TORONTO, January 06, 2012: Throughout our TDot TV travels we often discover places where history and lifestyle intersect.  No other Toronto establishment embodies this more than the Winchester Kitchen and Bar in recent memory.

Located in the historic Toronto neighborhood of Cabbagetown, the space has seen performances by legendary jazz musician Billie Holiday and was frequented by Chicago strongman Al Capone.  Now designated as a heritage building, the long and slender dining room features fireplaces tucked in between picture windows, as well as a classic bar from the 1941 update with the original Winchester hotel sign hung prominently above to pay homage to the past.

The price-conscious menu features modern Canadian bistro cuisine and is executed by 33 year-old Chef Binh An Nguyen (formerly of The Spoke Club).  Locally sourced ingredients are used to put a modern twist on classic Southern European bistro dishes.  The menu was conceived with dual purposes: guests can eat traditionally by ordering an appetizer, main and dessert for each person or they can dine tapas style by ordering several small, big and “besides” dishes to share.  Choose from small dishes such as Cast Iron Calamari (Chorizo, arugula, peppers) for $12 and Three Little Pigs (Porchetta di testa, pork rillette, pork terrine, house pickles, house mustard) for $14.  Standout big dishes include Smoked Ontario Trout (Bitter greens, shaved red onion fingerlings, mustard seed velouté) for $17 and Cabbagetown Rolls (Confit rabbit, wild mushrooms, ancient grain & pork stuffing, tomato sauce) for $15.  Finish off the meal with a delectable dessert like Maple Panna Cotta (Cinnamon apple compote) for $10 or a Chocolate Brownie (Crème anglaise, port berry compote, vanilla ice cream) for $8.

“We wanted to create a full sensory experience for our guests by offering them the three d’s necessary for a memorable night on the town: dinner, drinks and dancing,” says Co-Owner Anesti Tsiourantanis (formerly of Canoe and Nota Bene).

After dinner, the Winchester Kitchen & Bar transforms into a live music spot.  Enjoy weekly events such as All Funk Saturdays with an impressive drink list with hits such as the Winchestacesar (vodka, wine, cider vin, fennel, horseradish, brine, sambal, worster, clamato, lime, olive, pickle, jerky) and the Electric Whiskey (Canadian Whiskey, Aperol, lime, sweet).

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 416.323.0051.

Visit Winchester Kitchen & Bar online at: www.winchesterkitchen.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/winchkitchen.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/winchkitchen.