Pink Slip Pinot Noir Rosé VQA, Ontario
Muros Antigos 2013 Vinho Verde, Portugal
Herdade do Esporão Alandra, Portugal
Altadonna 2011 Pinot Grigio, Italy
Mittnacht-Klack 2009 Riesling, Vin d’Alsace, France
Petit Bourgeois 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, France
Domaine de la Motte 2011 Cuvée Vielles Vignes Chablis, France
Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho 2013 Vinho Verde, Portugal
Alves de Sousa Branco Da Gaivosa 2011, Portugal
Herdade de Malhadinha Nova 2010, Monte de Peceguina, Portugal
Quinta das Marias 2011 Encruzado, Portugal
Fita Azul Celebration Spumante, Portugal
Astoria Prosecco, Italy
Segura Viudas Cava, Spain
Segura Viudas Cava Reserve, Spain
Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France
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When the weather’s nice, you and the girls will want to arrive early so you can grab a table out front on the patio. Those are prime viewing seats in one of the most charming and eclectic neighbourhoods in Toronto, and the patio’s especially nice at sunset. The only essentials at any time of year are a big appetite and a love of live music.
View this Smart ListThis place occupies that comfortable spot between pub and bistro where you can let your hair down with your date and count on the food being a cut above. They have one of the biggest whiskey menus in Toronto, which may or may not be what you want for a date night but says something about the owners’ dedication to food and drink. There’s live jazz on a Friday, which can sweeten anyone’s mood, and may even lead to dancing.
View this Smart List