I was having tea with Brady last weekend at Don’t Show the Elephant Gallery and Cafe (1201 Hamilton Street), discussing some business such as re-vamping the Urban Mixer website to allow people better access to event information, etc.. Somehow the topic of new openings came up and we decided that it might be good to go check out the newly opened LilyKate that we’ve been hearing so much about.

We were greeted by friendly staff. I like the interior design, it’s really clean and appealing.

The food selection looked delectable but we didn’t try it that time around as I was scheduled to come to the opening a few days later with Frances. The bar, on the other hand, is missing something. Even though alcohol is probably not their focus, I think they should do something with that area.

One of their staff members (Rob, I believe), gave us their menus to take home.

On the 2nd, Frances and I ventured out to the LilyKate opening. Again, the staff, very friendly and helpful. We got to meet Laura Serena, their publicist and Britta Joyce, their owner. We tried canapé sized versions of numerous dishes. The chocalate mousse, to die for. The meatballs, very yummy. Overall a good night. I also got a chance to try a chili-infused late harvest white called Flame by Silver Sage Winery, tasty and quite spicy, I can see myself ordering a case of this stuff.

Given the friendly service, focus on quality, creative menu and central location, I can see this place taking alot of business away from Urban Fare’s deli. I’m looking forward to finally having lunch there with my Leaders of Tomorrow mentee next week (maybe I should move the 12pm meeting forward and make it brunch).

If Britta and Laura are amicable, Social Empire event there in the upcoming future, I’d love to introduce this place to a couple thousand of our friends.

Speaking of which, the same night Frances and I sealed the deal on a dinner party at Coast. Ten people, centre table, prix-fixe, interesting and social conversation on the 16th of this month. The chef’s even going to make us change seats between courses so we can meet more people during dinner, thanks to John Paul Lamb’s suggestion.