Stay: Soho Metropolitan Hotel
Never underestimate the power of the staycation. When I told my boyfriend there would be a culinary surprise on our anniversary, he actually knows me well enough to guess, "I don't know, we're probably having dinner with Susur Lee or something?" No quite, but close! We were treated to a full culinary tour of a different kind - exploring all the esteemed food offerings within the Soho Metropolitan Hotel and staying the night. So even though we didn't dine with Susar Lee per say, we did eat at his restaurant Luckee, and then had breakfast in bed from Sen5es, and lunch at Wahlburgers.
The ruse was pretty elaborate. I checked into the room early to set everything up (Prosecco on ice, bath bomb, fresh clothes for the next day, etc.) (yes, I'm extra) and I myself was surprised with chocolate-covered strawberries and a truly gorgeous suite! Loads of room to chill out, and an office corner that I didn't mind luxuriating in for as long as possible the next morning. See below as I check out the massive bathroom and walk-in closet... At this point, I'm literally giggling to myself at our good fortune.
After riding in our Uber chariot (the driver stayed mum on the destination), we strolled into Luckee. As big dim sum fans, this high-end experience could not have been more welcome or a further departure than our typical 3 AM seatings at Rol San on Spadina Ave. The room was gorgeous with soaring ceilings, neon lights, an inspirational cocktail menu and a modern take on Chinese cuisine. Below are my two favourite dishes - Har Gow shrimp dumpings and the Shrimp Cheung Cun. Both burst is your mouth to release the most tender shrimp. Next time, maybe I'll go nuts and snag that lobster cheung fun, too.
Somewhere in the middle of the meal, I handed Jesse his anniversary card with our room key inside literally like I was The Bachelor inviting him to the fantasy suite. After the whole particularly magical evening (I won't get into details?), we woke up for breakfast in bed by Sen5es! What a good way to start the day. Within half an hour, we were sipping lattes and munching on the below executive breakfast and a toasted BLT-esque bagel sandwich with brie, ham, lettuce and tomato.
Next up, Walhburgers! Yes, from the great Wahlberg family. Jesse had to run off to work, so I had my friend Sam Shier of Rose Roast fame accompany me (The Bachelor theme continues). The space is super cute with lime green chairs, sports on many TVs, and other TV programming is intercut with snippets of Walhberg family highlights. If you're a fan of any or all famous Walhbergs, this is your church and there's great food to boot! I loved my sweet potato tots- something you don't see everywhere- and the mac and cheese with its huge, crispy bacon chunks. Of course, the meal wouldn't be complete without burger sampling, so we went for the Canada Eh? burger which comes with a fried egg and peameal bacon.The egg was perfectly runny and the burger patty itself was super juicy. This might just be be the perfect pre-concert or baseball game spot.
And just like that, our staycation came to an end! What a dream for 24 hours. Big thanks to the Soho Metropolitan for helping us make our 1st Anniversary extra special, and extra delectable.
