A new restaurant aimed at helping people live their best lives is opening its doors in Toronto this month.
It’s been said that, if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything, and maybe that’s why Toronto residents are growing increasingly health-conscious. Run clubs are the new dating apps, and sobriety is all the rage, while healthy eating chains like Mandy’s and Forest Hill Farm House continue to flourish.
It makes sense, then, that an increasing number of local restaurateurs are jumping to capitalize on the healthy-living hype. The latest is Hemant Bhagwani, who is set to launch his new “functional dining” concept, Kyma, this month.
Those who’ve kept an eye on Toronto’s food scene for some time are undoubtedly familiar with Bhagwani’s work, which includes ORO Luxury Dining, Bar Goa and Amaya, but, if you’re anything like me, the term functional dining may conjure a somewhat murkier.
Sure, I’ve heard of functional training and functional medicine, but functional dining — particularly chef-driven functional dining, as is the case at Kyma — is a new one.
Nevertheless, I’ll explain. Kyma’s menu, developed by Bhagwani himself, with the help of a clinical nutritionist, aims to bridge the gap between “culinary soul and rigorous health science,” a release announcing the concept reads. In short, it’s about food that both tastes good and is scientifically proven to be good for you.
The restaurant centres around Mediterranean bowls that range from 40 to 55 grams of protein, contain sprouted grains and fermented fibres to support gut health, and are free from seed oils, which are believed by some to cause inflammation (though scientific evidence to suggest that’s the case doesn’t actually exist.)
The Harissa Bowl, for example, contains 52 grams of protein with grilled chicken and black lentils, topped off with spinach and harissa dressing. The Olympian, with 40 grams. of protein, features Ahi tuna, quinoa, roasted chickpeas and avocado.
You can also opt to build your own bowl or pita, from the sprouted grains right on up to the seed oil-free proteins, topped off with an impressive selection of Mediterranean-inspired dips.
To wash it all down, the restaurant offers a full menu of “hydration meets high-performance” beverages, like a cucumber-mint electrolyte drink, iced collagen tea and a Greek yogurt kefir cooler.
The interior, which the restaurant describes as a “sanctuary of wellness,” is ostensibly designed to be an outward expression of the harmony its food is intended to create within your body: all high ceilings, natural light and pale wood finishes.
The restaurant officially opens for business on Friday, March 6, and, to sweeten the deal even further, opening day will come with a special promotion where every dish on the menu is price-locked at $10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for one day only.
Food that’s good for you and your budget? I’m all ears.
Kyma is located at 2865 Dundas St. W.
Dining and Cooking