“I always felt Parkdale had this undiscovered charm, like Williamsburg 10 years ago. When I came across the space for SIMPL THINGS, I knew it was what the neighborhood needed.” - Evelyn Chick, Owner

SIMPL THINGS | Cocktail Bar | 269 Dunn Ave, Toronto, ON | Reserve with DINR

When Evelyn Chick moved to Toronto from Vancouver a decade ago, she was already gaining recognition in the hospitality industry. But it was a defining moment in 2015 that truly marked her rise in the city. Shortly after arriving, she competed in the Beefeater MIXLDN global cocktail competition, advancing through regional and national qualifiers to represent Canada on the world stage in London. Facing off against 31 international contestants, her cocktail, Endless English Summers, took top honors, a victory that transformed the course of her career.

“Winning the competition was a turning point,” Evelyn recalls. “It catapulted me into the global cocktail scene and opened up endless networking opportunities.” What started as a promising career in Vancouver soon flourished into a whirlwind of success in Toronto, where she quickly became one of the city’s most influential cocktail experts.

SIMPL THINGS: Innovation Meets Style

Fast forward to today, and Evelyn’s SIMPL THINGS has been brought to life much like her award-winning cocktails: by combining unique ingredients in unexpected ways and presenting them with effortless style. For starters, Evelyn chose Parkdale as the location for her cocktail bar and restaurant—a neighborhood that isn’t an obvious location compared to hotspots like Ossington or Queen West. This bold choice mirrors her desire to do things differently.

Adding another layer of innovation, Evelyn introduced a dual-concept menu, executed by two different chefs. “It’s a unique business model because the chefs essentially rent the kitchen like barbers rent a chair,” she explains. The concept allows for flexibility, creating a dynamic space that adapts to both day and night.

A Menu that Shifts with the Day

The unique structure at SIMPL THINGS allows diners to choose their own adventure—an intentional reflection of how dining habits have shifted, especially post-pandemic. During the day, Executive Chef Cody Wilkes draws on his veteran experience from Gusto group and Mattachioni with an Italian-inspired menu that delivers comforting, easy-to-grab dishes featuring daily-made bread and fresh pasta. It’s a practical choice in an era where business lunches and leisurely afternoon meals are less common. Instead, SIMPL THINGS caters to the quick, casual bites that Parkdale’s residents crave.

Come evening, however, SIMPL THINGS transforms. The space adopts a more sophisticated vibe, offering an Asian-inspired snack menu curated with Evelyn’s deep nostalgia for the flavors of her birthplace, Hong Kong. Executed by CDC Jason Lu, the nighttime menu reflects the melting pot of influences found in Hong Kong’s culinary scene and features his family’s Asian BBQ recipes. The dishes are small, snackable, and perfect for sharing over cocktails. “The nighttime concept made a lot of sense for me. There’s nothing else like it around the neighborhood,” Evelyn says

This duality speaks not only to Chick’s adaptability as a business owner but also her keen sense of understanding the community’s needs. In a single week, guests might come in for a casual brunch, stop by for dinner later, and return with family for lunch. It’s this ability to serve different roles—casual eatery by day, vibrant cocktail spot by night—that has cemented SIMPL THINGS as a staple in Parkdale.

Cocktails that Push Boundaries

Beyond its innovative food offerings, SIMPL THINGS is where Evelyn’s passion for mixology shines. A certified sommelier and seasoned cocktail expert, Evelyn continues to explore new frontiers in cocktail crafting.

Her favorite spirit, gin, plays a central role in many of her creations. “Gin is versatile, with lots of botanicals and different distillation styles,” she explains. This deep love for gin was cemented during her early days of exploring cocktails, and it continues to influence her craft. She appreciates its ability to showcase different flavors and has crafted several standout gin-based cocktails for her menu.

Among her go-to local distillers are Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, located in Niagara, and Spirit of York, based in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. Dillon’s seasonal liqueurs, such as peach schnapps and orange curaçao, are personal favorites, while Spirit of York’s botanical-rich spirits, including their unique amaro and apertivo, complement her cocktails perfectly.

The cocktail menu at SIMPL THINGS features 16 meticulously crafted drinks, five of which are non-alcoholic, reflecting Evelyn’s commitment to inclusivity in the bar experience. “The non-alcoholic drink trend started years ago, and now the landscape has completely changed,” she explains. With options like the popular ‘Feather Dreams’—a refreshingly light mix of Meyer lemon, chamomile, and aloe—guests are treated to as much creativity in their non-alcoholic choices as their spirited counterparts.

A Space for the Community

More than just a restaurant or cocktail bar, SIMPL THINGS serves as a community hub. Evelyn, who also owns the nearby event space Ahma, emphasizes the importance of connection in everything she does. The SIMPL THINGS model allows for collaboration with local chefs, offering pop-up dining experiences and culinary events that showcase diverse talents. “It’s about creating the most experiences I can for people who want to receive them,” Evelyn says. This vision is brought to life not just in SIMPL THINGS but also through Ahma, an incubator for emerging chefs and refreshing backdrop for private events.

Evelyn’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. SIMPL THINGS was recently recognized by the World’s 50 Best as “One to Watch,” a nod to its innovative concept and community-driven ethos. For Evelyn, the award was both surprising and affirming, a reflection of her team’s hard work and their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a neighborhood bar can be. The award once again put Evelyn back in the global spotlight and cemented SIMPL THINGS as cocktail destination.

Looking Forward

With her roots firmly planted in Toronto and SIMPL THINGS thriving, Evelyn Chick shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to balance multiple ventures, including her glassware line, Story, and Feastie, a food and drink festival that highlights local BIPOC and female-owned businesses. Her book, ‘For the Love of Cocktails’ breaks down the art of crafting delicious cocktails and further cements her role as an industry leader.

In a city rich with diverse neighborhoods, Toronto presents a unique opportunity for who are able to connect with the tapestry of the city. In the case of SIMPL THINGS, it serves as an example of how authentically meeting the needs of a local community can propel you to a global recognition. Whether you’re stopping by SIMPL THINGS for a casual bite or indulging in a creative cocktail, one thing is certain: Evelyn Chick and her team have crafted a space where inclusivity and creativity flourish, offering a ‘simpl’ little something for everyone.

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