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I Got Rhythm

KING WEST GEM ROBIN WYNNE

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Fynn's of Temple Bar

489 King Street West

Bar

Sometimes you get lucky and find a neighbourhood bar that’s really good at one or two things. They’ll have great cocktails, a big-screen TV for watching games, or they’ll play the best mix of music. Fynn’s of Temple Bar and its General Manager, Robin Wynne, bring all of the above to King West, in a distinctively trend-setting way.

With a smile, Wynne describes himself as a balanced cocktail, vanilla sweetened, sometimes bitter, unique like a good tequila, and has a refreshing finish – just as eclectic as his professional background. He started out in the industry working for corporate restaurants, managing, and assisting under-performing restaurants. Something of a Gordon Ramsay, he helped fledgling establishments get back on their feet.  Aside from the restaurant industry, he both produces and performs music as the house DJ.

What gives Wynne the neighbourhood gem status is undoubtedly his respect for the drinks he creates.  Sunday nights, you’ll find him bartending at Fynn’s behind a row of about 20 different specialty bottles.  He’s pumped and ready to make any one of his Sunday Secret cocktails, a list of drinks that changes every week.

When asked about his dedication to cocktail creativity, he says, “I want to help create a cocktail culture, moving away from the vodka soda.  That way, people can find what they like.” King West is a booming hive of young professionals with more people moving in daily, and Wynne is creating the opportunity for them to have “a great place to explore [a new style of cocktails]”. Also, when it comes to craft beer, he always has a rotating guest tap and bottles in the fridge.

For some time now, Wynne has been working in molecular mixology, which he describes as making a cocktail, whose elements are “re-envisioned to present the essence of the cocktail,” in a non-traditional form. He showed me a container of Appleton’s Caramel Malto which contains maltodextrin, an additive that, when combined with certain liquids, turns them into a powder that will spice up any cocktail’s presentation.  Using this, he made a special Appleton Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Treat for me (unavailable for purchase), that he recently entered in the cocktail competition, “Made with Love”.

It’s not only the cocktails that Wynne is spicing up at Fynn’s either. Often, he’ll pop on “Robin’s Big Time Fun Playlist,” showcasing the best of disco, funk, soul, house, motown, and 80s retro.  To Wynne, being a mixologist and DJ are “both sources of personal inspiration – music helps get the creativity going.”

When he’s not at the bar, you can often find Wynne at Jacob’s Steakhouse. It’s just across the street. He especially enjoys their table-side prepared Caesar Salads ($15) alongside a steak.  He’s part of the action and vibe, spending time in King West because it’s “a hub of activity, full of people my age to connect with,” he says.

Fynn's on King Street West

Something you’ll be able to connect with Wynne over, is his love of soccer (which he refers to as football). When there’s a match on, expect the bar’s four television sets and large projection screen at the front to be tuned in.  With mention of the Euro Cup and Olympic Games this summer, Wynne excitedly admitted that he loves to host pools with prizes and lots of give-aways during events.

Wynne’s favourite drink? “A caesar, with bacon infused vodka.” He recommends one on the Fynn’s menu (Breakfast Caesar, $12) paired with the Grilled Tenderloin Sandwich ($15) – a combination that will send you straight into savoury city.

Contemplating savoury, red meals, I asked Wynne which tool he’d choose in the event of a zombie apocalypse between a flame thrower and samurai sword. He chuckled and responded, “Flame thrower – more splatter damage.”