By Jamie Drummond

Toronto Chef Paul Boehmer has been a great friend of mine for many a year, and so when I heard through the grapevine that he was to open his own establishment on the Ossington strip I was absolutely delighted. Having always spoken with Paul about putting together a wine program for him, I was very excited to be invited to see the space back in May of last year, 2009. My immediate reaction upon seeing the ex-auto garage was “Blooming ‘ell… it’s a big space isn’t it Paul?!!!”

If you have a little peek at the picture below you will get some idea of the square footage I am speaking of, not to mention the ceiling height… remember that Boehmer is one unusually tall gentleman…

Chef Boehmer shortly after securing the space in May of 2009

Stories centred around some of the problems Chef Boehmer has faced as he moved toward his much anticipated restaurant’s opening have been much documented in the Toronto press, and the question on so many folk’s lips was “So when IS Boehmer opening his place?” Well, I am happy to be able to tell you that it is going to be opening very soon indeed…

Chef Boehmer and Jamie just before opening

Around a month ago Chef Boehmer and I sat down in Maria’s Sports Bar in Toronto’s west end to chat about his new venture over what has to be one of the best value lunches in the city… a wonderfully simple Portuguese grilled sea bass with vegetables.

Press play above to listen to the podcast or right-click here to download it.

Grilled Sea Bass at Maria's Sports Bar... $14.95!

We also have an exclusive peek at Chef Boehmer’s restaurant interior pre-opening…

Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution.