Exclusive First Look at Blu Duby Restaurant
By Paul Mitchell, London Dining Review
In advance of the grand opening of Blu Duby restaurant on Thursday, July 12, 2012, owner Joe Duby was kind enough to allow London Dining Review an exclusive first look into the revamped and sophisticated-looking new establishment in the former Braise location. Read our full interview with Joe as well as background information on the restaurant.
The restaurant’s exterior still features a prominent main entrance off Dundas Street flanked by large windows overlooking street traffic. A wooden arch welcomes guests into a small waiting area with the hostess stand and coat check.
Near the front lies a large, glass enclosed wine cellar (storage area actually) that features wines from around the world matched to an eclectic menu. New world wines are prominent.
With their long and narrow floorplan, guests enjoy a good view of the action as they enter the restaurant. Seating is slightly different in anticipation of a private 110-seat event being held on Wednesday evening. The layout offers several alcoves which are suitable for smaller groups and private, more intimate dinners.
Modern black wood chairs and tables provide a sophisticated colour contrast to the brick walls, wood floors and other earth-tone finishes in the decor.
In addition to free-standing tables, long comfortable banquettes line the restaurant’s western wall. Custom built and brand new, the leather material is tough and durable for easy maintenance but still quite stylish.
The bar remains in the same location as it did previously at Braise, but has been refinished and altered slightly to allow for more service area from the kitchen. Red highlights provide some pop and contast from the rest of the restaurant’s decor.
Guests entering from the Market Street entrance (by the Covent Market) pass a small hostess stand and have a similarly encompassing view of the ample seating. More black and white photos line the walls in addition to beautiful and colourful art by London artist, Greg Benz.
A few examples of artwork hanging in the centre dining area.
Small inset areas near the southern entrance are marked with painted wood branches that complement the natural theme and wood trim throughout the restaurant.
We hope you enjoy this exclusive preview of the Blu Duby’s design and decor. All photographs are by Paul Mitchell and copyright of London Dining Review. Further information and an interview with owner Joe Duby is being published in advance of the Thursday, July 12 lunchtime launch.
A. Paul Mitchell
A. Paul Mitchell possesses a wealth of communications experience from his 19 years within the marketing and hospitality industries, most recently with Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University. He led the public relations and media relations program for a national research charity and has enjoyed success as an entrepreneur and newspaper columnist. Paul is a drink industry authority, newspaper columnist and currently involved in publishing. A member of IABC Canada, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Western Ontario and is a marketing graduate from Centennial College.
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This restaurant looks amazing. Wishing you great success.
We just visited Blu Duby tonight. The decor is lovely with pictures of Joe Duby’s amazing vaudeville family on the walls. We tried the Londonlicious menu with the addition of a glass of wine. My wife’s escargot were delicious and my seafood cakes were out of this world. My wife so thoroughly enjoyed the pork tenderloin whereas the salmon was truthfully the best I’ve had in years. Desserts followed. Homemade cheesecake for me and ice cream for my wife. The service is incredible. Some of the best servers from Waldos (Ray and Hannah as two) are now at Blu Duby. Make a reservation and enjoy. Wine and food selections are reasonably priced, incredibly good, and presented so very well. Duby and his wife Cheryl know what they are doing.