Restaurants
House of Moments
House of Moments, located on Carlaw just south of Gerrard has recently reinvented itself as a gallery meets restaurant, in what owner Hamid Kouchak hopes will become a hub for the artistic community.
Inside, dark velvet lounge furniture, clusters of dining tables and hi-tops offer a variety of seating options and vantage points from which to take in the surroundings.
The space (formerly a furniture showroom), feels like an industrial loft — the high-ceilinged, poured concrete room is partitioned into smaller areas by museum quality artifacts collected during Kouchak's travels. For instance, the extensive collection of oversized, 17th century doors hail from Thailand and Jaipur, and can be reconfigured to transform the space.
With so much room to play with, the 12,000 square foot space easily accommodates art exhibitions but is also garnering interest as an event venue for fashion shows, weddings and corporate affairs. Kouchak (an artist himself), curates month-long shows from emerging artists.
The menu from Korean chef Daniel Park features a rare blend of Japanese techniques fused with Persian flavours that only loosely follow the printed descriptions. Kouchak encourages Chef Park to take liberties with the menu and to experiment with flavours outside his comfort zone. The resulting combinations make for unique, spa-like food, which is presented on sharing plates that pair well with the lounge setting.
The Sashimi Platter ($22) is an artfully plated assortment of salmon, scallops and tuna, and arrives garnished with toasted sesame, poppy seeds, pomegranate and gold leaf flakes. The accompanying rice paper rolls are filled with avocado, julienned carrots, radish, and topped with a tart pomegranate walnut paste.
The chef-selected assorted Maki ($20) changes daily and showcases individual rolls, each filled with different combinations of masterfully prepared vegetables, raw bar selections, and African flavours that surprise given their Japanese presentation.
The Tofu Salad ($9) is a deliciously light, vegetarian option that features grilled tofu and avocado tossed with greens, pomegranate seeds, dried blueberries, pumpkin seeds, and a fragrant orange blossom and miso dressing.
The tempura Fried Tofu ($8) is topped with burdock root foam, a single jalapeno ring, dried cherry, and a sprig of oregano.
Behind the bar, professional flair bartender and Ukraine's Got Talent contestant Andrey Shaherbyna mixes up cocktails and provides a little drama for late night events. A full wine menu and selection of bottled beers are also available.
With rotating exhibitions, a modular space, and the ever-changing menu, it's hard to say what future visits might hold. When asked what Kouchak plans next for House of Moments, he speaks excitedly about all the opportunities the space can afford: suspended yoga classes (the ceilings could support it), a massive rooftop patio, and the addition of Indian flavours to the menu top his list.
Photos by Jesse Milns
Discussion
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Look at the beautiful artwork too. Much better than AGO, and cheaper. What are you waiting for? Try them.
It is in the works to redesign our logo, thank you for your positive comment.
They hosted our annual Toronto Taxi Brotherhood dinner last week.
Finally a world class venue for Toronto!
if I try it and I don't like it, will I go to hell?
what if I don't "fall in love", does that mean that I'm a bad person?
what a pile of bullshit! all I get from reading this review is that someone took over an old furniture store and turned it into a restaurant with convoluted mix of food styles, with more to come. They seem to have filled the space with odd asian reproductions, and somehow think that makes it an art gallery? Add to that having their staff, or friends masquerading as customers who are praising this place? "Peace and light"...... give me a break!
The oyster starter was underwhelming and over-priced for the impact it left. The tasting menu started with a beat (3 way) salad - nothing really unique - fairly predictable flavors - nice miso/sesame dressing. The soup was very simple and underwhelming - lacked sophistication and depth of flavor (essentially a shitake wood mushroom broth). The sushi/sashimi plate was beautiful looking, it came with some random oils on the side (the server didn't seem to know what they were and they were not substantial enough to really identify). The plate was tasty, not the best quality salmon - the tuna was great. Again, nothing really unique other than the presentation. The main was a long plate with plain rice in the middle (really?) and not interesting or tasty. To one end a black cod with a beat sauce (beats again?) which was truly lovely! Incredible in fact. The beef on hte other end (came rare which is odd) underwhelming - not enough seasoning - the sauce tasted pretty much like a teriyaki with some roast veg. The plate didn't flow at all - but the cod - delicious! There was a palatte cleanser - citrus and avocado drink - it was too big and although refreshing a little odd to be honest - the meal just didn't flow and in the end I think it was a little overpriced.
I would try the restaurant again, ordering off the menu. Some of the rolls I saw go by looked pretty tempting. I HOPE this place does well - just love the vibe. The staff is very friendly - but perhaps a little restraint would be good (both the manager and the self proclaimed 'founder') came and introduced themselves to us - nice...ish - not quite sure about it yet.
Try it for sure - would recommend you order off the menu and enjoy the art and vibe.
All it is, is an oversized restaurant with a bunch of art on its walls and they call it an art gallery? Anyways, I walked into this place a few weeks ago for an event that a friend suggested we go. We did. The vibe and atmosphere was really uptight and unfriendly. The crowd that this place seems to attract is the 905ers, mostly an Iranian crowd as I'm pretty sure the so-called "founder" is Iranian. I have nothing against Iranians, please don't get me wrong but the vibe and atmosphere was very condescending. Money certainly does not buy you class.
Overall, nothing special. The decor inside DOES look like a furniture store, beautiful items, the buddhas, but really confused why there is a crapload of doors... there is no flow, they are in desperate need of an interior designer, a curator, a real worthy chef, and perhaps market towards a demographic that is more diverse... not a place filled with people of only one culture.
For all the critics, unless you've been there and have tried everything this place has to offer I would take the cynicism elsewhere. No point kicking the sides of people who are trying to bring life to this city. I would definitely suggest HOM for events, point blank, it's a great space.
I am very proud and cannot wait to drop by one evening to spend some time in your restaurant .
This association has launched a few events so far. I am considering to hold a gallery or fair to celebrate zartosht at a high class location like yours.
I will be in touch.
Sincerely
Bahman Roudgarnia