RASA is a contemporary restaurant in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto's Downtown.
| RASA | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | June 1, 2014[1] |
| Owner(s) | Food Dudes Hospitality |
| Head chef | Adrian Niman |
| Food type | Contemporary |
| Rating | Bib Gourmand (Michelin Guide) |
| Street address | 196 Robert Street |
| City | Toronto, Ontario |
| Country | Canada |
| Website | www |
History
editThe restaurant was opened in the spring of 2014, a part of the Food Dudes Hospitality Group which owns and operates multiple restaurants across Toronto.[1] The restaurant's name, Rasa, is derived from the Latin phrase tabula rasa, which translates to "blank slate."[1]
Adrian Niman, was named the head chef at opening, and presently holds the title of executive chef at the restaurant.[1][2] The restaurant embraces a contemporary culinary approach, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources rather than adhering to the foods, traditions, or techniques of a specific region.[1] The restaurant's wine card has a strong focus on bottles that are produced in Ontario.[1]
To sustain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic while restrictions prevented or reduced the ability for patrons to dine on-site, the restaurant focused on a combination of takeout business and a street-side patio to attract customers.[3]
RASA's sister restaurant, SARA, whose name is an anagram of the former, has also been recognized in the Michelin Guide, receiving a "Recommended" designation.[4]
Recognition
editThe business was named a Bib Gourmand restaurant by the Michelin Guide at Toronto's 2024 Michelin Guide ceremony.[5] A Bib Gourmand recognition is awarded to restaurants who offer "exceptionally good food at moderate prices." Michelin commended the restaurant's ability to cook good food while maintaining a relaxed ambiance.[6] Dishes highlighted by Michelin include the sea bream ceviche with chili oil, lamb vindaloo dumplings, and the house burger made with beef cheek.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Leahy, Megan (3 July 2014). "Introducing: Rasa, The Food Dudes' new restaurant in Harbord Village". Toronto Life. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ "About The Food Dudes". The Food Dudes Hospitality Group. The Food Dudes Hospitality Group. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ Niman, Adrian (28 April 2021). ""The third lockdown was the perfect storm": Why this restaurant decided to halt its takeout business and take a 28-day break". Toronto Life. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ "SARA - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America.
- ^ Liu, Karon (20 September 2024). "Toronto's Michelin Guide is back. Here's which restaurants made its annual list". Toronto Star. TorStar. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ a b "RASA - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 19 December 2024.