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The warm toffee pudding ($9) at Kindred is the best I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve eaten a lot. And there is a 48-seat patio.

But the signature space in the new Ice District property (10344 102 St.) is Braven, a 200-seat “beast,” according to Brans, in town from Toronto for the hotel’s grand opening Aug. 1. Don’t hold the restaurant’s name against it (sadly, braven is not a word), this restaurant will be the new go-to for those with empty bellies and deep pockets.

Braven is a simply stunning room. Deep-green, clubby and masculine with copper and bronze accents, it smells like new leather chairs. With a nod to classic 1970s steak and seafood joints, the restaurant also has feminine touches, such as German crystal and hand-painted plateware, plus lighter fare on the menu, including tuna tartare served on forked avocado. The previously mentioned Eton Mess is a girly extravagance if ever there was one.

Photo by Shaughn Butts / Postmedia

Braven’s executive chef Jeremy Korten has relocated to Edmonton with his family from O&B’s property in Blue Mountain, Ont. Edmontonians familiar with the chef scene who are seated at the sea-green marble chef’s rail close to the kitchen may catch a glimpse of chef Colin McFall, formerly of RGE RD.

The third food and cocktail space was not fully finished during my tour. But Alchemy Bar, located on the hotel’s fifth floor, will have its soft opening over the next few days and weeks. With only 55 seats (five of them at the bar), Alchemy is a cozy space in a deep, teal-blue with brass accents and a mysterious, hidden entrance located behind a bookcase. Perhaps the highlight is the 164-seat patio with an au plein kitchen that overlooks the outdoor event area between the Stantec Tower and Rogers Place.