An 18,000-square-foot empty space would daunt most people. But not Ed Ho.

He saw this site as an opportunity to create the perfect neighbourhood bistro in an area many have called ‘a culinary dead zone’. Mind you, he does have the experience. Globe Bistro on the Danforth and earth Rosedale are also his.

Ed’s food philosophy is posted on the restaurant wall: “Think global, eat local.”

The menu has us convinced. At a quick glance, you’ll spot Niagara cherries, pork schnitzel from Perth and tenderloin from Wellington County.

Got a taste for game meat? Tuck into the charcuterie of wild boar, venison frankfurter and rabbit - all from Ontario, of course.

Depending on your idea of local, you could also count some of the delicacies from a few provinces over. The menu features Nova Scotia lobster and P.E.I. mussels.

Forget your waistline when you’re here and think about your taste buds. They’ll thank you for the Yukon frites fried in duck fat and the Devonshire cream and the maple brioche doughnut.

Slate tiles and reclaimed barn floorboards cozy up the enormous space which can seat 735 guests in total. There’s the sports bar, the wine bar complete with red lacquered counter and displays of Earth’s own wines, a party room and a roof deck. The roof deck is slotted to include a fruit and herb garden, which will also masquerade as part of the décor.

The basement is also available for special events.  

Roaming around the massive space can give you a pre-dinner workout. 

You might need it.