Margo is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the heart of King West.
Operated by INK Entertainment Group, Margo's playful menu was designed by Executive Chef Marc Cheng (previously George, Patria, NAO Steakhouse and Kōst) and Chef de Cuisine Jo Castrinos (previously Splendido, Storeys, and Portland Variety).
The seafood-focused menu is a culmination of executive chef Marc Cheng's personal experiences with tasting different Mediterranean dishes, including a former chef mentor who told him about his mother's baked ziti, Margo's chef de cuisine, Jo Castrino's mouthwatering tales of his mother's lamb meatball recipe, and CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment Group Charles Khabouth's recollections of his mother's incredible home cooked meals he enjoyed as a child in Lebanon.
"All these stories come from such different, distinct and diverse regions, but the connecting thread is that they were all prepared from the heart to nourish," Cheng says.
Other dishes with a modern Mediterranean twist include grilled meat and seasonal vegetable dishes, like the Ontario rack of lamb, which uses lamb sourced from Beverly Creek Farms in Millgrove, Ont.
"We are very lucky to be situated in Toronto as it's such a diverse and multicultural city. Everything is within reach, and we have our own abundance of produce, just as there is in many parts of the Mediterranean region," Cheng explains. "While we can easily import products from anywhere in the world, we always try to make use of the beautiful produce and meats we have locally where possible, as after all, making use of what we have to create something delicious is the Mediterranean way."
Margo also offers a Mediterranean-inspired wine program, as well as a cocktail program. Many of the cocktails also feature Mediterranean liquors or spirits, such as the Smokey Remy with Taylor Fladgate Port from Portugal, and the Amara, which features the Greek spirit Tsipouro. Elements of smoke and the addition of ingredients like gold flakes add a beautiful touch for those looking to be wowed.
"Guests now expect more than just a good meal or cocktail when they go out, they expect an experience," says Margo's F&B Manager, Sebastien Daouze. "When developing our menu we wanted to create cocktails that awaken the senses, whether through beautiful presentation, fragrant or smokey notes, or unique flavours that invigorate the taste buds, so that our guests have an incredible experience from start to finish."
Margo is located on the fourth floor of the private members' club, Clio. The restaurant opens to the public on April 25.
