The Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place between September 5 and 15, is one of the city’s best offerings, and it’s an event that puts Canada in the spotlight time after time. Each year is a little different than the one before, but one thing’s for sure — Toronto will be teeming with parties, events, and celebrities. If you’re looking to do a little celebrity spotting, you’re in for a treat as there’s a long list hotspots to visit where you could catch a glimpse of your fave star. Loads of recognizable faces coming to the #6ix, including Meryl Streep, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jennifer Lopez, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Hanks, Dakota Johnson, and many, many more.
But where does one go to spot their favourite celebrity? We’ve got the scoop for TIFF 2019, so keep on reading!
Montecito
Owned by director Ivan Reitman — the man behind films like Ghostbusters, Hitchcock, and more — this farm-to-table restaurant is guaranteed to play host to some of TIFF’s most noteworthy stars. In years past, the hotspot has seen celebrities like Margot Robbie, Reese Witherspoon, and more, walk through its doors.
RBC House
If you want to be at the heart of TIFF action, you need to drop by the RBC House at 11 Duncan. Acting as a hub for all things film, music, and arts, the destination will host big-buzz film premiere parties, intimate musical performances, junket interviews, and panel discussions. Catch a glimpse of your favourite A-lister here — last year’s guest list included Elle Fanning, Rachel McAdams, Kate Mara, Bryan Cranston, and more.
Byblos
With such close proximity to TIFF Bell Lightbox, Byblos is another no-brainer for celebs, especially since it’s under the RBC House roof at 11 Duncan. The Mediterranean restaurant not only boasts a top-rated menu, but past guests include Matt Damon, Cara Delevingne, Elle Fanning, Salma Hayek, and more.
Soho House
Image source: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Grey Goose
Soho House is a members-only club and it’s known for hosting the hottest events during TIFF. In the past, Grey Goose has hosted soirees here and have included A-listers like Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many more. Just be warned: if your name’s not on the list you’re likely not getting in, but you might be able to sneak a peek of a celeb if you’re lucky!
Marbl
If it’s A-List celebs you’re wanting to catch a glimpse of, Marbl on King is where you need to be. Not only are celebrities expected to be dining at this top notch restaurant, but it’s where Supper Suite, a TIFF pop-up, will be held from September 6-8. Nordstrom is back as the title sponsor of the pop-up, and it’s where some cast parties and dinners will be, so you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll see a few stars!
The Ritz-Carlton
Some say that The Ritz is the unofficial hotel for celebrities during TIFF and they’re right. Just steps away from some of the biggest TIFF-tivities, many A-listers choose the beds at this luxury accommodation for their beauty rest. While The Ritz is tight-lipped on who’s made reservations, the hotel recently revealed to FASHION that “if you book a room, you are sure to see some of your favourite stars!”
Regulars Bar
Situated just a stones throw away from all the TIFF action is Regulars Bar. A favourite hotspot of celebs who visit Toronto, it’s expected to be crawling with stars, media, and fans alike. If you’re in the mood for killer cocktails and an elevated experience altogether, Regulars is where you need to be.
The Windsor Arms Hotel
Legendary TIFF parties have happened at this hotel, and this year will be no different. The annual Artists For Peace and Justice Gala will be hosted on-site by Susan Sarandon, Yannick Bisson, Shantelle Bisson, and George Stroumboulopoulos. Tickets for the party start at $2,500, but you might make eye contact with your favourite celebrity if you linger long enough. The event celebrates incredible activists in the artist community who have made a significant impact. Previous honourees have included Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, and Jackson Browne.
Festival Street
Located on King Street between Peter Street and University Avenue, roads will be blocked for free activations all throughout TIFF. Notable attractions include a Nespresso pop-up cafe where guests can discover their celebrity capsule match, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and much more. Even if you don’t spot a celeb here, it’s worth checking out!
Featured image source: George Pimentel/Getty Images
Articles You May Be Interested In:
20 Of The Biggest Celebrities Coming To Toronto For TIFF
What It’s Like to Be a Celebrity During TIFF
HUGO BOSS Just Opened A Beautiful New Canadian Flagship Store In Toronto
Inside NKPR President Natasha Koifman’s Lavish, All Black Closet
10 Of The Best Places To Get Buck-A-Shuck Oysters In Toronto
Just in time for the hot weather, the wonderful sommelier from Montecito Restaurant, Heather McDougall shared some of her amazing frosé recipes. Impress all your friends at cocktail hour, with the most popular drink of the summer even from the comfort of your own home. We recommend using the Vitamix blender to prepare the perfect drink.
Strawberry Elderflower Frosé
Ingredients
2 slushy cubes
6 oz. rosé wine
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ cup ice cubes
1 bottle of elderflower soda
Slushy Cubes Recipe
In a large cube ice tray, divide one bottle of rosé. Freeze overnight.
Directions
Add slushy cubes, rosé wine, ice cubes and frozen strawberries to your Vitamix, blend until almost smooth, and then slowly pour in the elderflower soda. Divide the mixture into your favourite rocks glasses, and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Serves 4
Tequila Peach Frosé:
Ingredients
2 slushy cubes
2 oz. reposado tequila
6 oz. rosé
1 cup frozen peaches
½ cup ice cubes
1 can of club soda
Slushy Cubes Recipe:
In a large cube ice tray, divide one bottle of rose. Freeze overnight.
Directions
Add slushy cubes, rosé, reposado tequila, ice cubes and frozen peaches to your Vitamix, blend until almost smooth, and then slowly pour in the can of club soda. Divide the mixture into your favourite rocks glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
Serves: 4
Featured Image: @montecitotoronto
Whats your favourite drink in the spring? Let u know in the comments!
Posts you might be interested in:
Meatless Meat, Cookie Dough And Other Food Trends You Need To Try This Season
7 Fun Food and Drink Festivals to Hit Toronto this Summer
6 US Restaurant Chains That Need To Come To Canada ASAP
Toronto Hosting Massive Food Truck Festival All Summer Long
Multi-Vendor Food Concept Set to Open on Queen Street West
It’s happening: The days are shorter, the leaves have gone from photo-worthy to gross, and the dockside beers of summer have become a distant memory.
In addition to sweatpants and pumpkin spice lattes, nothing satisfies the cozy comfort found in warm, cheese-filled dishes (unless you’re lactose intolerant, in which case, sadly, this article isn’t for you).
The cheese-lovers will find the ultimate gooey comfort with these cheesy dishes at spots throughout the city.
Jurassic Junkie Pizza from Junked Food Co.
Satisfying those weed-fuelled munchies (or any munchies) like no other is the Jurassic Junkie Pizza from Junked Food Co. The fully loaded deep-dish pizza includes the spot’s addictive Crack Mac & Cheese (which can be ordered on its own), Dr. Pepper pulled pork, bacon, mozzarella and a creamy cheese sauce.
Image: Instagram/ @junkedfoodco
King’s Crown Nachos at Sneaky Dee’s
Those who know agree that Sneaky Dee’s has owned the city’s nacho game for years. While they offer nacho platters of all varieties (including vegan), the King’s Crown is a longtime favourite, and the fact that a generous portion of gooey cheese is layered throughout makes them even better. While they may come with a steeper price tag than most spots, these are definitely worth dropping the extra dollars on.
Image: Instagram/ @thesneakydees
T.O.’S Best Truffle Mac and Cheese from Prohibition Gastrohouse
If you’re looking to eat your feelings, head over to Prohibition Gastrohouse and order the addictive T.O.’s Best Truffle Mac and Cheese. Made with Italian artisan pasta (but also available in gluten-free), this dream of a dish features a blend of Gruyère, Emmental, L’ermite bleu, black truffles, fresh herbs, truffle oil and shallots, all in a buttery biscuit crust.
Image: Instagram/ @chefshedden
Soupe a L’oignon at Le Select Bistro
A go-to and menu mainstay at Wellington Street’s Le Select Bistro is their celebrated Soupe a L’oignon Gratinée. This comforting French onion soup subs the Gruyere for gooey raw-milk Emmentaler, which is generously smothered on top of crispy fried croutons.
Image: Instagram/ @mattymatheson
Grilled Cheese at Aunties & Uncles
To cure that hangover one gooey bite at a time, head to brunch spot Aunties & Uncles and order the home-style grilled cheese. Served with challah bread, this reliable sandwich keeps it simple with Canadian cheddar and tomato (bacon add-ons are optional) and is served with housemade ketchup. The best part is that at only $8, it won’t break the bank either.
Image: Instagram/@forks__spoons
Giovanna Pizza From Queen Margherita Pizza
If you’re in the mood for a Neapolitan meatless pizza that’s topped with memorable cheese, the Giovanna Pizza from one of Queen Margherita’s three locations is a solid choice. In addition to green olive, garlic basil and sun-dried chili, the pizza features both fresh buffalo mozzarella and asiago.
Image: Instagram/@queenmargheritapizza
Halloumi from Mamakas Taverna
Popular Ossington Greek spot Mamakas Taverna serves up some of the best (and spot-hitting) halloumi cheese in the city – and the app-sized dish is so good, you may want to order two. Perfectly grilled in all of its gooey glory, the cheese is served with sweet corn and grilled peach.
Image: Instagram/@mamakastaverna
Poutine from Leslieville Pumps
The poutine at Leslieville Pumps is worth the trip to the east end. It features fries covered in the BBQ spot’s herb salt mix, rich smoked beef jus gravy and both orange and white Ontario cheese curds. While the addition of things like beef brisket and beef brisket chili amp the dish up, one thing is certain – you’ll want to spend the additional $2.50 for extra curds.
Image: Instagram/@foodelventures
Canestri at Buca Yorkville
While all of the pastas at Buca are completely diet breaking-worthy, they are made even better when topped with the always fresh, soft and creamy water buffalo fresco. Buca Yorkville’s Canestri is filled with veal and pork sausage, wild abitibi chanterelle mushrooms, ragu bianco, preserved lemon and, of course, that dreamy water buffalo fresco.
Image: Instagram/ @bucatoronto
Cumbrae Farm’s Dry Aged Burger from Montecito Restaurant
If a burger is what you’re craving, the Cumbrae Farm’s Dry Aged Burger from Montecito Restaurant – where everything on the menu is locally sourced – doesn’t disappoint. Not only is the beef juicy, fresh and features house-cured pancetta, the addition of local 5 Brothers cheese completes this comforting dish.
Image: Instagram/@montecitotoronto
Would you try one of these comforting cheesy dishes? Comment below!
Featured image: Instagram/@junkedfoodco
Posts you might be Interested in:
The Top Food Festivals & Events in Toronto this Fall
These are the 10 Most Popular Restaurants in Toronto According to Foodora
The Best Places to Eat Filipino Food in Toronto
The Cheesecake Factory will Open in Toronto this November
For Fear of Food: What’s Making our Complexion Cry?