Maple Leaf Tavern, an eatery that serves elevated North American comfort fare, is launching a new concept, "Friends and Family Night." Executive Chef Stephane Renaux of Maple Leaf Tavern is collaborating with a new chef on the first Tuesday of every month to bring us an amazing 5-course tasting menu. Chef Stephane wants to use these nights to showcase refined sustainable eating, and he's working with chefs who emphasize local ingredients sourced seasonably. His goal is to be accessible, so folks can come in and experience wholesome fine dining without having to wear a tie.
If you're unfamiliar with Maple Leaf Tavern, the stunning east Toronto building was originally built in 1910 and converted to Hotel Maple Leaf in 1935, where it welcomed travellers as a hotel, bar and dining room until 1975. For almost 40 years, the building was a lively drinking hall until going vacant. As of 2016, it has transformed once more into what is now Maple Leaf Tavern, a warm and welcoming space where you are guaranteed to leave with your bellies full.
Chef Stephane Renaux was born in Nantes, France and has been at the helm of Maple Leaf Tavern for over one and a half years now. After a burn-out chapter of his life during Covid, where Chef Stephane became a private chef in the Caribbean, he came back inspired after spending time feeding into his cooking philosophy and ready to go.
Chef Stephane Renaux brings an elevated flare to comfort classics using locally sourced ingredients that evolve with the season. Renaux’s knack for transforming classic cuisine with modern presentation has been recognized by Torontonians since he relocated to the city in 2017, joining Chase Hospitality Group as Executive Sous-Chef and later Kost. Renaux began his career by working with the country’s finest at Georges Blanc Parc & Spa and Hôtel Plaza Athénée, before his acquired French fare was desired by the Caribbean, bringing him to Eden Rock St Barths, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
Chef Stephane's first collaboration in October was a partnership between him and Chef Zach Keeshig from Owen Sound, Ontario. Chef Zach has a rich history working at exclusive restaurants like Langdon Hall, Micheal Stadtlander’s Eigensinn farm, and most recently at Restaurant Pearl Morissette. Today, Zach is running a 13-seat upscale dining room called “Naagan” (Ojibwa for Dish) at the Owen Sound Farmers Market. His cuisine can be defined as progressive aboriginal, sourcing from the land and using his Ojibwa background with French techniques.
Some of the goals ofFriends and Family Night at Maple Leaf Tavern include supporting Canadian farmers, exploring the art of food responsibly, and showcasing the power of elevated sustainable dining. For Chef Stephane, they are the voice of these farmers, they can promote their goods, and they have an opportunity here to do something amazing by bringing Chef Stephane's touch of French technique to Canadian ingredients.
The wood-dominated tavern is warm and welcoming, think of a really refined pub-atmosphere. The tables are lit by sweet little gas lamps, and the rest of the tavern by soft warm bulb lighting to create a romantic effect. The brass accents everywhere catch the light, and juxtapose well with the red leather banquette seating and mix of hardwood and vintage tile floors. There are thoughtfully curated antique pieces and art scattered around the interiors, and it all combines to feel like a great place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
To book a table for Friends and Family Night where you too can experience an incredible 5-course culinary collaboration for $100, you can head to the Maple Leaf Tavern website, Resy or send them a message on Instagram if you'd like more details. In November, Chef Stephane will be pairing up with Chef Taylor McMeekin and creating a menu focused on sustainable fishing. You can also choose to do wine pairings with your courses.
