TIFF Hotspots. Who is open late this TIFF?

Looking for the hottest places to visit during the Toronto International Film Festival from September 8-18th? Don’t worry. We’ve got the best locations uncovered. From the patio’s to the parties at the grand hotels, you will definitely enjoy everything these venues have to offer during TIFF. Just peeking to spot a celebrity or just having a great night. It’s possible during these exciting weeks. Most of the events or venues are open till at least 4 a.m. Take a look. Who is open late?

Brassaii 461 King St. W., 416-598-4730 www.brassaii.com
Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge is Toronto’s sophisticated cosmopolitan and culture destination.With a romantic cobblestone palazzo courtyard and charming outdoor patio, Brassaii embraces its architectural heritage, elevating your fine dining experience  to an expedition in urban archeology and design. Small select eats on the menu until 4 a.m.

Cabin 5 225 Richmond St. W., 416-979-3000 www.cabinfive.com
Cabin Five is Toronto’s party bar launched in 2009. The ambience of Cabin Five Nightclub is very welcoming, helped by the warm and inviting decor. The walls are covered in rough timber. The room is dominated by two rustic wooden bars with back bars being created out of original pine windows and lit with turn of the century coach lights. Open until 4 a.m.

Crush Wine Bar455 King St. W., 416-977-1234 www.crushwinebar.com
A wine bar with French bistro style restaurant. Offers menus, wine list, photographic tour, and details about private dining and tasting events. Special $80 menu for TIFF, featuring egg yolk ravioli, open until 4 a.m.

Fifth Grill and Terrace 225 Richmond St. W., 416-979-3005 www.thefifthgrill.com
Located on the rooftop of an old warehouse and accessible by a private elevator, The Fifth Grill & Terrace is a unique experience. The dining room with its warm eclectic décor, zinc bar, fireplace and crooning piano player is very inviting. The heated year-round rooftop terrace offers a spectacular downtown vista. Open Thurs.-Sat. Bar open till 4 a.m., last reservation for dinner 11 p.m.

Four Seasons Hotel21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411 www.press.fourseasons.com
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is rolling out the red carpet for TIFF from September 8 to 18, 2011. ONEXONE’s Charity Gala will be at the Four Seasons with a special performance by Harry Connick Jr.  on Sept 9th.

The team at Avenue bar at the Four Seasons have created a special TIFF Cocktail Menu, available exclusively from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 18 only. Open till 4 a.m.

Also, Bellosound Outdoor TIFF Music Lounge will be at the Four Season’s York Ville Entrance with live DJ performances and special guests. Thursday, Sept 9 – Sat Sept 10 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Gansevoort Goodnight 18 Wellington St. W. www.sirencommunications.com
This is where Brad Pitt and Leighton Meester are expected to show their faces. Gansevoort Hotel Group will be hosting Goodnight Gansevoort on September 9th and 10th. Goodnight will host a select group of A-list celebrities and fashionable VIP’s for two ultra-exclusive TIFF after parties on those days.  If you want the best of culture and nightlife you should be there. Open till 4 a.m.

LA SOCIÉTÉ 131 Bloor Street West. Unit 211, 416.551.9929 www.lasociete.ca
In the heart of Yorkville, the place is very popular and also called the “people’s” canteen. This art deco Paris brasserie with zinc bar, stained glass ceiling, two patios, weather permitting is a place not to miss. Food till 2 a.m., bar open till 4 a.m.

La Terrasse AMC & Nikki Beach350 King West, 6th floor, Tiff Bell Lightbox Roof Terrasse www.nikkibeach.com
This year during TIFF La Terrasse AMC & Nikki Beach are taking over a prime-time real estate: Rooftop, outdoor terrace of the TIFF Lightbox, Malparte by O&B. Sept 8-12th, 6pm – 4a.m.

Reservations are strongly encouraged at what is sure to be the hottest spot during the festival. Make your reservation here: reservations@nikkibeachtoronto.com or by calling (800) 583-3708.

Luma and O&B Canteen TIFF Lightbox 350 King St. W., 647-288-4715 and 647-288-4710 www.oliverbonacini.com
O&B Canteen will be a 3,500 square foot casual dining space on the ground floor. With space in doors and out, Canteen will offer causal dining options including sit-down and take-away. Luma, the fine dining area of the complex, will seat 230 indoor and 50 outside with a menu of globally inspired Canadian cuisine by Chef Jason Bangerter. The restaurant will connect to a lounge. Luma at TIFF Bell Lightbox is now offering à la carte brunch on Sundays.

Park Hyatt Hotel 4 Avenue Rd., 416-925-1234 www.parktoronto.hyatt.com
Located high atop fashionable Yorkville on the 18th floor, The Roof Lounge is visited by both locals and celebrities. The Hyatt Hotel has a beautiful patio with stunning views of the vibrant city of Toronto. Enjoy the light bar menu and the view of the top.

Monday through Sunday, 12:00p.m. – 1:00a.m. (after these hours for private parties)

Ritz Carlton Hotel – TOCA 181 Wellington St., 416-585 2500 TIFF central http://www.ritzcarlton.com
Many stars will be checking in at the Ritz Carlton. Toronto’s newest luxury hotel welcomes guests to the heart of the city’s bustling financial and performing arts districts. Located across from Roy Thomson Hall and only steps from the Toronto International Film Festival Bell Lightbox.

The TOCA Bar is the perfect place for an after work drink or a pre-dinner cocktail. With its trendy ambiance, free standing bar, tapas-style menu, raw bar, sustainable caviar tasting as well as 10 sparkling and 50 still wines by the glass, TOCA Bar will satisfy even the toughest critics. The TOCA bar, Toca restaurant, DEQ restaurant, with patio are all open till 4 a.m.

Bellosound is hitting the DEQ at The Ritz-Carlton during TIFF 2011. From Sept 8- 18, 10p.m. -3 a.m.

Soho House Grey Goose11 Duncan Street www.greygoose.com
Grey Goose, the world’s favorite luxury vodka, is celebrating the silver screen with an exclusive party for the world’s film elite in Toronto. A proud sponsor of film around the world, Grey Goose is continuing its highly successful partnership with the exclusive private members’ club, Soho House, to host this pop-up event. September 9th.

The Burroughes Building 639 Queen Street West. www.theburroughes.com
The Creative Artists Agency is a key player, making their TIFF party a must attend. The CAA’s party is hosted by Amy Sacco at the Burroughes Building.

Parlour270 Adelaide Street, 416.821.0901 www.parlour270.com
Parlour is a must go for socializing and networking opportunities. It’s an intimate bar and lounge. Let the art, music, food and architecture impress you. Parlour has a cocktail/wine menu and a snack bar menu.

The Hoxton 69 Bathurst Street www.thehoxton.ca
The Hoxton will play host to the Diet Coke Stay Extraordinary Gala, transporting guests back to Old Hollywood. September 12th.

The Thompson Toronto 550 Wellington Street W 416.640.7778 www.thompsonhotels.com
Thompson Toronto’s first international addition, opened the summer of 2010 in the diverse and artistically driven King West Village, a neighborhood adjacent to the city’s financial and entertainment districts. A new addition to the Thompson and long awaited is Toronto’s 889 Yoga and Wellness Spa who are now onsite for the TH guests. The Thompson has one of the most sought after roof tops and chances are you will find local and visiting celebrities.

Lobby bar open till 4 a.m.

The Drake Hotel1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042 www.thedrakehotel.ca
The Drake Hotel Fauxbo de luxe, the place to be for global hipsters. Bar open till 4 a.m., last reservation for dinner 10: 30 p.m. TIFF ’11: Two Gallants W/The Mumlers. Drake after dark to celebrate with bands and a crazy dance floor. September 9th, 8p.m – 4a.m.

Ultra Supper Club314 Queen St West 416 263-0330 www.ultratoronto.com
Ultra Supper Club rooftop patio and urbanist wannabes slick dining area is open till 4 a.m.

Throughout TIFF ultra will be serving TIFF-themed specialty cocktails, hosting film premiere parties as well as celebrity guests and DJs. . With a reputation for cocktails, dining and networking it is almost certain that stars will be spotted here. September 8-9th, open until 4.a.m.

Victor in Le Germain Hotel30 Mercer St., 416-504-4239 www.germaintoronto.com
Social Dining, Seasonal Produce and Ethnic Diversity. Victor Restaurant and Lounge specializes in social dining, creating dishes inspired by the ethnic mosaic that is unique to Toronto. It’s your opportunity to enjoy the best seasonal produce: bold salads, roasts, vegetables, fish and game. The dishes are served “family style” letting the joys of sharing and the pleasures of the senses free.

Fresh ‘n’ local kitchen closes at midnight, drinks till 2 a.m.

Windsor Arms Hotel18 St. Thomas St., 416-921-9121 www.windsorarmshotel.com
Consecutively voted the #1 hotel in Toronto by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Windsor Arms Hotel is located on a quiet street ideally located just steps away from Yorkville, the heart of Toronto’s most fashionable shopping and entertainment district. The Cafe along with Twenty Two and Prime will have license extended to 4 a.m.

Fan Expo: The world of fantasy

The heart of Toronto made room for one of the largest events of its kind in the world. The 17th edition of the Fan Expo. This incredible event took place from August 25th until August 28th in the Metro Toronto Convention Center. With 700 exhibits on over 400,000 square feet it was believed to attract more than 75.000 fans.

Even on my way to the event, the streets were full of people dressed into their favourite character. It made people turn their heads.

The event is paradise for the lovers of Anime, Comic, Sci Fi, Horror and Gaming. With celebrity guests, autograph signings, Q&A sessions, seminars and workshops, one could not take the time to stand still. Add up to this the countless comics, books, toys, trading cards, posters and more and you have one incredibly successful event. The event was surprisingly not only for the obvious. Many parents also came with their children for a fun day off.

3D flatscreen tv’s hooked up on Xbox360 and Playstation 3 were immensely popular. Music and (fashion) shows were provided by horror punk bands, fashion brands from Japan and an army of Star Wars fighters. And the celebrity guests keep on getting better.

The most recognizable celebrities of this year were:

Sam Trammell – Sam Merlotte – True Blood
Tom Felton: Draco Malfoy – Harry Potter
Robert Englund – A Nightmare on Elmstreet, V, Supernatural, Babylon 5
Hayden Panettiere: Claire Bennet – Heroes
William Shatner: Captain James T. Kirk – Star Trek
Kevin Sorbo: Hercules – Hercules: The Legendary Journey
Eliza Dushku: Echo, Faith – DollHouse, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Michael Shanks – Dr. Daniel Jackson – Stargate SG-1
Malcolm McDowell – Dr. Tolian Soran – Star Trek: Generations
Nichelle Nichols – Uhura – Star Trek
Marina Sirtis – Deanne Troi – Star Trek: The Next Generation
Ethan Phillips – Neelix – Star Trek: Voyager

A wide selection of devoted fans and countless of things to do made this a memorable day for all.

For more information go to: www.fanexpocanada.com
For more pictures go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto

Fall Wedding Ideas

Need a little style inspiration for your fall wedding? Design an elegant fall wedding that pays homage to the season with some of our favorite new ideas. , It’s all about texture, deliciously rich colors, glamorous touches, and a few elements that say “fall”.

1. Textured Linens
Tablecloths in tactile, visually intriguing materials like quilted or ruched silk, linen, or velvet. Use fabric with a crimped look or multiple textures, or layer two tablecloths, sheer velvet on top of taffeta for instance.

2. Bright Accents
For an of-the-moment look, mix subdued neutrals with surprise pops of bright color. One stylish bride ordered custom-made napkins in natural linen with magenta silk undersides, which peeked just slightly when they were folded on the table.

3. Seasonal Napkins
Tie them with a small bundle of millet or a crab apple accent for a fall feel. Look for inexpensive seasonal napkin rings at places like Crate & Barrel or Pier 1. You can also make your own napkin bands using velvet or grosgrain ribbon.

4. Fall Aisle Style
Add a seasonal touch to your ceremony by using shafts of wheat or bunches of grapes as aisle markers. It’s harvest season in the vineyards, so say your vows under a pergola covered with grape vines.

5. Metallic Details
Metallic accents continue to be huge, from classic silver and gold to more unexpected (and fitting for fall) pewter copper and bronze. Mercury glass vases will add glamorous pops of silver to cocktail tables and centerpieces. Gold and silver leaf accessories will liven up any table or place setting. Beyond vases, think napkin rings and framed photos telling the story of your relationship.

6. Dramatic Glass
Black glass or crystal will add a fashionable and unique touch to tabletops as onyx crystal goblets or vases. Fill the vases with champagne-colored flowers to heighten the drama.

7. Classy Chandeliers
Add flair to any space with chandeliers. Consider a modern piece dripping in Swarovski crystals, or vintage varieties filled with candles.

8. Indoor Foliage
If the weather requires you to stay indoors for the reception, but you want to add a natural element, rim the room with potted deciduous trees showing off their most electric fall colors.

9. Fall Gobo Effects
Another way to bring the season indoors: Illuminate the dance floor or the ceiling of a tent with a branch pattern and warm amber light. It will look as if the early evening sun is streaming through the trees.

10. Mood Lighting
By using LED light fixtures, you can easily change the mood for different portions of the party. Start cocktails with a sunny effect; move to pink and purple sunset tones on the walls and ceiling during dinner; and then slowly morph into a deep blue with white “stars” as you and your guests take to the dance floor.

Incentiveworks: The whole world in Toronto!

August 23rd and 24th at Incentiveworks was something I hope you didn’t miss. The Metro Toronto Convention Center was full of event planners, professionals and travel enthusiasts. The perfect fit for companies looking to take their meetings to new places and cultures and allow themselves to be immersed into a world of dreams, entertainment and much more!

While walking though the different aisles we all had a sense that we were travelling the world without having to leave Toronto.

The first thing to do after we enter the hall was enjoy a huge amount of international food samples, like home made nachos from Central America, cheese from France, sushi from Asia, tiramisu from Italy, soufflés and other fruits, cupcakes and candies. Of course, you need to match this food with a drink: wine, beer and special martinis were provided in some both that you got to discover for your own interest and pleasure.

Finally after a good dinner what is better to do than discover the wonders around you. Travelling across the provinces of Canada, the states of America, to Eastern Europe then of to the Pacific and Atlantic Islands.
Of course you could stop in at the best hotels here, and finish your journey with a special massage offered by one of their masseuse.
What else would you need?

Travel all around the world and enjoy the best places for free?
IncentiveWorks was the place to be last week!!!

“No soup for you!” that’s fine, there is a better option.

Located in the heart of Liberty Village, its very own modern one-of-a-kind Japanese restaurant called Liberty Noodle. The restaurant serves healthy and nutritious Japanese inspired meals which include ramen and sushi with influences from far-off places like India, China and Thailand. The restaurant incorporates a clean and modern aesthetic, allowing the food to be the focus of their guest experience.

And speaking of guest experience, the owners of Liberty Noodle took part in a local networking event (Liberty Social Hour) and did an incredible job catering to their guests.

“Liberty Social hour is what it promises to be. The event was a huge success, a restaurant owner’s nightly wish. A good vibe, a great crowd- eclectic as the neighbourhood. Furthermore, the organizing team, lead during our event, by Jay Reyes, made it a walk in the park for me and my staff” said Sang Kim, Head Chef of Liberty Noodle.

A great place to enjoy great food with friends and co-workers, Liberty Noodle delivers a voyage of culinary travel through some of the most exciting foods of Asia.

“It was very nice of you to bring people together for Liberty Social Hour. This was a great opportunity to meet with my fellow community members and talk about the area. Liberty Social Hour exposed residents to the many great venues in their own backyard.” Mike Yen

“I must admit that I was really impressed with the networking sessions. I got business!!!!. My main objective in a networking is to find new leads. This Networking allowed me to gain new ideas and new approaches that I didn’t think of before.
It was amazing experience. I will definitely attend next year.” Alicia Galarza

“I attended the last 3 events and each time, I met new people from the neighbourhood. Great idea, great concept to bring people together!” Laure ampilhac

For more pictures go to: Link

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