RASA (restaurant)

Last updated
RASA
Rasatoronto.jpg
Restaurant information
EstablishedJune 1, 2014 (2014-06-01) [1]
Owner(s)Food Dudes Hospitality
Head chefAdrian Niman
Food type Contemporary
Rating Bib Gourmand
(Michelin Guide)
Street address196 Robert Street
CityToronto, Ontario
CountryCanada
Website www.rasabar.ca

RASA is a contemporary restaurant in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto's Downtown.

Contents

History

The 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

The 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]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Leahy, Megan (3 July 2014). "Introducing: Rasa, The Food Dudes' new restaurant in Harbord Village". Toronto Life. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  2. "About The Food Dudes". The Food Dudes Hospitality Group. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  3. 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.
  4. "SARA - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America.
  5. 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.
  6. 1 2 "RASA - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 19 December 2024.