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!
“Dumb Money”
Where: CKTL & Co., 330 Bay St., Toronto
CKTL & Co., Toronto’s first stock exchange cocktail lounge, located in the Financial District, has partnered with Elevation Pictures to celebrate the world premiere of Dumb Money, directed by Craig Gillespie, starring Seth Rogen, Paul Dano and Pete Davidson!
In line with the movie’s premiere at TIFF, CKTL & Co. is launching a limited “Dumb Money” cocktail, made with Gibson’s Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, dry vermouth, Peychaud’s Bitters, demerara syrup and swirls of edible glitter and gold flakes for an herbal and sweet tipple. The exclusive Dumb Money cocktail will be on offer throughout the film festival (September 7-17).
“Nineteen Fourty Blue” Cocktail & The Minami Experience
Where: Minami, 225 King St W #100, Toronto
Minami’s TIFF-exclusive cocktail is comprised of Don Julio 1942 Anjeo tequila, Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, black truffle-infused syrup, and lemon oil. This luxurious cocktail by Beverage Director Nick Meyer pairs perfectly with Minami’s Aburi cuisine, especially their TIFF menu features.
On the menu is the most glamorous take on a Surf ‘n’ Turf you’ve ever seen! The Minami Experience is a true culinary indulgence featuring Saikyo Miso-marinated Canadian Lobster crowned with Hokkaido Uni and Kaluga Caviar; and Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Ribeye, delicately topped with Quebec Foie Gras and finally, Canadian Black Truffle ($400).
These are available from September 7th – 17th!
“Armchair Critic”, “Lost Ladies of LUMA”, and “Shadow of Fire” Cocktails
Where: LUMA Restaurant, 350 King Street West 2nd Floor, Toronto
To kick off this year’s TIFF, LUMA will be showcasing some incredible star-studded cocktails that pair perfectly with an evening of exciting, unforgettable films! TIFF-inspired cocktails include:
- ARMCHAIR CRITIC; the perfect thing to sip while discussing a film’s most memorable moments.
- LOST LADIES OF LUMA; delightfully fun to get lost in.
- SHADOW OF FIRE; familiar yet excitingly new.
“The Pink Life” Cocktail
Where: LOUIX LOUIS, St. Regis Hotel, 325 Bay St., Toronto
Now this is a cocktail that shows the glitz and luxury that is TIFF season. The Pink Life is a cocktail so exquisite that only 50 will ever be made!
Comprised of exceptional Louis XIII cognac, crowned with rose & cucumber cordial foam, gold leaves, and crushed rose petals. The limited-edition cocktail is inspired by the 2007 box-office hit La Vie en Rose, is served in a golden frame, adorned with florals and citrus fragrance smoke. Only available at LOUIX LOUIS during TIFF. Can you believe this rarity has a price tag of $1,000?
TIFF Afternoon Tea and Cocktails
Where: Shangri La Lobby Lounge, 188 University Ave, Toronto
Executive Chef John Ross Woodland and Pastry Chef Steven Tran, have created an array of delectable details inspired by an array of movie highlights to take centre stage this September.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at The Lobby Lounge indulging in luxurious treats from the TIFF inspired Afternoon Tea ($98/person incl. glass of sparkling wine or mocktail) with items like:
- Truffle and Mushroom Choux
- Mini Deep Dish Pizza
- Golden Ticket Egg
- Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
- Willy Wonka’s Magic Mushroom
- Harry Potter’s Butterbeer
- Barbie’s Pink Cheesecake
- and more!
Afternoon tea is served from noon to 4.30 pm, Thursdays to Sundays. Cocktails are available daily from noon onwards and you can find luxurious beverages like:
- UNICORNS made with Hennessy VSOP, Lapsang Souchong Tea, Orange Marmalade Syrup, Orange, Lemon and Egg White paired with Sour Marmalade on a crostini ($45)
- SOUND OF MUSIC with Strawberry Infused Tanqueray Gin, Veuve Clicquot Rose, Habanero & Honey Syrup, and Lemon ($45)
- APOCALYPTO with Clase Azul Reposado, DOM Benedictine Liqueur, Chestnut, Saffron & Corn Shangri-La Cordial, Acid Modified and paired with buttered cheddat popcorn salted with chili, cumin, paprika, lime, and gold flakes. ($65)
- and so many more!
“Egon’s Negroni”
Where: Café Boulud, Four Seasons Hotel, 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto
Available throughout the TIFF season, this Negroni has been aged in-house for 120 days in an oak bourbon cask. This creation made by bartender Egon Bonato features notes of cynar and green chartreuse infused with classic Negroni flavour profile.
“Canteen Tarantino”, “O&B Show”, and “Breakfast at TIFFs” Cocktails
Where: O&B Canteen, 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.
From Sept 8 to 18, Canteen is offering three specialty TIFF-inspired cocktails including:
- Canteen Tarantino with Lamb’s white rum, carrot juice, orange juice, lime juice, honey thai basil syrup
- O&B Show with Jim Beam bourbon, La Vite merlot, lemon juice, grape simple syrup.
- Breakfast at TIFFs with Jameson Whiskey, espresso shot, 10% cream, simple syrup, mint
They are also hosting ’10 days of festivities’ with 5, 6, 7, 8 drink deals running from 5-8pm!
“TIFF Trifecta Burger”
Where: Wahlburgers, 46 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Wahlburgers is right in the heart of the TIFF action this year and they have a TIFF Trifecta Burger that is topped with all the luxury: truffle and bacon, of course!
Loaded with truffle mayo, shaved black truffles, smoked cheddar, bacon, mushrooms, two 5 oz beef patties, lettuce, all between two hot buns. Only available from September 7-17, dine-in.
Need more TIFF inspo? Check out all the activities happening near these hotels and restaurants where you may even spot a celeb or two!
