e11even

The new condo's around the ACC are providing some very interesting new options for the condo-land-condo-dwellers in the area.  E11even is a new-ish addition to the area, right by the ACC...and they've just added in a new patio...one of few in the area.

• Relish: Overall a pretty varied menu, steaks, fish, oysters, and some interesting looking salads. You could easily bring a group here and find something on the menu that would make everyone happy. A special summer '11 by 11' menu provided 11 sharing appetizer options each for $11 - the kobe meatballs were ok, but missing something...a bit bland. Mini grilled cheese with bacon were standard, although did not disappoint, and a chop salad was packed with yummy veggies and a deviled egg...just a bit too much dressing that masked the veggie flavours. I was excited to try the grilled artichokes, but they fully missed the mark (tasted a bit like soap). Overall, the food was good - not perfect - but good, and I would completely feel comfortable recommending this place to a group who was looking for something 'nice' like a keg, but offering more variety.
• Quaff: about 15 wines by the glass for both reds and whites, and some interesting and unusual options (a gruner veltliner, two reisling options, some unusual reds) . I especially LOVED that they served wine in the appropriate glasses, and the Carmel Road Pinot Noir was absolutely lovely. They also have the coolest wine list...ON AN IPAD! Make sure you ask to see it...they don't seem to bring it out to the patio unless requested. It was so much fun to play around with, and some great wine selection at decent prices. You should also check out the wine cellar en route to the washrooms - beautifully displayed.
• Feel: Big business bar is how I would describe the feel in this place. Big tables, high ceiling - it's a good pre-game or pre-concert venue, and a good option for a night out with a big group of friends. The patio is nice, but would suggest it for a weekend or well after rush hour, as it gets loud -  unfortunately not loud from great conversations - but from the construction cranes and cars driving by en route to the gardiner. That being said, it's a great new patio for the condo/acc area, and has a nice unpretentious but upscale feel inside.

I did really enjoy the beautiful lighting fixture right above the patio - reminded me of sparkling embers in a campfire...slightly mesmerizing. 

w: e11even