At Yorkdale, the new Colette offers an inviting and relaxed environment on the main floor tucked neatly in the back near the H Project section (worth taking a look-see).  It’s a space where you could escape and rest your weary legs from all that walking and the constant buzz of the mall. The feel of the restaurant is sophisticated with warm neutral tones. A few art pieces spotted reflect some of Holt’s history in fashion.

The popular French restaurant delivers the same integrity are the original but the menu is concise.  Divided in to six categories, the menu has enough selection without being overwhelming. Appetizer plates to share are perfect for a nibbles with that afternoon break. Small plates are deliciously decent portions — a popular choice is the Beef Tartare that simply melts in your mouth. Salads are noteworthy (that Nicoise was all I needed for lunch) and add ons are available should you feel like something more substantial on the other salads. Sandwiches offers familiar flavours from Mushroom on Toast to Club Turkey Bacon to the Chuck Burger with aged cheddar and smoked bacon. Pasta plates include options from vegetarian to shellfish linguine to flavourful slow cooked veal ragu on cavatelli. Larger plates is where you’ll also find French bistro favourites including Steak Frites, Poulet Rosti, and a scrumptious Pacific Cod that won’t slow you down when you continue on your shopping mission.

The cocktail list is concise as well. When we saw the list we immediately thought of  Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly elegance. Nothing compares to that calibre of class. Here you’ll find cocktails such as a French Martini (Vodka, Chambord, Pineapple) or the Lavender Aviation (Gin, Maraschino, Violette Lemon, Lavender) or even an easy-on-the-eyes, and lips, Rossini (Strawberry, Prosecco).

Chef Tyler Shedden is at the helm as Culinary Director overseeing the menu development. No stranger to the restaurant world, his career includes working with Chef Gordon Ramsay at The London when the restaurant earned two Michelin Stars. He’s worked with Daniel Boulud in New York and in Toronto at the Four Seasons Hotel. Aside from overseeing Colette kitchens at Holt’s, he’s also involved with The Chase, The Chase and Oyster, Kasa Moto and Little Fin. Raised in BC and working in the fish and shellfish industry as a youngster makes it no surprise how much he’s committed to Ocean-Wise sourcing for his seafood.

Colette Grand Cafe, Yorkdale is open 7 days a week during store hours, brunch on weekends. See what else is on the menu here.

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Of course you can take mom to high tea or brunch pretty much EVERYWHERE in the city, but here are some other fun ideas that we’re considering as we lead up to Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day High Tea and Floral Workshop at Colette Grand Cafe: 550 Wellington Street West at the Thompson Hotel. On April 30th bring mom and indulge over the cafe’s delicious treats. Then together learn how to create a stunning floral arrangement with florist Lauren Wilson of Timberlost Designs. She’ll offer techniques with fresh, garden inspired florals and you’ll have a beautiful arrangement to take home.

Get School’d! Healing With Herbs workshop at the Gladstone Hotel: 1214 Queen Street West. On April 27 this earth-friendly workshop takes a look at health benefits of self-healing by using herbs. Become more attune to plants and connect to your body by learning how to use your backyard as a medicine cabinet. Learn how to gather, prepare, preserve and store plants. Make your own teas to help ease digestion, improve sleep and reduce stress. The workshop will be led by Dee Buryk, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, Yoga Instructor and Founder of Growing Goddesses.

Make Macarons with Mom at Le Dolci: 1006 Dundas Street West, May 8. You may not be able to take mom to Paris for the day but you can both learn how to make the little french pastries here at this sweet bakery and studio. Learn from the experts and yes you can take some home to share with the family. You may also want to check out other classes like cake and cookie decorating.

le dolci

Mother’s Day Bird House Workshop at Freehand School of Art: 3315 Yonge Street. On May 8th celebrate your family by building homes for tiny feathered ones. Create a birdhouse with mom and take it home to display proudly in your own yard.

Shop Canadian Fashion at MadeInland: 134 Peter Street, May 6 to 8. This weekend pop-up will feature 60 Canadian fashion labels under one roof. Meet and shop directly from designers. Find everything from jewellery, handbags, swimwear, lingerie, accessories and stunning collections. Some of the designers participating include elan+castor, Hilary MacMillan, Lilliput Hats, Mary Young, preloved, and many more.

Family Sunday at the Gardiner Museum: 111 Queen’s Park, every Sunday. Little ones can bring mom (and dad) to the Gardiner for family friendly activities including clay workshops and tile painting. Take mom on a scavenger hunt and visit the galleries.

Mother’s Day with Scratch with Kids Learning Code: 483 Queen Street West at HackerYou, May 8. Storytelling has traditionally been through word of mouth, books and plays. Now moms and their kids can take their love of sharing stories through this beginner level workshop experience. Brainstorm story ideas and learn basic design principles and  character interaction techniques. Then upload your stories that you’ve worked together to share with friends and family. Ideal for girls and boys 6 to 8 years old and their parents.

Mother’s Day at the Jays Game: Rogers Centre, May 8. Bring mom down to the ballpark for Mother’s Day presented by Rogers. Take mom up to the 200 level where she can get pampered at the Mother’s Day Oasis. The game start time is 1:07 pm and they’re playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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