Simpl Things

Toronto

Transformative, dual-concept wizardry

When Simpl Things opened in late-2022, it brought a novel concept to Toronto’s burgeoning bar scene. Masterminded by local hospitality rising star and cocktail author Evelyn Chick, the bar, restaurant and social hub has quickly become one of Canada’s hottest hangouts, thanks to a few tricks up its sleeve.

During the day, Simpl Things feels like a sun-soaked Mediterranean bistro, where plates of comforting pasta created by chef Cody Wilkes flow out of its kitchen. However, at sunset, it flips the script: out go the Italian inflections and in comes an entirely new menu of neo-Chinese street food snacks, courtesy of chef-duo Eva Chin and Trevor Liu. Both kitchen teams have total creative control over their menus but are connected by the convivial Simpl Things DNA that keeps guests coming back through its doors.

Where its food menu diverges from day to night, the Simpl Things drinks menu is an all-day affair. Chick’s curated list spans the full gamut of cocktails, split into multiple categories, from its clarified ‘Rollin’ with the Punches’ through to ‘Warm and Fuzzys’ and ‘Martini Vibes’. Regardless of what’s on the plate, there’s a drink to match. For plates of confit chicken gnocchi Sorrentina, think easy-sipping spritzes, such as Sunset in Venice (white vermouth, citrus peel cordial, lemon); for fluffy mushroom bao, the Life’s Simpl (sake, vodka, toasted brown rice, ginger, lemon) works in tandem with the punchy Asian flavours. If closing time comes around too swiftly, Simpl Things even offers canned cocktails which can be bought and enjoyed at home, such as Nothing Com-pears to You (pear vodka, lillet blanc, apple, fennel, lime soda).

Cocktails not your thing? Simpl Things also boasts a serious list of natural wines, which are sold at 50% off on Sundays. If the choice is overwhelming, you can even opt for the $7.50 ‘mystery glass’ and surrender your judgement to its knowledgeable staff. Its zero-proof options, such as the Fin Soda Aperitivo (orange, raspberries, cane sugar, grapefruit) are just as noteworthy, too.

Tied together with its interior that majors on rustic chic – with exposed bricks and natural light aplenty accented by eclectic vintage furnishings and custom wallpaper – and it’s hard not to fall for Simpl Things’ charm.

As the bar world continues to progress and expand, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd. Simpl Things’ dual-concept approach has brought something truly new to the table and is rightfully named the winner of the Campari One To Watch Award 2024.

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