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you’re in a mall. On June 2, 2012, Yorkdale Shopping Centre introduced a new culinary experience. A large space of 45,000 sq. ft. was transformed into a dining centre and a resting place for fashion enthusiasts and everyday shoppers. Why the change? “Those customers who have visited Yorkdale in the past probably would admit that our food court was not in alignment with the shopping experience,” says general manager Anthony Casalanguida. The new food collection brings an elevated ambiance and complements the calibre of the shopping centre, which is complete with stores like Tory Burch, Burberry, Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Dine on 3, located on the renovated third floor of Yorkdale, was designed to entice clientele and slow them down while shopping. “We wanted to create a situation whereby the person rests, relaxes, recharges, and then goes on to shop some more,” says Casalanguida. A heated patio, opened between the months of April and October, is another element catering to Dine on 3’s luxury experience.

When it comes to Italian coffee, everyone knows the name illy. Its boutique café and gelateria has come to Canada, and the first-ever location is in Yorkdale’s Dine on 3. Espressamente illy gives the new food collection a laid-back European feel. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria extends this feeling, creating authentic Italian pizza with imported Caputo flour and Campania tomatoes. For the diners looking for healthy options, Glow Press is available. Non-processed cheese for grilled sandwiches, high-quality breads and fresh salads make for a meal unfamiliar to most food courts.

This $35 million project boasts 19 restaurants and its very own smartphone app for table reservations. Its chic décor complements the rest of the shopping centre, creating a complete experience. “We wanted to create areas that reflected Toronto’s culture,” says Casalanguida. Mixing wood flooring, brick walls, skylights, a fireplace and modern seating, Dine on 3 represents the urban shopper.

Food presentation is another aspect of Dine on 3 that sets it apart from other quick-service dining areas. “The chefs do such a great job in terms of plating,” says Casalanguida. “Taking the extra time and effort to do that elevates the level of the experience.” Reducing waste by 80 per cent and appealing to environmentally friendly patrons, the food collection has reusable tableware and a water-efficient dishwashing system. Dine on 3 epitomizes the clean, green and comfortable atmosphere so many Torontonians crave, and is giving Yorkdale a competitive edge.

www.yorkdale.com