Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back in the city and along with the featured films, glamorous events, and the celebrity sightings that come with the season, we can also expect some seriously cool menu items popping up at restaurants and hotels to celebrate.
Think over the top, film-inspired cocktails and dinner plates of glitzy creations by Toronto’s top mixologists and chefs. Ready for a TIFF inspired date night that will immerse you in all the action?
This is perfect for foodies and movie lovers alike!
St. Regis Hotel Toronto
Where to order them: LOUIX LOUIS & Astor Lounge
Inspired by the legendary James Bond, LOUIX LOUIS has unveiled its exclusive food and beverage menu partnered with The Macallan (which also happens the be the official choice of the spy).
There will be an iconic and beyond-luxury $700 cocktail at LOUIX LOUIS this year for TIFF.
The De-classified Case features 25-year-old Sherry Oak The Macallan, presented in a briefcase with smoke and an edible garnish.
The French 325 Cocktail, inspired by its address at 325 Bay St. is a distinctive speciality cocktail, elegantly crafted with Perrier-Jouet Champagne and served in a martini glass.
It’s enhanced by a touch of caviar and subtly smoked under a cloche for $307.
Available September 5-15th, 2024.
Hazelton Hotel Toronto
Where to order them: ONE Restaurant
Hazelton Hotel and ONE Restaurant are Official Hospitality Partners of TIFF. The contemporary hotspot located in the heart of the ultimate Yorkville hotel offers a seasonal menu that utilizes the finest quality, local, and international ingredients to offer globally inspired dishes that are flavour-forward.
The sumptuous bar, tree-lined candle-lit patio and lavish dining room make for an immersive dining experience day or night. They are also offering TIFF inspired cocktails during the festival including:
Red Carpet Ready made with Vodka, Chambord, and fresh raspberries topped with Cava, and
TIFF Fizz with Prosecco, mango puree and peach juice with a lemon twist.
Shangri La Toronto
Where to order them: Lobby Lounge
Step into a cinematic delight with Shangri La Toronto‘s TIFF Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge! Inspired by your favourite movie snacks, this exclusive menu brings a gourmet twist to iconic treats like popcorn, pizzas, and ice-cream sundae-inspired sweets.
The exclusive afternoon tea features exquisite bites like Tuna Tacos, Popcorn Tarts, Corn Dogs, and Mini Pizzas, plus sweet treats like Peach Gummy and gourmet Popcorn Palmier and more.
Available until September 29, 2024 ($108/person, Thursdays to Sundays only / Noon-4pm).
Eight signature TIFF-inspired cocktails are available until September 30th at the Shangri-La Toronto’s Lobby Lounge. The hotel’s mixology team created a cocktail list based on their favourite films this year and they include:
Glitz and Glamour, a tribute to the glitter and glam of showbiz and features Don Julio Blanco, Campari, Chambord, Lemongrass, Lemon, and Gold Infusion. Paired with coloured cajun popcorn ($35)
The Wild Robot, based on the movie of the same name and features Rémy Martin XO, House Tonka Bean Liqueur, Orange & Chocolate Bitters, and Roasted Coffee Beans. Served with chocolate covered espresso bean ($70)
Green Dragon, inspired by Sir Elton John’s stage persona and features Johnnie Walker Black, Green Apple, Cinnamon, Pineapple, and Coconut Clarification ($40)
K-9, “representing the loyal and complex nature of a true canine companion” and features Belvedere, Grand Marnier, Cherry Brandy, Pomegranate, Herbal and Spicy Note. Served with pomegranate Jell-O. ($45)
Seoul Dynasty, “represents historical compromise and unity” featuring house-made Tepache, Kobosu, Plum Soju, and Fen Chew Fortified Soju ($45)
Last Call, honours the “ever-changing art of filmmaking” and features Charred Pineapple Casamigos Mezcal, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Fernet Branca, and Cinnamon Syrup ($35)
Roseball made with Peach & Passionfruit Infused Grey Goose, Rose, Strawberry Mint Alkaline Water, Grand Marnier, Orange Blossom, and Lemon. It’s paired with Cinnamon chipotle caramel popcorn ($40)
One With Nature, made with Spruce Tip Infused London No.3 Gin, Blackberry, Activated Charcoal, Citric Acid, and Cedar ($45)
Minami
Where to find them: 225 King St W Suite 100, Toronto
Located across the street from the epicentre of all the hoopla – TIFF Lightbox, festival goers and fans alike can indulge in epic culinary creations while stargazing. Guests can also practice their movie star poses on our step-and-repeat wall and red carpet at Minami.
The TIFF feature menu is available from September 5-15th, 2024.
Their TIFF-inspired cocktail, La Dolce Vita, features Casamigos Añejo, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pierre Fernando Dry Orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, agave, Casamigos-infused green apple popping boba and gold dust. The refreshing, bright, and citrusy flavours is their first tequila / beer beverage feature, crafted by Beverage Director Nick Meyer. ($40)
Minami has introduced a couple of food items for the festival, too, including Salmon & Fish and Chips ($16) Crispy Atlantic salmon in a miso-flavoured batter served with truffle-infused chips and mustard aioli;
and the Saikyo Miso Lobster & Black Truffle Wagyu Duo ($200) which is Saikyo Miso-glazed Nova Scotia Lobster, Hokkaido Uni, Kaluga Caviar, Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Ribeye, Quebec Foie Gras, and Canadian Black Truffle.
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Where to order them: d|bar
You can can enjoy 10 elevated film-themed cocktails crafted by d|bar’s expert mixologists.
Artfully named cocktail The Critic, features truffle-infused Grey Goose Vodka, Vermouth, topped with mouthwatering caviar-stuffed olives and a lemon spritz.
The Publicist has Malfy Gin Con Rosa, elderflower, lavender, and lemon.
The Producer Grey Goose Vodka, coffee, hazelnuts, and honey.
The Director is made with Rabbit Hole Cavehill Bourbon infused chocolate popcorn, Bumbu Original Rum, elderflower, and walnuts.
The Screenwriter Gin, lemongrass, cucumber, basil, and Effervesence,
The Rising Star Mezcal, Aperitivo, ginger, and citric acid.
The Action Stud Patrón Añejo Tequila, pineapple, lime, chilli pepper, and Lava Salt.
The Extra (zero proof) Seedlip Garden, effervesence, lime, berries, rose water
The Body Double (zero proof) Seedlip Notas de Agave, pineapple, lime, chilli pepper
Available September 5-15th, 2024.
O&B Canteen
Where to find them: 330 King St W, Toronto
Looking for a quick and refreshing refuel between screenings? Be sure to check out O&B Canteen‘s special list of TIFF-inspired cocktails right in the heart of Festival Street.
Their TIFF Features include:
- Goodfella Smash Burger – two patties, mozzarella, marinara sauce, garlic aïoli, onion ring
- TIFF Taco Platter – a delicious spread of two O.G. squid tacos, two beef tacos, and two baja tacos. Perfect for sharing, and even better with a margarita on the side!
- Black Forest Gâteau – with amarena cherries, whipped cream
As for the drinks, guests can sip on:
- White Raven – rumchata, malibu, lamb’s navy white rum, lime cordial, mango juice
- Spark-a-Rita – sauza silver tequila, aperol, rosé, soda, lime juice, strawberry syrup
Available September 5-15th, 2024. Canteen will be walk-in only during TIFF.
The Pearle Hotel & Spa
Where to order it: Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge
The Pearle Hotel & Spa’s vibrant Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge is bringing a taste of the Toronto International Film Festival to life in Burlington with its exclusive Popcorn Bourbon Sour.
Crafted with popcorn bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg whites, the Popcorn Bourbon Sour is a nod to the moviegoing experience and brings the spirit of the festival west of the city.
Available September 5-15th, 2024.
Luma
Where to find them: 350 King Street West 2nd Floor (TIFF Lightbox Building)
Luma’s TIFF specials are ready for their close-up! Nestled literally in the heart of all the action, in the TIFF Lightbox building itself, Luma is offering the perfect menu items whether you’re a film buff or just soaking in the vibes.
Indulge in standout dishes like the TIFF Seafood Platter (two mini lobster rolls, half-dozen oysters, yellowfin tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, $89) or Foie Gras + Waffles (seared foie gras, crispy chicken skin, tamarack farms maple, roasted stone fruit compote, grilled plum jus);
and pair them with show-stopping cocktails like the Beloved Spritzer (Pimm’s, Campari, Lazzara Bianco Secco, soda), A Luma Tale (Tanqueray gin, Crème de Violette, Lavender syrup, citric solution), or Caught By The Label (Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky, Amaro Averna, Martell VS Cognac) for a cinematic sip.
Available September 5-15th, 2024.
The Chase
Where to find them: 10 Temperance St, 5th Floor
Who knows who you might see here! Celebrate TIFF with The Chase’s exclusive cocktail, The Plot Twist featuring Casamigos Reposado, Briottet Liqueur Sapin, Agave, Celery Bitters, and Grapefruit Oil.
Available September 5-15th, 2024.
Contrada
Where to find it: 537 College St
Patrick Groves, the General Manager and Sommelier at Contrada has crafted a cocktail that perfectly embodies the essence of both film and flavour — Ang Padrino.
Crafted with a deep love for cinema and inspired by the Godfather cocktail, the Ang Padrino is a testament to Patrick’s passion for storytelling through drinks. The cocktail takes a classic and gives it a unique twist with peaty Scotch, a hint of Absinthe, and a bold infusion of fermented mango and pandan. These flavors are a nod to the diverse influences that shape Toronto’s culinary scene, particularly reminiscent of the vibrant Filipino community in Scarborough, where Patrick grew up.
The name Ang Padrino, which translates to “The Godfather” in Tagalog, ties directly to the 1984 Filipino adaptation of the American classic, directed by and starring Fernando Poe Jr.
Bisha Hotel Toronto
Where to order them: Cocktail at KŌST, Snacks/Beverages at French Made
Festival season is upon us, and so are the speciality limited time themed cocktails and treats! Check out these special TIFF offerings!
French Made has both beverages and cafe snacks perfect for fuelling up during festival time:
- Movie Popcorn Croissant ($9.50) popcorn-infused mousse, caramel popcorn & butter cookie crumble
- Peach Melba Entremet ($11) Ontario peach mousse, raspberry compote, fresh peaches
- Strawberry Lemonade ($6) sparkling strawberry lemonade, and a
- Double Blackberry Macaron ($4 each) Ontario blackberry ganache, blackberry curd
At KŌST, try the Showgirl cocktail inspired by the film, The Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson. This is made with Tanqueray Gin, Briottet Pomegranate, Lemon, Pineapple Juice, and Egg White.
1 Hotel Toronto
Where to find them: Flora Lounge
Step into the cinematic magic of Festival Season with 1 Hotel’s Flora Lounge’s thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, inspired by the films premiering this season. Raise a glass to the stars and stories lighting up Toronto in this unforgettable, celebrity-filled celebration.
Cocktail available at Flora Lounge until September 15.
First, the Blue Gin Baby ($20) has London N3 Gin, Blue Curacao, Lychee Liqueur, and Prosecco.
Papillon ($20) is made with Belvedere Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Honeydew Melon Juice, Lime, Simple Syrup, and Egg Whites.
Lastly, the Habemus Papam ($22) contains Michters Rye, Nocino, Di Dante Sweet Vermouth, and Cherry Bitters.
Keep your eyes out as we add to this when brand new TIFF inspired menu items are announced around the city!
