Forno Cultura is an authentic Italian bakery with alternative baking spaces which feeds the local community. Each Forno has its own function — the Union Station location specializes in biscotti, the original King West location is the main production house for bread, Forno Cultura on Queen is a recent outpost serving Italian cookies, bread, and coffee.
Forno was first established in 2013, in the neighbourhood of King West Village, by Andrea Mastrandrea – a trained architect hailing from a family of Italian bakers who set out to create a place in Toronto that would be more-than-just-a-bakery. And that is what it has become, offering expertly pulled espresso and artisanal breads but also serving as a place to visit, to run into neighbours, to have conversations. Mastrandrea had borrowed the model – and the recipes – from his Pugliese roots but situated his approach towards a contemporary vision.
Villa Le Calvane is a boutique hotel & winery that sits perched on a hill top overlooking the spectacular lands of Tuscany and surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Chianti, Villa Le Calvane is an estate dating from the 15th century now reborn as a retreat for the most discerning travellers. After an extensive renovation, the Hotel opened its doors on April 19th, 2017 under the patronage of a group of five charismatic investors known for developing exclusive properties and estates throughout the world. Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards in the land that borders Florence and Siena the property is located in one-of-a-kind landscape rich in culture and tradition, home of the most elegant and refined Sangiovese, a name that is a collection of styles and passionate loyalty for the magnificent wine produced by the Estate itself and other producers of the area. The renovation has fully restored the ancient beauty of the Villa ensuring the property retains evidence of its use during the centuries, as well as the sumptuous spaces of each room. The objective has been to conceive a place where guests can truly experience the genius loci, in an elegant environment characterized by understated luxury and a sublime charm created through perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Le Calvane is located in the heart of Tuscany perched atop the hills of the Montagnana Val di Pesa, 20 kilometers south of Florence. The first historical records of Le Calvane date back to 1135 when the Florentines seized the neighboring Castle of Montegufoni and took possession of the surrounding property including the grounds of Le Calvane. Wine production began at Le Calvane in 1427 and continued for centuries through the hands of various noble winemakers, including most recently Vittorio Fiore, the renowned Italian winemaker. In 2011, a small group of international entrepreneurs, passionate about preserving the rich history and tradition of Le Calvane purchased the property. The new owners rehired Vittorio Fiore and began a strategic process of replanting many acres, using primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to augment the Estates offerings, which also hosts an olive grove that produces an outstanding olive oil, currently used by some of the most discerning chefs around the world. Le Calvane wines are carefully produced with hand-picked grapes harvested from some of the finest vines in the Chianti region, with most vintages aged in oak barrels to perfection. The wines embody the true spirit of Tuscany; innovative in simplicity, genuine by tradition and rich in historical significance. The Estate currently produces very high quality Chianti, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé blends.
STK Toronto artfully blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. As one of the newest additions to the posh neighborhood of Yorkville, STK Toronto distinguishes itself with a vibrant mix of stylish dining and lounge spaces, paired with signature menus and world-class service.
Villa Le Calvane’s onsite restaurant is headed by the hotel’s Michelin Star trained executive chef, renowned for his traditional Italian cuisine. Seasonal menus are revised daily to incorporate the finest local ingredients and our chef’s inspirations.
Innovative in simplicity yet genuine by tradition, each dish exquisitely captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, taking guests on an enticing culinary journey. Meals can be enjoyed in the Villa’s grand dining area where the décor elegantly captures the Estate’s noble heritage or on the large terrace to further indulge the senses with stunning views of the vibrant countryside.
Authenticity and creativity are at the heart of each dish. Seasonal menus are designed to reflect the region’s unique gastronomic heritage and vibrant culinary culture with every meal will featuring the best of the region and Italy. Homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, the freshest seafood complimented with local organic produce and estate grown olive oil are sure to delight the most discerning pallets.
Without question, Villa Le Calvane is extremely conscientious of dietary restrictions and preferences, offering specially designed dishes suitable for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and other dietary preferences.
