The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes over most of city from September 8 to September 18. Among the stars that will have been confirmed to attend this year include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Clive Owen, Jason Statham, Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton, Heather Graham, Ryan Gossling, and the list goes on! And hey, these people gotta eat and schmooze somewhere. So, here are some of the HOTSPOTS around the city where you may get a chance to see the movie industry elite.
1. The Ritz Carlton – DEQ (181 Wellington St. West) with it’s secluded outdoor patio, several parties are scheduled to take place here. But because of its intimate setting and location, this is an idyllic hang out for the stars and industry makers.
2. La Société (131 Bloor St. West) this Parisien bistro/zinc bar inspired resto is conveniently located at Bloor and Ave with a hopping bar scene to locals and visitors alike.
3. Hazelton Hotel & ONE Restaurant (161 Yorkville Ave.)- yes, although TIFF official locale has moved to King Street this still remains to be popular spot. Located in the busy Yorkville area it has a great sightline of the patio but get in the restaurant for a late nite dinner or noshing for best chances. The Hotel is a favourite amongst the celebrities.
4. Four Seasons Avenue Bar / Studio Café (21 Avenue Rd) – this will be the last year at this location as they move to their new digs. During TIFF lots of wheeling and dealings happen here.
5. Joso’s Mediteranean Restaurant (202 Davenport Rd.) – this tried and true mainstay is a favourite for celebrities with it’s quirky décor and deliciously fresh seafood.
6. The Spice Route (499 King St. West)- will host this year’s ET Canada party on September 13. Celebrities and Global TV personalities will be working the red carpet at this major event in this location.
7. Starbuck’s (139 Yorkville Ave) – addiction is a powerful draw and this location is within closest proximity to the where the stars are staying.
8. The Thompson Hotel (550 Wellington St. West)- is great as it’s slightly off the TIFF path. With a great roof pool and cool lobby bar, this hotel has appeal for the younger generation of stars.
9. AME Restaurant (19 Mercer St.)- located just a street south of the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Mercer Street, this is a hidden gem Japanese styled restaurant with Guy Rubino at the helm. Get the Wagu Beef Short Ribs and a bottle of sake and keep your eyes open.
10. Parts & Labour (1566 Queen St.West)- located in the Parkdale area, this is part resto part event space has a great casual cool vibe with a great dinner menu that changes with the season. Their roof top garden project supplies the restaurant. Sunday brunch is a good bet.
Follow Sonya as the Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (TIFF) mayhem collides with back to school. This mom of two boys dubs herself as “the right place, right time gal” and will be hitting the circuit running from movie screenings to events for our readers. Sonya will get chatty with tweeps and peeps in the industry and report on celebrity sightings. Who knows…she may be able to swing some swag for our readers! Follow us on twitter and facebook to find out! @sdhypertweets @urbanmomsca #TIFFmoms
Sounds like the Mod Club will be good this year as well – they’re having an awesome series of music there! Can’t wait to read all your updates!!
I tried out La Societe last week and it was great! Superb ambience and a fab patio…thanks for the tips!
She is so beautiful isn’t she?? So was Hilary Swank and I was (kinda) shocked because I don’t normally think she’s that great but she was soooo pretty.
Awesome ladies!! Stillwater is a defintely great spot! So many fab places in Yorkville to bump into stars! Was at the Windsor Arms once when Janet Jackson was there.:) sat next to Chase Crawford at One. But of course I didn’t realize who the Gossip Girl star was until a few teen girls came over and giggled! I’ll keep my eyes open when I’m out and hope you will too! Have fun!
Good call, Sarah. Last time I was there for a massage, I was sitting beside a bathrobed Diane Lane in the lounge area. For the record, she looked scrubbed free of any makeup and was absolutely beautiful!
Keep us posted on who you spot!
Stillwater Spa. I was there last year during TIFF and bumped into Hillary Swank
and what about clive owen’s hotel room number…i wanna go there!