Sunday’s lunch and the distinctive fragrance of sweet peppers and tomatoes took my mother back some 68 years to another Spanish omelet in 1944. The setting was the Savarin restaurant in Toronto, and she was dining with her fiancé, my dad. There were some other friends with them—but, understandably, they didn’t make as much of an impression.
She remembers the waitress, though, urging them to eat every bit of those precious wartime eggs.
A North Toronto girl at heart, Mom couldn’t tell me where the Savarin was located other than downtown and near the Telegram.
Ah, but Mr. Google could.
The Savarin was at Bay and Adelaide streets, and the Telegram was at Bay and Melinda. The Savarin is long gone, but the building’s façade was preserved and reconstructed inside the Northern Ontario Building on Bay Street. I’ll have to check it out.
There’s supposed to be an historical marker for the Savarin. Its location is a mystery, but the text survives at “Toronto’s Historical Plaques”.
The Savarin, a popular restaurant and tavern for nearly fifty years, was built at 336 Bay Street in 1928, and was the work of the firm of N.A. Armstrong, architects. It was designated in 1980 under the Ontario Heritage Act. To provide for redevelopment of the site, the Queenston limestone facade with bronze windows was dismantled and stored while a new building was erected. The facade was reconstructed in an enclosed courtyard, during a major renovation of the Northern Ontario Building at the northwest corner of Bay and Adelaide Streets in 1982.
Built by Traymore Limited in 1928, the two-storey Traymore Savarin had a seating capacity of 600, and according to the July 14, 1928, Journal of Commerce was to be “exclusively a service restaurant, thus being in line with the latest American practice.”
A search through the Toronto Star’s 1944 issues for “Savarin” shows what a centre of activity it was for Torontonians—engagement parties, reunions, dancing—and memorable Spanish omelets with a young RCAF pilot.
16 thoughts on “The scent of a Spanish omelet”
Now I know I’m ancient! I remember that name from the 70s. The Savarin was probably the elite height of Toronto dining then. I hope your Dad’s taste never wavered after that 🙂
When I first came to Toronto in 1966 or 1967, some of the older students in my residence organized a late-evening dinner at the Savarin. I don’t remember it well, but such memories as I have do tally with the postcard. I don’t think it had changed much over the years.
I too remember the Savarin, from the early 60s, but particularly appreciated the list of car owners from 1903 where I find my daughters’ great grandfather, William Cromwell Gurney with # 24. I am writing an imagined biography and am currently focused on Toronto in the first decade of the 20th century.
Hi Mary, I’m glad you found the list of auto licenses useful. Your letters from Viollet on imaginingviollet.blogspot.ca are an interesting starting point for your “biography”. I’m working on a post about blue books that should be useful for you, too, I think.
Wish I could remember the name of the singer who walked with a cane on stage. I know it wasn’t Robbie Lane but I think it was a Robbie ?
Ray Hutchinson of the Beau Marks. Saw them perform many times in the 1969-1972 time frame at the Savarin. A pretty good lounge act back in simpler but happier times
Thanks for the comment, Doug. Maybe this will bring back more memories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imYHcQqgTa8
Jane
I used to work there often (bass player) with The Regents. The lounge was main floor. Large buffet was 2nd floor 1966. It was owned by the Assefs. They also owned The Iroquois Casino, London On. (Another very nice venue)
Hi Bruce,
I’m the granddaughter of Edward Assaf, do you remember him? My father was his son William aka Billy
I worked in the office of the Savarin from 1948 to 1954. At that time the Windsor Room was on the second floor. On the main floor was the Men’s Beverage Room, the Ladies Beverage Room and a Cocktail Lounge. During my time there the Savarin was owned by Harry Hunt of Hunt’s Bakeries. Hunts also owned a number of other restaurants such as Muirheads. The Assefs bought the Savarin about 1953. Was very popular with lawyers and judges with City Hall being so close by.
Thanks, Edna. I’m glad you found the article.
Jane
Hi Edna,
I am the granddaughter of Edward Assaf my dad was his son William and my dad always talked about the sovereign do you have any other memories of them that you could share?
During the summer of 1963 my sister took me – a 20 year old summer intern in architecture hailing from Vienna, Austria – the a fancy place for Sunday brunch. The fare was on display behind glass vitrines: “LOBSTER ALL YOU CAN EAT”!
I remember having to wait a considerable time on the wide stairs inside the entrance, to get a table.
This is what started me off – a complete lobster novice – to become a lobster fan.
More than 10 years later, after I had officially arrived in Toronto as a “Landed Immigrant”, a friend took me to THE MOORINGS on Yonge Street. There I discovered ALASKA KING CRAB LEGS, now my favourite shellfish, even found at “C” restaurant in London.
Everlasting memories.
Hi Peter. I’m glad that our fine dining persuaded you to stay in Toronto!
Jane
Hi all:
My name is Tem. I worked part time at the Savarin 73-74 as a dishwasher while attending college. I recall two friendly Portuguese men doing other kitchen duties. I also recall the owner, must be an Assef, a very pleasant person.
After closing time, I would have some of the remaining sweet pork ribs to take home. My wife enjoyed it very much. We tried making it at home but could not repeat that great taste.
One night The Platters were on stage there and I took my wife to see them. I recall the group spokes person announcing that the group had at least one original member, Clarence Williams. We had a great time.
Hi guys if anyone is interested i have 2 of the original dining chairs that I’m trying to find a good home for.