David Lee and Yannick Bigourdan
Photo: Courtesy of Steve Stober
Yannick Bigourdan and David Lee, owners of the acclaimed Toronto restaurant Splendido, have announced plans to open a new eatery called Nota Bene this summer with restaurateur Franco Prevedello. Designed by KPMB Architects—the company behind the Gardiner Museum and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts—the 7,000-square-foot restaurant is scheduled to open on Queen Street near University Avenue (at 180 Queen Street West) in early July. Bigourdan describes the decor as "classic contemporary," with hardwood floors and natural stone.Lee will oversee the kitchen at Nota Bene with Splendido sous chef Geoff O'Connor. "The food will be back to basics—Canadian, seasonal, and fresh," Bigourdan says. The space will seat 110, with a 20-seat private dining room. The restaurant is already receiving buzz from The National Post, The Globe and Mail, and the Web site TasteTO.
