5 New Restaurants Not to Miss at TIFF

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5 New Restaurants Not to Miss at TIFF

Conejo Negro

As a foodie with a penchant for global culinary adventures, I must admit that Toronto’s vibrant dining scene has never ceased to impress me. The latest additions to our gastronomic map – Conejo Negro, DaNico, Deauville Club, Lano, and Mott 32 – are a testament to the city’s culinary evolution.

838 College St., 416-637-3868

In Toronto’s Little Italy, a fresh restaurant called Conejo Negro has opened, offering a fusion of Caribbean, Creole, and Latin American cuisines. Chef Alycia Wahn, who spent her twenties in Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, found inspiration for this venture in the comforting flavors she encountered in these cities. She comments, “Once I tasted Creole food, I realized there were shared elements among the three cuisines, and I always envisioned them complementing each other perfectly.” The menu features several crowd-pleasers such as spicy shrimp ($18), a ceviche of tuna and shrimp priced at $22, and squash dumplings for vegetarian patrons, costing $24

DaNico

440 College St., 416-715-1200

As a gamer immersed in my Italian heritage and love for traditional cuisine, I felt it was time to venture beyond familiar grounds and infuse new cultures, particularly Japanese, into my culinary journey without compromising my roots. That’s the essence of DaNico, a unique Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant nestled in the heart of College Street, once an old bank. Diners can savor a three-course à la carte menu for $150 or indulge in our eight-course signature tasting menu. By the end of the espressos and sweet dolci course, who knows? We might just be sealing a movie deal over a handshake

Deauville Club

92 Peter St., 416-596-2810

Located within the Revery Hotel on Peter Street, this restaurant offers traditional French cuisine with a hint of contemporary flair. Among the crowd favorites are Drost Farm Muscovy duck served with black truffle madeira sauce priced at $48 and sea bass paired with sweet potato hash costing $41. As chef Tom Chlebek explains, “Each dish has its own tale.” His aim is to go beyond simply providing a meal; he strives to deliver an exceptional dining experience that mirrors his love for food and the lasting memories it can create. Those attending during the first weekend are encouraged to sample the brunch offerings as well

Lano

181 Wellington St. West,416-585-2500

Located just steps away from TIFF Lightbox and Roy Thomson Hall, The Ritz-Carlton hotel now boasts Lano (short for Milano), an all-day café and wine bar, offering a tribute to northern Italian cuisine. As chef Alessandro Panattoni, a native of the Milan region, explains, “From coffee to gelato, we cater to various tastes in a stunning open setting, designed for socializing.” Notable selections include ciabatta primavera ($14) and fregola e carciofi salad ($24)

Mott 32

190 University Ave., 647-467-0032

Following its debuts in Vancouver and Las Vegas, Mott 32 has now arrived. The menu features a variety of delicacies from Cantonese, Szechuan, and Beijing cuisines. Among them are triple-cooked Black Angus short ribs priced at $92, a succulent Applewood 42 days roasted Peking duck costing $180, and smoked black cod available for $58. Executive chef Kin Ming Yeung explains, “We’ve designed our menu by appreciating both exotic and local ingredients and sourcing locally whenever feasible. This approach allows us to combine a rich culinary heritage with cultural elements.”

In the September 4 edition of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine, my adventure was featured. Want to keep up with such thrilling tales? Subscribe now!

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2024-09-05 00:55