• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

  • All
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Decor
  • About Lena
  • Contact

I Never Met a Pub I Didn’t Like

October 14, 2012 By Lena

When I was in my twenties, we had a birthday tradition – pulling a few pints at The Bier Markt, a downtown Toronto Belgian-inspired Brasserie. With over 100 beers from around the world to sample, great friends and good eats, what could be better?

A location in the west end of the city, I suppose.

You can say I whooped for joy when I heard that The Bier Markt was opening in Etobicoke. Located conveniently across the street from Sherway Gardens, it’s got three things going for it: a) the best selection of beer this side of the QEW; b) ample, free parking; and c) an unparalleled dining experience thanks to the culinary magic created by Executive Chef Michael Cipollo.

The Bier Markt says: “Although the Bier Markt may have been previously best known for its exotic beers, in recent years and under Chef Cipollo’s direction, the Bier Markt has become equally well-known for its cuisine and unique seasonal-menus including the annual Fondue, Shellfish, and Wild Game. The Bier Markt’s upscale, European-inspired cuisine combined with its extensive list of beer and wine offerings have established it as one of the city’s most popular dining destinations.”

Here are some of my favourite moments from the Grand Opening Party –

Approaching the restaurant from the back, they’ve got nothing to hide. A full view of their kitchen and delicious creations within.

Where all the magic happens; temperature controlled, hoppy goodness.

Vegetarians: Avert your eyes. The pig didn’t feel a thing, I promise.

One of the stops on our “tour”, featuring vodka martinis that drink like juice.

Now THIS is what I call finger foods #nomnom

With the revered Chef Michael Cipollo. I’m only partially obscured by a leg of prosciutto.

Open-faced Croque Monsieur anyone? (I had two.)

Now you know I can’t say no to mussels from Brussels…

… Especially when they look like this. Mmmm.

My favourite part of the night; sampling the delectable seafood.

Pop by The Bier Market Queensway for the best in beer… chances are, you’ll catch me swinging back a bottle of Krombacher. Sante!

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: beer, grand opening, restaurant review, The Bier Markt Queensway

Previous Post: « Celebrating Aquaswiss’ Return to TSC…
Next Post: Fall/Winter 2012 Trends: Seeing Red… »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nicole W.

    October 15, 2012 at 1:24 am

    Looks like a great place! I love visiting different pubs, especially when they offer amazing food. My favourite in Victoria is an Irish pub called Irish Times – especially when they have live music to accompany the food and drink!

    • Lena

      October 15, 2012 at 12:06 pm

      LOVE Irish Pubs – my favourite places to spend a Friday night :)

  2. Allie

    October 15, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Nice! i love a beer and Fondue!! Can’t wait to visit!!

    • Lena

      October 15, 2012 at 12:06 pm

      The food is SO good, Allie! You’ll love it!

  3. the brother

    October 15, 2012 at 11:43 am

    i’m going this friday after work! who’s in??!?

    • Lena

      October 15, 2012 at 12:08 pm

      AH!! I’ve got an event on Friday – rain check please???

      • the brother

        October 15, 2012 at 2:42 pm

        Sounds good! When i made my res, the hostess was kind enough to inform me of the Oktoberfest event they have planned that night – an honest to goodness pig roast like the one in your pictures! Now I just can’t wait for the end of the week!!!

        • Lena

          October 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm

          AMAZING! The food is scrumptious, you’ll have so much fun!!!

  4. Huguette E.

    October 15, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Looks like a fun place to go, wish we had places like that!

    • Lena

      October 15, 2012 at 5:29 pm

      You’ll have to visit next time you’re in Toronto Huguette!

  5. nicolthepickle

    October 15, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Oh my! That looks like a SWEET place to spend an evening.
    Everyone in my family has great affection for food and good beer. If I’m ever in Ontario I’ll look for it.

    If you’re ever in Moncton you should go to The Pumphouse Brewery or the Barnyard BBQ. It’s a micro-brewery with a restaurant. Not as cool as that, but still worth it.

    • Lena

      October 15, 2012 at 5:29 pm

      DULY NOTED! Thanks so much for the tip, Nicoline!

  6. Diana @ Toronto Teacher Mom

    October 15, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    You look beautiful, darling, but I’m sorry, I was distracted by the prosciutto…

    • Lena

      October 16, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      Hahaha you would be!!! I’ll forgive you darling :)

  7. Em Sands

    October 16, 2012 at 12:38 am

    I miss going to places where toddlers cannot follow! ; )

    • Lena

      October 16, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      Ah yes, it was BLISS being without the little guys! Sadly, was only there for about an hour before I came back to reality :)

  8. angie smith

    October 16, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    awesome can’t wait to try it out. drove past the other night before it was open!

    • Lena

      October 16, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      It’s open now!! GO! You’ll love it :)

  9. sabrina

    October 17, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    what’s the vibe like? is there dancing or is it more of a resto/ bar?

  10. Margaret Imecs

    October 19, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Looks like a fun place, I’m not sure if it’s the best choice for families living on a budget and home cooked meals are much healthier. Eating out it’s expensive.

  11. Lisa H

    October 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Sorry I cant check this out – being on the other side of the country! But I agree pubs are the best. Combine casual atmosphere ( jeans:D ) with amazing food and unique adult bevies and you cant go wrong. My local has the best pulled pork nachos and microbrew beer tasting paddles anywhere.

  12. Shirley

    October 19, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    Glad you had a short but good time.

  13. Anne Taylor

    October 21, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    Omgosh it all looks fantastic! Martinis that drink like juice……….great phrase and I’d love to try one!

  14. Natasha W

    October 28, 2012 at 8:24 am

    I didn’t even know that there was a Bier Market in the west end. Now I have to visit when I’m there!

  15. Debbie White Beattie

    January 2, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    I bet the food was delicious but I don’t like to see the pig on display because it’s to gory for me

Primary Sidebar

Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

Connect with Lena

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Virtual Queue Strategies

Five Cool Tips for a Backyard Ice Cream Bar

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!