Fine dining at the doorstep

Oct. 29, 2015 | Globe and Mail | www.GlobeandMail.com/partners/adv/luxuryrealestate

When selecting the anchor tenant of the prestigious Randall Residences, developers at Rosehaven Homes knew that not just any up-scale restaurant would do.

Development principals Silvio and Marco Guglietti didn’t hesitate to reach out to their favourite Toronto hotspot to gauge their interest in opening a second location at the foot of their posh property in downtown Oakville. It didn’t hurt that the owners of Yorkville’s famed Sotto Sotto Ristorante happened to be close personal friends.

“The Rocca family, having roots in Oakville, knew the area well and loved the project immediately,” says Heather Weeks, marketing manager for Rosehaven Homes.

It’s shaping up to be a match made in luxury.

The Randall is the picture of opulence. Set in tony downtown Oakville, it boasts a lush Parisian-inspired façade on the outside and over-the-top Ferris Rafauli-designed finishes on the inside. This is luxury like Oakville has never seen – and Oakville has seen its share of luxury.

With 36 units of affluent empty nesters above them and businesses with equally prestigious pedigrees in the neighborhood, Sotto Sotto Oakville is set to fit right in. “The restaurant will be an intimate one, with a private room available and an outside terrace for warm days,” says Ms. Weeks.

In anticipation of the 2017 opening, the restaurant has been catering all of The Randall events to serve as a small taste of what’s to come for residents.

“Sotto Sotto specializes in using fresh ingredients and cooking simple Italian classic and traditional dishes,” says Ms. Weeks.

The restaurant is expected to bring the same quality of food and hospitality found in its Yorkville location to Oakville. Soon after Italian-born chef Marisa Rocca opened Sotto Sotto in 1993, it quickly became an exclusive gathering spot for local and visiting celebrities. Everyone from Brad Pitt to Drake to NBA player Darrell Walker to Kevin O’Leary call Sotto Sotto a favourite.

Last December, fire gutted the Yorkville location, causing more than $1-million damage. After extensive renovation, Sotto Sotto re-opened in February – and was instantly re-embraced by its devotees.

“Back at the new and better than ever @SottoSotto Ristorante. If you haven’t... DO. #tgif #datenight @benmulroney,” Jessica Mulroney posted on Instagram.

Ms. Weeks says that when Sotto Sotto opens at The Randall, residents can take advantage of the restaurant’s proximity for informal in-home dining, cocktail parties or catered dinner parties in their suites.

Many Randall residents are trading more spacious homes for the convenience of amenities at their fingertips, she adds. “Having fresh, prepared food at your doorstep is perfect for clientele enjoying the finer things.”

Units at the Randall start at just over $1.95-million for 1,800 square feet, including a 1,413-square-foot terrace. Penthouses start at more than $2-million and go up to $3.4-million for larger suites.

Popular Yorkville eatery Sotto Sotto Ristorante will open a second location at the foot of the upscale Randall Residences in Oakville (above), bringing a gourmet dining experience to enhance residents’ lifestyles. Below, Sotto Sotto recently catered a party at the sales centre, giving buyers a sneak peek of the tasty treats to come.