The St. Regis Hotel Toronto: 

This luxurious hotel known for its impeccable service rolls out the red carpet during TIFF with extraordinary offerings. First, the lobby will be transformed into a 007-themed experience featuring a Photo Booth where guests can have their moment in the spotlight red-carpet with a professional photographer on site (follow their social media for updates on dates/times). The hotel’s popular Louix Louis and official whiskey partner, Macallan, will unveil a very special food and drink program during TIFF inspired by the legendary James Bond. If you’re feeling super Hollywood glam, you may want to go all-out with “The De-classified Case” an exclusive cocktail presented in a briefcase that has a price tag of $700. Too rich? Don’t worry, there are other TIFF themed fare to enhance film lover experiences.

If a spa visit is on your TIFF must-do list, then the Red Carpet Radiance Package will be your shining moment.  The St. Regis Toronto invites guests to step into the spotlight with a 60-minute NuFACE facial, followed by a 30-minute massage. This package ensures you look and feel your best, perfect for achieving a red carpet glow.

Camparino Pop up at the Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York:

Camparino, the famous bar known for pioneering the apertivo culture and home to the iconic Campari offers an exclusive social menu for one night only. Throughout TIFF, the Fairmont Royal York will also be hosting a series of festivities. Enjoy a personalized Campari Photo Booth to celebrate Festival season and raise a glass at Clockwork and Reign between September 4 to 15. There will be a TIFF Red Carpet on September 8th for that extra touch of glamour.

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto:

This hotel is always an ideal spot to feel pampered any time of the year. However, with its close proximity to the majority of the TIFF venues, it’s a highly coveted spot to gather pre or post screenings. The 5-Star Hotel is a popular spot (ahem, celebrities too)  TOCA restaurant has amazing Italian fare discreetly tucked away from gazing paparazzi eyes on the second level.  EPOCH lounge is an equally discreet and ideal escape with its outdoor heated patio. The popular Spa myBlend is a great escape to prep for those gala nights.

And for somewhere NEW check out The Ritz-Carlton’s LANO Cafe and Wine Bar. This AM to PM concept has elevated tasting menus and a fine selection of Italian wines.

Café Boulud (Four Seasons Hotel):

For one night only (September 4), join Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef William Kresky as they prepare an unforgettable four-course prix fixe dinner to celebrate the film festival season. Limited seating — details and reservations can be found here.

W Toronto:

This modern hotel offers a series of unique, movie-themed happenings during TIFF from cult classic cocktails Mixology Masterclass to Chocolate Paint & Wine (Sept. 7 & 14) nights where you can create a chocolate masterpiece inspired by your favourite films while savouring fine wine, guided by W Pastry chefs. There will also be movie-inspired snacks and special cocktails as well as a guided paring experience (September 5 and 12). More details here.

Mott 32 at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto:

The much buzzed about latest opening isn’t for the faint of heart. With decadent dim sum and ultra rich Peking Duck, this luxurious award-winning fine dining restaurant from Hong Kong is poised to welcome the Hollywood elite to its latest global opening.

Abrielle and The Sutton Place Hotel:

Will be home to an incredible photo exhibit during TIFF. The exhibition titled “TIFF Flashback” will showcase images from Lou D’s timeless Hollywood retrospect and a glimpse into Toronto’s vibrant celebrity scene during the 1990s and early 2000s. An ideal stop in for pre and post screening cocktails and nibbles within steps of the Festival hub.

House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro TIFF Festival Village (David Pecault Square)  has an excellent vantage point near the Red Carpet Galas right across from The Royal Alexandra Theatre. With their beautiful Capri inspired set up you’ll feel like you’re at the centre of all the glam while enjoying refreshing beverages (including 0.0%)

Kissa Lounge:

This unique Japanese listening lounge inspired space is already a discreet and popular spot for celebrities who visit our city. High-profile guests like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lil Baby and Marlon Wayans have graced its dance floors. With its intimate lounge and upstairs club, it’s the perfect place for celebs to escape to— you never know who you’ll run into! In fact, last year, Kissa hosted the Deadline Lounge, where celebrities like Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Willem Dafoe, Bowen Yang, and Elliot Page were spotted. We’ve learned it will once again be hosting TIFF events. A great place to do a bit of star gazing!

Soluna:

The Mediterranean coastal vibe supper club is the perfect day-to-night experience and is returning as a TIFF hospitality partner for the third year in a row, hosting multiple TIFF events/dinners, including the Black Excellence Awards, YYZ films, and CANIFFF. In past years, celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Efron, and Daniel Craig have all been spotted at Soluna, and more recently, Diplo did a surprise DJ set with French DJ Hugel this summer. While we might not necessarily be allowed in during booked out TIFF events, you definitely can visit all other times.

Civil Works:

One of the newest hotspots that is definitely on our radar is Civil Works. From our experience, we know some celebrities prefer locations that are a bit under the radar where they can be relaxed. This location is within close proximity to the TIFF hub and offers a fun and vibrant Great Gatsby vibe with its chic Art Deco inspired design. It’s also located in the cool new Waterworks Food Hall on Brant Street.

Evangeline (Ace Hotel):

This hotel is known to attract the seriously creative crowd and unpretentious Evangeline lounge above is situated ideally for after screening drinks overlooking the Toronto skyline. Its warm and cosy, yet discreet, location is a perfect spot to gather and chat about all things TIFF.

MARKED Restaurant:

One of the city’s most vibrant dining destinations played host to several TIFF parties last year (Anatomy of A Fall, Seagrass, Days of Happiness, and more). No surprise as it’s within close proximity to TIFF Lightbox. The venue serves as a love letter to South American culture and flavours.

The post Experiencing TIFF like an A-lister in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

She sources the best products as locally as possible. “We try to offer the best experience for our guests by staying local and try to get most of our products from within 100 kilometres. We know the freshest will give us the best flavours,” said Chef Cacho. “We also keep to seasonality to create exciting menus and for people to enjoy the best of the best that’s available.We want our guests to feel proud of what it means to source and support local.”

Chef Cacho also tells us 90 per cent of the proteins are sourced within Canada. Meats are aged in-house and they also make their own sausages — stand outs worth trying! Chef also explain that the team has a mission to ensure that waste is kept to a minimum and sustainability is just as important from start to finish.

Having grown up in the kitchen in Mexico City she learned important cooking skills and techniques from her mother and grandmother. Her early years of making fresh home-made salsas had made an everlasting appreciation for having access to local produce. By the way, when you’re at d|bar ask for the hot sauce. It’s one that is made in house with the chef’s Mexican influence.

To celebrate the spring season, Chef Cacho has curated a vibrant menu highlighting the season’s bounty while keeping with the French influence we are familiar with, and love, here. The menu features a collection of innovative appetizers and entrées with a special emphasis on seasonally inspired dishes.

From mouthwatering Chilled Lobster Tails to crispy Baby Gem & Endive Salad, Grilled Avocado, Tuna Carpaccio and more can be found on the spring menu. The menu is also designed with a commitment to sustainability and choice in sourcing local ingredients helps to reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint.

The menu continues to include French influences and there are several recipes that come from Chef Boulud’s upbringing in Lyon, France. The saucisson is really tasty sausage that has pistachios and truffle, served with thin potatoes and that Chef Cacho tells us is something she hasn’t found anywhere else in Toronto. There are also several very exciting and beautiful dishes to try including the Tuna Carpaccio. “We’ve added strawberries and rhubarb that’s coming into to season. It’s an unexpected combination that’s really nice,” said Chef Cacho.

Other dishes we explored included the Mexican Chorizo, Grilled Bronzino (a popular one!), Beignets de Calamari Frits, Tartare de Boeuf, Grilled Rib Eye, Mediterranean Power Salad, and always, the Charcuterie. The Charcuterie Tasting board is a stand out and all made in-house.

When it comes to cocktails there are many refreshing options including their tasty Peach QT. This can be made with our without alcohol. We really enjoyed this drink as it also had boba (bubbles) made with almond instead of tapioca. We are happy to also see fresh, bright and friendly lower alcohol volume or no alcohol options that aren’t always so juice forward.

Spring options worth noting at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, the d|bar also offers up lunch, dinner, and an Afternoon Tea experience. Late night is always buzzing here as well. If you’re looking also for more Mother’s Day ideas, check out Café Boulud on the same property but up a level from d|bar for their delicious brunch. We’ve also learned that the hotel is bringing back their very popular Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. You’ll definitely want to reserve in advance. More details here.

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CANOE: with its epic view of the city with an equally epic contemporary menu. This restaurant creates beautiful dishes inspired by our country’s diverse landscape. Chef Ron McKinlay is always creating something unforgettable.

DOVA: this pretty neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Cabbagetown serves up some impressive seafood dishes. Chef Roberto Marotta’s (also ARDO) attention to detail and flavours show. He also lets them naturally shine.

Don Alfonso 1890: Perched up high at the Westin Harbour Castle, this the only North American location of world renowned  Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino’s signature restaurant (Italy).  Tasting menu is a great option.

Kiin Café: Treat mom to a Royal Thai dining experience. Toronto’s favourite Chef Nuit Regular has recently launched a new brunch menu offering traditional Thai breakfast and lunch menu items. Reservations encouraged.

Cafe Boulud: at Four Seasons Hotel. We have our favourites at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Toronto restaurant and so does mom. This brasserie features classic and contemporary dishes inspired by the Chef’s family means in Lyon, France. Be sure to order their fresh baked lemon Madeleines.

Auberge du Pommier: Just north of the city (but south of the 401) is this quaint cottage-style structure that sits at the steps away from office buildings. But this hidden gem is a charming spot and a favourite for fine dining.

REIGN at The Fairmont Royal York: For Mother’s Day this popular restaurant is offering a full hot and cold buffet. The selection offers all the classic brunch favourites as well as a few additional dishes. There’s also a dessert room! $119 per person.

Marked: Take a delicious trip with their weekend all-inclusive bubbles brunch. Unlimited small plates and bottomless Prosecco feels like you’re on vacation. No worries about lost luggage either.

Oretta Midtown: Casual Italian hot spot offers an extensive brunch menu on the weekends. Lots of choices from salads, pizzas, pastas and other delicious dishes. Bottomless mimosas too!

AGO Bistro: Make it a day out with mom at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore the permanent collections as well as the contemporary galleries. Then, round off your visit with brunch at the onsite restaurant. Mother’s Day Prix Fixe menu available for $57 per person.

Miznon: If you’re taking in the Bloor Yorkville “Fleurs de Ville” fresh floral installations (May 10-14) and looking for something quick and casual, this will hit the spot. Miznon offers Mediterranean street food that we keep returning to. Their warm fluffy stuffed pitas are what dreams are made of. Cauliflower is iconic.

AFTERNOON TEA

Casa Loma: a favourite for many is the magical High Tea fit for every queen. Scones, pastries, and tea sandwiches will be serve along with tea, of course! Guests are also invited to tour the castle with their reservation. $75 per person.

Queen Bee Afternoon Tea at d|bar (Four Seasons Hotel): This special afternoon tea created by the culinary team to honour our Queen Bee while raising awareness of the importance of honey bees and the important roles they play in our everyday lives. $105 per person. Also available is Afternoon Tea at Home for $88 per person (pre-order by May 10 for pick up).

DAY TRIPPERS

The Royal Hotel Picton: The Dining Room here at this spectacular hotel is worthy of a day trip (or overnighter). Chef Albert Ponzo (formerly Le Select Bistro) brings true farm to table   menu that includes sourcing ingredients from the hotel’s own farm up the road. Seasonal menu items are offered as well as classic favourites.

The post Best places to dine in Toronto this Mother’s Day appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

CAFE BOULUD  Four Seasons Hotel Toronto:

Leave the cooking to the culinary team here and enjoy a three-course menu prepared for your lovely weekend at home. Options include Veal Cheek a la Bourguignonne or a Whole Rotisserie Duck, before choosing from a variety of delicious desserts including a box of handmade chocolates and a stunning selection of sommelier wine pairings. Wow your love with a sweet Macaron Tower made up of 50 chocolate and raspberry macarons for an additional $180.

Their exclusive Valentine’s Afternoon Tea is another lovely option with a selection of teas accompanied by sweet and savoury Boulud bites. Add on a 10g tin of Kaviari Transmontanus Caviar for $70 CAD.

For vegans, and non-meat selections, Cafe Boulud and d|bar are also offering a Valentine’s Vegetarian and Vegan menu with dishes including Butternut Squash Lasagne with Du Puy Lentils, Vegetables Byaldi, Roasted Pepper Coulis and a Funghi Trifolati featuring  Winter Mushooms with Truffle, Soft Polenta and Grilled Lemonier Rapini ($75 per guest). A children’s menu is also available upon request.

Valentine’s Family Affair Menu (Dinner for 5) includes a Roasted Pear and Parsnip Soup with Double Smoked Bacon and Chives to start followed by a main consisting of Roasted Saddle of Lamb paired with Pine Nut and Feta Stuffing. Sides options include Winter Truffle Pommes Puree, Braised Brown Butter Heirloom Carrots, Grilled Lemon Rapini and Lamb Jus. Finish the meal on a sweet note with a Jasmine and Raspberry St. Honore. Price for this family menu is $375.

To order any of the Valentine’s Day menus, please call 416-963-6000. Orders require 24-hours notice. All prices do not include tax, gratuity or add ons. The Hotel also has gorgeous gift sets including decadent chocolates, as well as spa and wellness items available.

Available for pick up at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto from February 12 to February 14.

Location: 60 Yorkville Avenue

MARBEN RESTAURANT: 80s Themed dinners

Chef Chris Locke is creating a fun 80s themed V-day night in. No way, WAY!  The playful four-course spread is complete with movie snacks and a link to a rad playlist. You can even add an assorted box of classic 80’s shots created by The Cloak Bar (oh, the stories of Fuzzy Navels!)  or shop the Marben market wine selection for a beverage pairing. Sweet!

The heat-at-home menu (for two) includes:

• Pizza Rolls: Fogo Island Snow Crab, bisque curd
• “Big Salad” Caesar: Shake-in-the-bag caesar, mussel garum dressing.
• Chicken Roulade ‘Cordon Bleu’: Pasture raised chicken breast roulade, truffle gouda, smoked Berkshire bacon, breadcrumbs
• Twice Baked Potato: Ranch pommes duchesse, duxelles
• ’16 Candles’ Layer Cake: Chocolate sponge, sourdough miso buttercream, Galliano frosting, strawberry coulis
• Movie Night Snacks: Popcorn with 2 seasonings (Oysters & Peaches n’ Cream), Love Hearts, and FunDip!

Available Pick up or Delivery February 12 to 14. Pre-order 72 hours in advance.

Price: $130

Location: 488 Wellington St. West

MCEWAN’S FINE FOODS:

McEwan’s culinary team have created a decadent prix fixe Valentine’s dinner for two perfect for a cozy night in. Menu items include dishes like Grilled Branzino, Woodland Mushroom Pappardelle, Butter Poached Lobster & Seared Steak or Shrimp Gyoza. Dessert options include a Chocolate Torta with rum banana and caramel sauce, Tiramisu, or Espresso Creme Brûlée.

Pick up available at McEwan’s Yonge & Bloor and McEwan’s Shops at Don Mills

Delivery options also available.

GEORGE RESTAURANT: Valentine’s 5 Course Tasting Menu

Enjoy a fine dining experience right in the comfort of your own home with this Toronto favourite. Five courses offer a selection of flavourful and exciting dishes . You’ll want to read descriptions on each dish! Some upgrades available for some courses.

Selections include:

First Course selection: Black Cod with Saffron Pannacotta and Roasted Brussels OR Ocean Trout with Poached Squash and Lentils OR Lobster with Navy Bean Relish and Lemongrass OR  vegetarian options

Second Course selection: Ricotta Gnocchi with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Breadcrumbs OR Agnolotti with Pumpkin Seed Crusted Sweetbreads and Carrot OR Orechhiette with Peppercorn and Black Truffle

Third Course selection: Pork Belly with Semolina Cake and Honey Mustard Miso OR Short Rib with Heirloom Beets and Chickpea OR Vegetarian option

Fourth Course selection: Beef Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions and Black Olive OR Lamb with Seasonal Ratatouille and Thai Curry OR Bison Ribeye with Fingerling Potato and Fennel

Fifth Course: Kalhua Chocolate Cake with Espresso Mascarpone and Pear OR Yogurt Cheesecake with White Chocolate and Almond

Add on Cheese Course that includes Chef’s Choice of three cheeses, or pints of homemade gelatos and sorbets from Executive Chef Loseto’s kitchen.

Preorder & Pick up

Price: $125 per person + add ons

Location: 111c Queen Street East

SUMMERHILL MARKET: Valentine’s Day 3-course dinner options

Created in-house by their new Executive Chef Ted Corrado (Rain, Luce, George, ROM’s C5, The Drake properties, byMinistry), the restaurant style meals (3 options including a vegetarian selection) makes life easier for a special meal at home. The meals vary from Soy Braised Beef Short Rib with Nova Scotia Lobster Bisque  to Duck Confit Cassoulet to Heirloom Carrot Wellington.Currently available for pre-order.

Price: $50 per person/ per dinner.

Pick up or delivered on February 12, 13, and 14th.

Location: 446 Summerhill Avenue and two other locations

LEE RESTAURANT: Valentine’s Day for Two

Susur Lee’s restaurant has something special on the menu for this V-day. Lovers can nosh on his Signature Singapore Slaw (a favourite in the city!) with organic salmon sashimi, Roasted Diver Scallop wrapped with double smoked bacon with whipped garlic mashed potato, creamed corn (add French Perigord Truffle for $30), French Style Duck Confit Bao with sweet hoisin, Beijing duck garnish, Visayas Adobo Slow Braised Short Rib with squash & caramelized onion ravioli, tomato fennel relish, chive sour cream. Then finish off with the Layered Dessert Trio of Coconut Panda Cotta, Passionfruit Gelee, Chocolate Mouse, Caramel Popcorn, Chocolate Strawberries.

Price is $250 (limited availability)

Must be pre-ordered in advance through www.exploretock.com/lee or via email info@leerestaurant.com or phone 416-504-7867

Location: 601 King Street West

SARA RESTAURANT: You, Me & Sara Date Night at-home menu

Sara Restaurant’s weekly changing menu is more than just inspiring and delicious for your next date night. The restaurant will donate the equivalent dollar value in food to help feed the hungry through Seeds of Home Foundation right here in Toronto. Recent date-night menu options include Grilled Rib Eye with Sweet Potato Puree, as well as Lemongrass Coconut Curry Chicken, and Wagyu Reuben.

Date Night Packages available for pick up only, every Saturday from 5pm to 9pm

Prices: vary

Location: 98 Portland Street

WAHLBURGERS:

Valentine’s isn’t only for lovers but for families and friends. It doesn’t always mean it has to be all fancy either! We’re happy for a break out of the kitchen! And when you have kids Valentine’s is a family event, right? Lots of options including smaller portions, salads and plant-based.  BBQ Bacon Burger? Yes, please! Double up my Tater Tots order! For a limited time, Wahlburgers also offers up free cookie treats (baked and packaged by Cookie Pals Treats in Canada) for your furry doggy family members! Made with premium ingredients the recipe will ensure that your pup won’t be left behind! Make sure you add this on with your order.

A la carte menu available to order for pick up or delivery through a variety of platforms.

Location: 46 Blue Jays Way

THE ROLLING PIN: For your Valentine’s Sweets

We can always look to The Rolling Pin to inject some fun into any day. From their Food Network Canada’s award winning gourmet donuts to a Skillet S’mores Kit for Two to edible/paintable sugar cookies and cookies with punny sayings, they have the perfect sweeties that make for great social distance drop off pandemic time gifts to let others know you’re thinking about them.

Curbside pick up and delivery available.

Location: 1970 Avenue Road

CHOC/ED:

It’s the little details that count! Made-to-order chocolate covered strawberries by Toronto-based chocolate chef, Elysha Varenbut, are thoughtful and scrumptious! The local shop offers up a variety of customizable box sets for Valentine’s Day. You can choose between different flavours, colours and toppings. from marbled white chocolate to the best selling breakfast bites which come topped with sugary cereals like Fruit Loops. The sets are meant to spark a little edible joy inspired by romance and self-love alike. Available while quantities last. One set even includes five fresh red roses as an add on option.

Available or pick up or delivery.

Orders can be made at www.choced.ca or email chocedtreats@gmail.com

KANDL LAB: Virtual Valentine’s Date Night Experience 

Want a romantic and interactive experience to enjoy together safely at home ? You can now have the signature upscale candle making experience from this much loved Yorkville shop delivered to your doorstep. Custom blend your signature candle fragrance by choosing from 15 different top, middle, and bottom notes. Learn about the art of candle making. Customize even the glass container. Then receive your beautifully packaged 10 oz luxury candle delivered to your door. The 1-1/2 hour class will be led on Zoom by Kandl’s expert teacher and resident candle enthusiast, Louise Abela.

Price for the experience is $130 plus HST per person.

Location: 88 Avenue Road

The post How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The first time I had experienced a real “Afternoon Tea” was while I was on vacation in my late teens. I was told it was customary for everyone to get a little more dressed up. Ladies wore dresses that covered the knees and men were required to wear proper pants and a jacket. The light meal was meant to be just enough to keep your hunger at bay between lunch and a much later dinner time.  I remember the tiered tray arriving with “petit fours” and dainty little crustless sandwiches with refined tableware. It was probably one of the first times I had been offered tea that was beyond Orange Pekoe. During that entire week, I had looked forward to this afternoon ritual. It was an escape into a world that was more about savouring the quiet moments and listening in on chatter from nearby tables who happily were “spilling tea” the entire time.

Afternoon Tea has become an event with friends and family over the years. Popular for celebrations like Birthdays and Mother’s Day, it’s always been something to look forward to. We may not be able to spend time right now in the plush settings of the Four Seasons Hotel’s Cafe Boulud restaurant and d|bar  lounge, but we can certainly linger over the tasty pastries and tea at home. Dressed up, or not. Definitely a lovely idea to “zoom” with friends and family now when we are finding ways to connect safely.

The stunning tower is designed to showcase Cafe Boulud’s beautiful arrangement of exquisite Afternoon Tea offerings. Awaken your taste buds with incredible textures and flavours including a Lobster Club Sandwich, Iberico Ham Tartelette, Orange and Chocolate Tart, Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse, Financier Tatin (cinnamon, apple, and salted caramel), and more. Each morsel is truly a work of  art.  I’ve also been really missing their delicious scones with house made jams, creams and marmalades and was happy to find them on the menu as well. A premium tea selection also comes with the order.

The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto’s Afternoon Tea is now available Friday to Sunday ($55 per person). Prices detailed are exclusive of tax, gratuities and add-ons.  Orders must be place at least 24-hours in advance.  All meals are available for pick up at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto (60 Yorkville Avenue). For more information, and to place your order, please contact core.toronto@fourseasons.com or call 416-964-0411. The Four Seasons Valentine’s Desk can also be reached at 416-963-6933.

Note: At this time, all guests entering the hotel are subject to a thermal screening and must wear a mask or face covering at all times.

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