“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Ferris
Bueller
It’s
a shame that in today’s society we are all so busy rushing around, being slaves
to the clock and our devices. That we
are constantly under the scrutiny of our individual productivity and how it counts
more than one’s quality of life. We here
in North America are always constantly on the perpetual treadmill or putting
the axe to the grindstone. In my heart,
I have always asked why? Why, can’t we be more like our European counterparts? They work, but they take great care to ensure that they have time to enjoy, the
simple things, good food, good family and great conversation…not so here I feel...it
is truly sad.
As
I sit at my desk taking a moment to pause before I get down to the heart of
writing this blog post. I take time to reflect on the experience that I and my
fellow media took in tonight at RAKIA Bar.
It is this pause to reflect that has got me thinking, how refreshing it
is to sit, talk and relax with friends and enjoy each other’s company. Those of you, who know me and know of my
involvement with Diner en Blanc, know why I dedicate my time for such an event. It is in the very essence of my love for joie
de vivre that encouraged me to participate and found/host the Toronto event. RAKIA Bar located in the trendy up and coming
hood of Leslieville has at its core a laid back eurocentric mentality that is
sorely lacking in this rat race city. People
today are way too concerned with work, paying bills and bearing the bonds that
weigh each and every one of us down. In
my opinion, this has got to change; it is so refreshing to see this new
addition to our fair city. Here at Rakia
Bar, you are encouraged to come and stay awhile, sip and enjoy lovely artisanally
created fructose based spirits, that are as sophisticated to the nose as they
are to the palate. Along with the
sipping, there are the bites to accompany and accentuate these unique and
lovely brandies. The guys, who are
behind the movement of introducing Rakia wish to encourage you to come, chat and
stay awhile.
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What is Rakia? Rakia encompasses all types of fructose based
alcoholic spirits. The Rakia family includes
Eau-de-Vie, Calvados, Schnapps, Palinka Brandy, but by any name Rakia is a
social thread that connects the cultures of much of Europe. At the roots of many eastern European
cultures there is a form of Rakia. Mostly
created by using ingredients of what was readily available: the must of spent grapes, the abundance of
fruits and their regional climate. Individually,
each culture created their own form of “Rakia” but not necessarily specifically
known as Rakia – but it is in the similarities of the distillation methodology/consumption
that makes this a unified classification possible.
Its popularity has spread all over from
France and heading into the heart of Eastern Europe – Rakia has flourished not exclusively
with the upper class but will all classes. The New York Times describes it as, “Fruit’s
essence captured in a bottle.” Rakia is
an all-natural, artisan distilled fruit-spirit that is meant to be sipped,
savoured and contemplated. It is the traditional offering that one receives as
a guest in one’s house, usually accompanied with a small taste of whatever is
available.
Dušan Varga, Rakia expert and the Rakia Bar Team have come up with a
unique formula that sticks to the traditions of Eastern Europe but have
incorporated twists to cater to our North American sensibilities in terms of
cocktails and a lovely menu. Having the opportunity to have been invited to the
media event hosted by Mary Luz and her company Sizzling Communications, I
experienced a great detailed education into the world and craftsmanship of what
makes fine artisanal quality Rakia. I wish to thank them; it was a lovely
evening and a truly enjoyable event. I will most certainly want to share this
new restaurant lounge with my friends and colleagues anytime.
Rakia
Bar is a truly unique Toronto feature. It is at its very essence a meeting
point where one can come after work, meet old friends or make new ones, enjoy
food and Rakia and reflect on the day in a lovely atmosphere. Rakia and Food
are inextricably linked and is at the heart of how it is meant to be consumed.
Rakia Bar’s kitchen is proficient and is a hub of activity as Chef Brook
Kavanagh creates dishes inspired by the bar/salon culture of Central and
Eastern Europe fused with Canadian sensibilities especially in their brunch
items.
I’ll
have to admit that I have yet to enjoy a full meal of the Eastern European inspired
menu. From what I have seen, their food
will impress. They offer a brunch on the
weekend and a full menu throughout the week for dinner. But what I can say with certainty is that the
guys are as passionate about their food as they are about Rakia. You can hear it in the voice and soul when
you discuss their food, I will most definitely be having a meal sometime very
soon, brunch (which I love) in particular. I’m really excited
about their brunch which sounded absolutely magnificent. What I can and will rave about are the mezze
that they prepared to accompany each of the individual Rakia’s for the tasting.
They were delish and complemented each of the different flavours either by
enhancing/contrasting the Rakia.
At
times, the flavours that came out of the combination struck me as a revelation
in taste, without exaggerating it created a symphony of both aroma and taste to
my senses. It was truly an epiphany that
I had not up till then experienced as it relates to spirits. Never have I ever experienced such a complexity
of taste, clean on the tongue, smoothness in throat and warmth all at once, it
has left me craving. Incredible!
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My
overall impressions are as follows: I
love the vibe, the guys are magnificent and their passion towards food and
drink is infectious, the décor is lovely, the patio will rock in the Summer and
if they provide awesome music (Lemon Bucket Orkestra) like they did during the
media event…this place is going to be a very prominent hotspot in Toronto.
RAKIA Bar is located within the same building shared with Queen MargheritaPizza I can see how this will only benefit and compliment each of these establishments very
well! I would encourage you all to visit
and experience the tastes of Rakia Bar soon!
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RAKIA BAR
1402 Queen Street East, Unit B
Toronto, ON
Facebook.com/rakiabartoronto
Twitter @RakiaBarTO
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