GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE THE CHEFS’ HOUSE RESTAURANT

This signature restaurant is located on the King Street level with a small prep kitchen and private dining area in the basement. Classrooms are located on the second, third and fourth floors. The restaurant operates as both as a hands-on lab for students and as a commercial enterprise. Serving and cooking is carried out by students under the supervision of their instructors.

The exterior of the listed, brick and steel building was restored and adorned with a custom-designed light installation, glass cladding and a glass canopy that help to distinguish the building as a landmark within the neighbourhood. The main floor was lowered two feet to grade level, facilitating a direct connection with the streetscape. Reflecting new philosophies within the culinary profession, a large, open-concept kitchen is located at the front of the restaurant. The kitchen is fully visible from the exterior through new, 15 foot high windows and the prep counters are flush against the windows so that as the chefs work, they become live mannequins and the restaurant’s best signage.

Like the exterior, the interiors of the restaurant offer a fresh interpretation of the melding of old and new. Dark wood floors continue the tradition of lush, rich tones found throughout historical buildings in the area. By contrast, the use of state of the art mechanical systems, with a vibrant material palette showcases an efficient, durable, and sustainable design. Particularly, the new custom fabricated Vent Master stainless steel ceiling is an efficient, quiet ventilation system which enables a clean ceiling surface at a height greater than conventional kitchen hoods. The clean ceiling lines show the students in their element, and sight-lines are improved across the restaurant.

The Chefs' House Restaurant and the Chef School on Adelaide Street were awarded the 2009 OAA Award for Design Excellence.