La Societe

Ohh la la .. La Societe is the new 'see and be seen' hotspot opened in time for patio season and will certainly be a destination for Toronto film fest.  It has taken over the former location of Dynasty Chinese restaurant on bloor and the lower courtyard patio as well making it the only patio and large restaurant in the new renovated stretch of Bloor attracting the shoppers, tourists, whos who and wannabe 'socialites'. 
With powerhouse design house Munge Leung behind this, the space has been transformed with a $4M dollar makeover and no expense overlooked to turn the room into a stunning dining area with a head-turning stained glass ceiling, a stylish glowing bar room and two large hopping patios.  One street level that serves a reduced' bar menu' and one that is elevated that overlooks pedestrians as they stroll by on the sidewalk.
This french brasserie has all the classics from duck a l'orange, french onion soup, rich pates, foie, steak frites and steak tartare.  However les fruits de mer, seafood selection, is the highlight here!  Fresh oysters, clams, fish, lobsters are on display in their raw bar inside the restaurant for the picking. 
I have to say although this space is gorgeous and Yorkville has been waiting for something new, the food is just alright.  On the lower patio area, there's a reduced menu as it houses it's own satallite kitchen complete with a BBQ to pump out quick meals- salads,  sammies and dishes with dabbles of seafood or meat.  For lunch - we had the croque monseiur - which is a ham and cheese sandwich with cheese melted 'au gratin' on the top of  the sandwich.  It wasn't the best croque I've seen but it was still savoury and enjoyable.  The salad with the PEI Fresh Lobster was a good portion size.  The upstairs patio and restaurant enjoy the expanded menu. 
Brunch is served on weekends - with a selection of dishes that use hollandaise sauce like eggs florentine, brie and mushroom omlettes, quiche of the day and a normal country breakfast with sausage and bacon.  Again the food was nothing too spectacular.
Of course, like others, I will be back to scope out the scenery and people watch but perhaps after I eat a meal elsewhere!
La Societe
** stars
131 Bloor St. West
Toronto, ON M5S
www.lasociete.ca