After several long months of repairs, is now open for business in its original Mount Pleasant space following a fire last summer.
The blaze broke out on the morning of June 27, 2023 at 209 E. 6th Ave, forcing the restaurant to cease operations.
The Michelin-recommended Bar Susu opened in 2022 in the historic building formerly home to The Whip, earning several accolades in its debut year, including being named one of Canada's 50 best bars of 2023.
However, operators Boxset Collective (who also operate the Michelin-starred Published on Main) swiftly deployed Bar Susu and much of its inventive and lively food and drink programming over to its nearby Novella. Bar Susu operated in the evening in the borrowed space on Main Street.
“We were always hopeful Bar Susu could one day return to its original space and after nine months of meetings, permits, and construction reviews, we’re so excited to finally make it happen,” said Cody Allmin, co-founder of Boxset Collective, in a media release issued March 11.
“Our team has done incredible things on Main Street – some of which we’ll definitely be carrying back with us to 6th Avenue,” added Allmin.
New menu and happy hour at Bar Susu
For its return to 6th Avenue, Bar Susu has put out a refreshed menu of small plates, best shared and ideally paired with some kind of beverage.
Bar Susu has always been known for its whimsical and playful takes on familiar ingredients and dishes, which is evident in menu selections like a beef tartare with flavours inspired by pho, or their addictive "Kentucky Fried Mushrooms" featuring big chunks of battered and fried juicy maitake mushrooms with a spicy dipping sauce.
The broccolini comes with Jerusalem artichoke with mole and grated cheese, while their house-made chips are perfectly crisp and salty. Many of the dishes, like the crowd-pleasing stuffed boneless chicken wing in a fiery sauce, lean on the bold side and beg for something to sip on, whereas Bar Susu also has more delicate offerings, like a hamachi crudo in agua chile with fermented strawberries.
When it comes to beverages, there are cocktails and mocktails, however, Bar Susu is beloved for its wine program. The = wine list "highlights artisanal producers that believe in sustainable action and honest wine-making practices," describes Bar Susu. The restaurant tends to "focus greatly on organic, biodynamic, natural, and low-intervention wines."
Bar Susu has just launched a fresh happy hour, which finds customers able to enjoy 35 per cent off all bottles of wine along with 25 per cent off select snacks between 5 and 6 p.m. daily.
Novella now closed, new concept from same owners on the horizon
Meanwhile, changes are afoot at Bar Susu's long-time temporary home, Novella.
The cafe/restaurant closed on April 7.
During its last several months as a satellite operation, Bar Susu had ostensibly replaced Vignette, which is what Novella's evening concept had been called. A the time, Allmin said Vignette would be undergoing an "evolution."
"With Novella, the decision to wind down is definitely bittersweet," said Allmin ahead of the planned closure.
Boxset will be "opening a brand new, soon-to-be-announced, program in the space," at 2650 Main St. Allmin noted.
What Michelin Guide-recognized 91大黄鸭 restaurants have closed?
There have been just a handful of 91大黄鸭 restaurants selected for distinctions on the city's Michelin Guide that have endured significant operational changes or closures since the list debuted in 91大黄鸭 in 2022. Hanai, added as a recommendation in July 2023, closed a month after Bar Susu when a fire next door forced a shutdown.
Just down The Drive, Oca Pastificio closed briefly in 2023, but re-emerged soon after, following the death of its original chef and co-founder, now rebranded as Magari by Oca. However, Nightshade and Regal Mansion restaurants have both closed.
Video: Returning to Bar Susu in its original location
Food that makes you want to drink (wine) in 91大黄鸭 鉁�
This article was originally published March 11, 2024, and has been updated.
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