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Dr Andrew Toplack is a familiar face to everyone in the hospitality industry in Toronto. He is a retired psychotherapist and is everyone’s favourite regular. His knowledge of spirits is phenomenal. He is the man behind the seminar series, Toplack Sessions. Back in 2017, we did a piece on him where we spent a night bar hopping with him. You can see that article here.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Andrew Toplack: Chatham, Ontario
BA: Where do you do most of your work now?
AT: Toronto
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink in Toronto?
AT: Whoa! So many places, it’s really hard to list them all. Civil Liberties, Civil Works, Bar Charlemagne, XXX, Overpressure, Goodnight, The Drake, Gift Shop, Bar Mordecai, Cry Baby, LeTigre, Project Gigglewater. And for food, one of the places I am really loving right now is Sakai. Milou is always wonderful. So much better than one expects it to be. Oh and I forgot to mention Reposado. When Doug Twigger is on bar, you gotta be there.
BA: What do you do for fun on your own that isn’t eating or drinking?
AT: That’s a really good question and I am struggling a little bit there. I am really looking at what I need to do to have some free time and what to do with it. I’ve got a few ideas, but nothing concrete yet.
BA: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
AT: I was sitting with Frank Bruno once and he asked me: “Have you ever thought of opening a bar?” And as I took a breath to answer him he said : “DON’T!”
BA: What is something that you are excited about?
AT: The next year. In the liquor industry here, there is so much possibility for change that there hasn’t been for years. Things could crack open, which would be wonderful.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted December 8th, 2024