Hawksworth Opens, Changes at Latitude and Nu Greek Food

Left: Nu street food, image courtesy of Richard Bell, Right: Hawsworth's Beef Carpaccio, image by Anya Levykh

All the buzz about Hawksworth has finally reached its frenzy—the doors have opened, albeit softly. A recent visit during a travel media event revealed the relentless perfection that chef David Hawksworth is known for, even when it came to such simple dishes as beef carpaccio—Alberta prime served in paper-thin rounds with dabs of horseradish mayo and fronds of arugula. The place is jumping even on a Monday night, so reservations might be a wise move.

Latitude on Main Street recently changed owners and menus, and the result is a cocktail list designed by Nick Devine of The Cascade Room, a lengthy and well-chosen tequila list (written in chalk over the bar), and food that turns to Latin American streets for its inspiration. A recent visit included fish tacos with pickled onions in crispy corn tortillas, an absolutely buttery flank steak with stewed cherry tomatoes and lovely salsa verde, and an impeccable tres leches cake that was marvellously moist without being soggy.

You don’t have to wait for Greek Fest to have good souvlaki on the street. Nu Greek Street food cart has opened at Georgia and Granville, and is serving up chicken, lamb and vegetable souvlaki made the Kambolis way. The pita is made fresh daily at the restaurant, the skewers are grilling as you order, and the tzatziki recipe is from Harry Kambolis’ mother, Georgia. Don’t miss the upcoming “souvlaki vs. hot dog” battle between Kambolis and his EC Robert Clark on Father’s Day in front of sister restaurant Raincity Grill. Knowing Clark, those won’t be just your run-of-the-mill dogs…for a preview of the coming battle, click here.

– Anya Levykh