TIFF TIFF TIFF… are you getting as excited as I am?! As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the #TIFF14 theme is growing with each new day. Alongside my feature posts (check some of them out here & here), I took a moment last night over dinner with Julio & Catherine to discuss the upcoming season. Being that we eat out a lot (both by professional necessity and because who doesn’t love to go to a restaurant for a beautiful meal?), Julio looked at me and told me I should make a TIFF inspired Restaurant Round-Up. Not just another pretty face my husband to be…..
So, we came up with my Top 6 Restaurants you MUST eat at during The Toronto International Film Festival ® both for the delicious food and the possibility of dining beside your favourite celebrity. Come see the #DoTheDaniel top 6 #TIFF14 Restaurants here! For anyone who own a restaurant business and does get inspired by some of the recommendations we have mentioned below, don’t take this as one business doing better than yours. There will always be competition in whatever industry you find yourself in, but it is up to you to make that change and strive for success. When it comes to improving their social media presence, I’ve heard a few people say, “Buzzoid is my favorite choice“, in relation to companies that help boost follow counts and likes on their accounts. This may be something worth looking into, especially if you are looking to step up your social media game for your business. Maybe taking inspiration from these restaurants could make all the difference when it comes to your future. Additionally, you may want to improve the service and hospitality of your restaurant by hiring someone from a reputable agency such as a hospitality headhunter, which can find hard-working employees to work for the restaurant. For instance, whether it’s managing a restaurant or keeping up the quality food, a good managerial staff could act as a stepping stone towards the success of your restaurant.
In no particular order, let’s get right to business shall we?
325 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H 3C2 – (416)-637-5550
For those of you who aren’t aware of this stunning space located on the 31st floor of our favourite luxury hotel in Toronto, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto, this is hands down one of my favourite Restaurants in Toronto and it now has a whole new name, menu and feeling! You heard it hear first! Undoubtedly the Trump name is one that carries with it prestige and finesse and I can guarantee that many a celebrity will be staying at the hotel and dining at America Restaurant. With Breakfast, Lunch AND Dinner services available, I would encourage you to treat yourself to a meal that you won’t soon forget. Julio & I love it so much so that we celebrated his birthday here in a #TrulyTrumpTO manner (check out full details here) and I believe it is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and celebrity watch during the TIFF season. A word to the wise for this high end establishment is to call ahead and make reservations as it will be bustling during the business of TIFF. With a new name and exciting new menu items to try, this is one of my favourite spots in the city and you’ll be sure to catch Julio & I here throughout TIFF!
Twitter: @America_Toronto Instagram: @America_Toronto
800 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V1 – (416) 644-8839
During the 2013 TIFF season, Hudson Kitchen took Toronto by storm with celebrity sightings and appearances. I have an inclination that in 2014 the same will occur and this west end hot spot will be full of TIFF celebrities and fans alike. Renown for its beautiful patio, fresh food driven menu and all around unique flare, this space is one that is worth the commute from the downtown core. With Private Dining Room options, delicious seasonal inspiration and 5 star calibre without the 5 star price, Hudson Kitchen has got something for everyone. As a TIFF fanatic, you can bet that I’ll be eagerly checking their twitter & instagram accounts to see which celebrities make a second appearance and which ones enjoy it for the first time. Great for a date night out or just to enjoy the TIFF inspired buzz in the city, this is a must in my books.
Twitter: @HudsonKitchen Instagram: @HudsonKitchen
60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4 – (416) 963-6000
Although not my favourite area of the city, I cannot argue with the fact that the place to see a huge amount of celebrities and truly embrace the TIFF season is in Yorkville. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Cafe Boulud holds a special place in my heart. I hosted my very first influencer dinner of 2014 there and fell in love with the ambiance and menu. Living up to the Four Seasons name and with Culinary Mastermind Daniel Boulud behind the concept, this space screams celebrity sightings year round. So to say the least, I have no doubt it will be a hub of celebrity sightings and delicious meals for you as well during the TIFF season! Once again, when venturing into a major establishment and hotel restaurant, I always encourage to call ahead and make reservations to ensure that you get the best seat available.
Twitter: @CafeBouludTO Instagram: @CafeBouludTO
100 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6 – (416) 964-2222
Keeping in the spirit of Yorkville, I couldn’t possibly omit Sassafraz. A Toronto Restaurant icon in the industry, this destination has been on the radar for food lovers both living in and visiting the city for decades. With its French inspired menu, classic decor and service. Fine dining in Toronto has truly been inspired by the longevity, creativity and custom touches that this Restaurant has to offer. Being such a leader in the industry I have no doubt that celebrities and tourists alike will flock to the dining room to enjoy their meals and I would suggest you do the same. I am reminded of Old Hollywood charm and class when I think about the space and it is a must for those of you looking to live the #TIFF14 life while enjoying beautiful meals.
Twitter: @TheSassafraz Instagram: @TheSassafraz
188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3 – (647) 788-8888
Headed back downtown, the imperial Shangri-La Hotel Toronto towers over the city core and TIFF hub in the perfect way. Its signature restaurant is most likely familiar to you all since I hosted my #iheartbosk dinner there and had one of the best nights with dear friends over dinner, drinks and laughs. As the location plays perfectly for those jet setting celebrities coming in and out of the city, I am 100% certain that some of our favourites will be staying in the hotel and enjoying a late night meal. From the stunning lobby with hints of lavender in the air to the asian inspired decor that flows seemlessly into the restaurant itself, the food is positively stunning. You’ll also want to follow along as Julio & I attend a very exclusive TIFF party at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto on September 5th. Chances are we will grab some delicious cocktails and food post event at bosk, so why not come join us and the celebrity clientele concentrating in the city core?
Twitter: @BoskTO Instagram: @ShangriLaTO #Bosk
299 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1P7 – (416) 599-0299
Coming off the INCREDIBLE #DiscoverMontecito (follow the hashtag to see the behind the scenes) tasting last night, I am calling this at this year’s TIFF hotspot that takes the season by storm. There is something quite unique about both the location and the space itself. It embodies joy and warmth the moment you walk in the door. The menu itself is elegant in its simplicity and truly lets the beautiful ingredients speak for themselves. The decor is breath taking and the space itself it HUGE while still maintaining that intimate feeling any good Restaurant requires. I genuinely believe that this will be the place to find celebs day in and day out based upon its Entertainment District home right around the corner from all the hustle & bustle of #TIFF14. Love child of famed Director Ivan Reitman & Master Chef Jonathan Waxman, this Hollywood California inspired Restaurant was basically built to be the iconic TIFF hotspot and is a must on my top 6 list of must try spaces during TIFF.
Twitter: @Montecito_TO Instagram: @Montecito_TO
And those make up my top 6 MUST try Restaurants for the upcoming @TIFF_net #TIFF14 season. All six bring something unique to the table (quite literally) and I love them all!
Make sure to use your social media skills when you visit and let them know about what YOU loved about your #TIFF14 experience. Why not tag @DoTheDaniel on Twitter & Instagram when you sight your favourite celeb around the beautiful city of Toronto during The Toronto International Film Festival ® 2014 season? I can’t wait to see who you run into, what dishes you love and where your #TIFF14 adventures take you!
Logo: Amanda Hayden Photography
Photos: STOCK Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Hudson Kitchen, Café Boulud, Sassafraz, Bosk, Montecito & The Toronto International Film Festival ®
** Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive. Also, don’t forget that celebrities are people too. In most cases, if you just ask, you’ll be surprised at how accommodating they are to taking a photo with you. Please don’t harass them or take the TIFF excitement too far. **
Cheers!
Real People Doing Real Things™ = #DoTheDaniel ✌ Canada, US, UK … Do The Daniel feeling festive with Mandarin Restaurants at Mandarin Restaurant – Yonge. … experience was uniquely designed for the Toronto store and is a world first? … Attending The 6th annual #CanadiancannabisAwards with my hubby as …by epicfollowerscanada
This restaurant looks cool