Cassius Cucina Contemporanea: A Bold New Italian Social Destination in Toronto

Glenn J. Nashen: A new Vietnamese experience at Tran Cantine

When it comes to a Vietnamese dining-out experience in Montreal look no further than the Tran Family. Following up on our recent sensational night out at the newly launched Hang Bar in Old Montreal, Judy and I, along with our friends Dana and Jeff accepted an invitation to Marilyn Tran’s diner in St. Henri, aptly named Tran Cantine.

Review of Restaurant Hang: Glenn J. Nashen: Montreal’s Top-Notch Vietnamese Cuisine

What secret treasures await when a new restaurant opens? One can only imagine, until being lucky enough to be exposed to the sights, smells and tastes of Restaurant Hang. Such was the experience on a recent Thursday night when my wife and I made reservations at what has been billed as the “first haute cuisine Vietnamese restaurant” in Montreal. Sure, our city has plenty of upscale trendy places, but nothing quite like this new concept in Asian fine dining. It tantalized all of our senses, from the moment we walked through the doors and took in the sumptuous decor. Hang arrives as the newest restaurant in the renowned hospitality group JEGantic’s portfolio. Vietnamese cuisine will be elevated from its usual humble “mom and pop” eateries to a refined haute cuisine experience that celebrates the unique flavours of the Southeast Asian country. Montrealers will be fittingly welcomed to come “hang” and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects Vietnam’s rich heritage with an innovative spin on favourite dishes. We were greeted by Joyce Phanekham, the effervescent general manager, who was helpful and attentive to her guests throughout our two-and-a-half-hour dining experience. She promptly introduced us to one of the most personable restauranteurs we have yet to meet, Marylyn Tran. Marylyn teamed up with her husband Alain and the folks from JEGantic to create an experiential and uniquely Asian venue for traditional, authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a class of its own. And who better to know how to achieve this pinnacle other than the Tran family who already own several restaurants under the Tran Cantine banner? After all, Marylyn was raised in her parent’s kitchen where she acquired her unique taste, over at their St. Denis Street Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Tay Ho. The family started this business back in 1986 and it is still going strong. Indeed, the name Hang is a nod of appreciation to Marylyn’s mom. Marylyn grew up cherishing the culinary and cultural intricacies that captivated their family, friends and clientele and eventually branched out, opening her own chain of traditional Vietnamese restos. Located between Griffintown and Old Montreal, Hang will surely attract the young in-crowd, as well as tourists seeking a memorable night out on the town. Marylyn introduced us to her right-hand man, Marco, a knowledgeable and experienced server and cook who took care of us for our date-night. He described in great detail each dish served, with ease and familiarity as though he himself was the chef. We started out with, what else, Pho Wagyu Consommé, a classic noodle soup that Hang has enhanced with its elaborate preparation: 14 hours of cooking over at Tran Cantine. It had many delicate ingredients including Wagyu beef and fresh rice noodles. The aroma of truffle alone made this a mouth-watering winning choice. Judy’s Franco-Viet Salmon Tartare tasted “like the ocean.” This dish of salmon was served with old-fashioned mustard, crispy rice, shallots, green onions and long red peppers. My Five-Spiced Buttered Scalloped – Ngo Vi Houng consisted of three pan-fried scallops each nestled in its own Asian soup spoon and bathed in secret fish sauce. They were garnished with crushed nuts and a hint of lemon making them simply perfect. Judy enjoyed her main course of Vegan Red Curry, a locally sourced seasonal vegetable medley stewed in red curry paste, coconut milk, palm sugar and julienned taro. I literally licked my fingers while eating a homemade order of Banh Mi Foie Gras. Imagine pan-seared foie gras, caramelized onions, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, coriander, and homemade mayo with Hang special sauce on a soft baguette, an ode to Alain’s native city of Paris. It was served on a large banana leaf, and the garnish on all their plates was a work of art. So too was the elegantly designed cutlery. Joyce describes Hang as a chill environment to linger, drink, talk and share delicious dishes among friends. All the staff were extremely personable, friendly and helpful. The decor features exotic nature elements that mimic the dense greenery of Da Nang’s jungle. The soaring ceilings, leafy chandeliers and striking wood columns add an impressive grandeur to the place. There was a great vibe throughout our evening with lots of smiling, happy young patrons. Indeed, owing to the immersive bar environment diners must be 18 or older at Hang. Finally, our dessert was served. Gateau au Pandan was quite distinct and attractive but we both decided that the Creamy Coconut Flan with Banana was the clear winner. Hang has a flair for mixology. From our opening round of shots to our cocktails, and mocktails and ending with a Vietnamese Coffee Martini, they are pros at presentation, taste and hospitality. Marylyn and her crew may be new to the high-end market but the high-end market is also new to Vietnamese cuisine. They are truly passionate about their mission and are on a winning track. Our experience was delightful and our evening was enriched by their warm and hospitable demeanour. We felt like we were hanging out (no pun intended) with friends and family around an exquisitely prepared table of outstanding cultural cuisine. Who could ask for more? Hang is poised to become Montreal’s new must-visit dining destination. It is located at 686 Notre Dame Ouest in Old Montreal, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. Visit hangbar.ca or call 514 910-2227.

Glenn J. Nashen’s Five Alarm Culinary Adventure at Sushi Taxi

Not even a major shutdown of Notre Dame Street in Little Burgundy could keep us away from a gastronomic luxury take-out of sushi and Asian fusion at Sushi Taxi. No exaggeration! The fire department literally closed down the street for an emergency. However, the conscientious staff called to say, ‘stand by’. As soon as the ‘all clear’ sounded we headed into the bistro-chique locale.

Glenn J. Nashen discovers more than a good dinner at Casa Grecque in Chomedey

I was looking for a tasty, family-friendly take-out dinner and Casa Grecque in Chomedey was my next pick. My family and I love plentiful Greek salads and tangy appetizers, particularly during long, cold Quebec winters when delicious, plump red tomatoes are not in abundance. What I found at this spacious, well-decorated restaurant in Chomedey at the corner of St. Martin Blvd. and Daniel-Johnson Blvd. was far more than I could have imagined.

Nashen does Take-Out: Bistro Amerigo still heating up on Monkland

Bistro Amerigo may be a relatively small eatery, but during the pandemic lockdown the well-known West-End restaurant is doing large scale take-out and delivery. I last reported on Amerigo some two-and-a-half years ago and have returned numerous times with friends and family since then. The local “Garde Manger Italien” (or kitchen pantry) has maintained its flair for fine authentic dishes at reasonable prices, not far from home.

Glenn J. Nashen grabs a kosher slice at PizzaPita Prime

PizzaPita has been going strong in the Snowdon area for more than 30 years. With their recent move across Decarie Boulevard to the former Pizza Hut location in front of Decarie Square, at the corner of Decarie and Vezina, they have a prime spot to garner the attention of thousands of commuters, shoppers and locals each and every day. Hence they’ve rebranded PizzaPita to PizzaPita Prime.

Mike Cohen

Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.

mikecohen.ca and @mikecohencsl

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea: A Bold New Italian Social Destination in Toronto

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is a contemporary Italian restaurant and social venue in downtown Toronto that seamlessly blends elevated cuisine, striking design, and authentic Italian hospitality. Opened in April 2025, the restaurant arrived with strong recommendations—and it more than lives up to the buzz.

Entirely Italian-owned and operated, Cassius offers more than just dinner; it delivers an immersive social experience where every detail, from the menu to the music, is thoughtfully curated. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed like family. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the warmth feels instinctive, genuine, and deeply rooted in Italian culture.

The front-of-house experience is shaped by Manager and Sommelier Andre Marzolla, a native of Italy with a five-star hospitality background spanning Europe, Bermuda, and Toronto’s top dining rooms. Having moved to Toronto 12 years ago “for love,” Marzolla now speaks with equal passion about Cassius. Our server, Samuel, also hails from Italy—Torino, to be exact—adding another layer of authenticity. The clientele reflects the venue’s ethos: tastemakers, creatives, and culture-forward diners who value elevated design, premium ingredients, and curated experiences inspired by Italian excellence.

At the heart of Cassius is its culinary program, led by Executive Chef Michael Frigo, born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. With global experience in London, Spain, Mexico, and Australia, Chef Frigo brings a refined yet soulful approach to contemporary Italian cuisine. “My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen,” he says, “where I learned that great ingredients and technique create magic.” That philosophy is evident throughout the menu, which honors tradition while reimagining it for the modern palate.

Cassius also offers thoughtfully designed dining experiences. The Raw Bar features oysters and wine specials, including $2 oysters and half-price bottles every Wednesday evening. From Wednesday to Saturday, guests can enjoy Cenetta Dopo Lavoro—a “small dinner after work” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—with a prix fixe menu, $10 classic cocktails, and half-price wine by the bottle.

The atmosphere at Cassius evolves effortlessly throughout the night. Early evening is refined and elegant, with ambient lighting and sound. As the night progresses, DJs and curated playlists usher in a higher-energy vibe without ever feeling abrupt. We began our evening with Rocco cocktails and a glass of prosecco rosé, followed by a series of standout starters: salmone crudo (BC organic salmon tartare with avocado, kataifi, toasted almond, and chef’s special sauce), casapinta Rockefeller (BC scallops with spinach, butter sauce, and gremolata), and the unforgettable crostone di ricotta—whipped ricotta on toasted sourdough with honey and generous shavings of fresh truffle.

Other members of our party had recently traveled to Italy and raved about the Florentine steak, so naturally we ordered Cassius’s bistecca Fiorentina. Made with Canadian prime beef sourced from a small farming community in Guelph and dry-aged for 45 days, it arrived cooked perfectly medium, pre-sliced, and bursting with flavor. Roasted potatoes made the ideal accompaniment. I opted for seafood, choosing the Salmerino Alpino—arctic char served with fennel, orange compote, and aged balsamic—which was beautifully balanced and elegant.

The menu also features an extensive selection of pastas and pizzas, along with dishes such as lamb chops, octopus, and more. Dessert was indulgent and memorable: a dramatic, generously portioned baked Alaska and a delicate semifreddo rochet.

Cassius is more than a restaurant—it’s a multifaceted destination. Upstairs, The Galleria houses the Charles Puma Gallery, a rotating collection that merges Italian artistic tradition with contemporary culture. The space is ideal for cocktail receptions, art-driven gatherings, and stylish private events. Tucked discreetly behind the main floor is Sartoria Meucci, a bespoke tailor shop offering private fittings and made-to-measure Italian garments—an unexpected and luxurious extension of the Cassius experience.

Owned by hospitality veterans Pat Lisi and Bruno Commodari, formerly of the iconic Buonanotte Toronto, Cassius carries forward their legacy of blending refined Italian dining with vibrant nightlife. The result is a venue that feels sophisticated yet energetic, polished yet expressive.

Modern Italian luxury with an edge—Cassius is a place where food, culture, and nightlife converge beautifully.

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is located at 624 King Street West (near Portland Street) in Toronto’s King West district. It is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with bottle service available late night. The venue seats 150 for dining and expands to 250 when the dance floor is open.

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea: A Bold New Italian Social Destination in Toronto

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea: A Bold New Italian Social Destination in Toronto

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