@movernie
As you may have read my MoVernie BLOG a few days ago of our visit to the World’s 1st NBA Courtside Restaurant in Toronto. That evening was more to check out the scene here and grabbing a drink after the Leafs game.
In this MoVernie BLOG below, let us show you the food and beverages that we ordered during our dine-in experience tonight. We were being seated at what they described as the “Posh Area”, which is the section of the “Championship Area”. We were told by the staff that there is a progressive theme throughout the entire restaurant where you will see the roots where the basketball game begins, then a section of the players making it in the NBA, then, the all-star and finally the championship. Quite a cool concept.
In this Championship area, there are large TV screens around each side of the wall. The blue velvet chairs were comfy and super chic and swanky. There is also a bar nearby so the staff can pour water, pop very quickly to your table. Along the wall, you will see the photos of various teams who won the champ, including our city very own Kyle Lowry with Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors.
And there is one art piece that I couldn’t stop looking is “The Bounce”, this art piece showcase the various arch and angles of each bounce that occurred during Kawhi Leonard’s famous game 7 winning basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 Championship run.
Our server was very friendly, providing good recommendations for our food options. We decided to order 2 appetizers items to share. The server recommended the Ahi Tuna Stack as well as the Firecracker Salmon Roll.
Ahi Tuna Stack was a good portion, very fresh, nicely done with a nice plating. The sauce mixed in very well with the Ahi Tuna Stack.
The Firecracker Salmon Roll is not sushi roll or wonton roll, but more like a mini spring roll with salmon meat in it. Normally in your spring rolls, it’s usually chicken or pork or veggies, so using salmon is a clever way with some creativity with it. The dipping sauce was nice as well. However, $19 for an appetizer with 4 mini spring rolls seem a bit steep. However, it was definitely delicious.
We each ordered the following cocktails. They were both super photogenic and tasty as well.
Maverick Margarita (1½ oz)
Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, Blue Curaçao, Fresh Lime Juice, Agave, Coconut Cream, Sweet and Salty Rim
Passion & Heat Daiquiri (1½ oz)
Havana Club 7-Year Rum, Lime Juice, Passion Fruit, Hibiscus Tea, Disco Inferno Spice
Dallas Smoked Bacon Burger
Our fresh ground double patties, smoked bacon jam, jalapeño Havarti, chipotle mayo, sauteed red
onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle.
Luv that this burger has double patties, super massive, juicy and it tasted delicious. And the fries were crispy and perfectly golden battered.
Memphis Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Crispy buttermilk marinated chicken breast,
Memphis angry mayo hot sauce, house slaw,
gherkin, tomatoes.
This is the interesting part for me. Overall, I think most would enjoy this crispy chicken sandwich. I would prefer the chicken to be more crispier. However, the chicken is a big piece and it’s very juicy inside, which was surprisingly good. I guess I am not really a Memphis or Nashville herbs and spice type of guy coz I tried many places, I just can’t seem to really enjoy those flavours. It’s just me! But it’s still a very nicely done sandwich.
So, here is my take about this NBA Courtside Restaurant. Overall, it serves great food, tasty cocktails, good amount of beer on tap. There are good thoughts and planning being implemented into every area of this restaurant, from the concept of the roots of basketball to being in the NBA and championship, I thought that was a nice touch. I really like the NBA logo on the ceiling near the entrance. The NBA logo fireplace is nice and cozy.
Every part of this place is very well-thought out. The staff informed us that when it’s summer time, they will have a massive big patio outside the restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Location wise, although it’s still part of the Downtown Toronto, it’s still a bit from the action from the Jurassic Park and the Scotiabank Arena. And at night, there aren’t anything around this restaurant other than itself. I would prefer the NBA to find a bigger place and more central near the Financial District or closer to the arena. Nevertheless, perhaps some like it this way, near the waterfront and away from the crowded action.
I highly recommend anyone to come and grab a drink or grab a bite and enjoy watching the Raptors, Leafs or other sports games. #MoVernieApproved
PS – Be sure to check out the NBA Courtside store. It’s not super big in size per say but it does offer products such as basketballs, NBA hats, NBA Courtside merch such as t-shirts and umbrellas.
NBA Courtside Restaurant – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website
Address: 15 Queens Quay E #101, Toronto, ON M5E 0C5
Phone: (416) 967-5550
