BY BROCK SUTHERLAND

Bob Blumer in his Surreal Gourmet room at the Gladstone Hotel
It’s sometimes hard to know where to look when you’re at the Gladstone Hotel. The boutique accommodation in Toronto’s west end is an eclectic arts hub, and has long been know for its collection of individually designed guestrooms. Stay here, and you’ll never lacking in visual stimulation. That’s especially true if you find yourself in the hotel’s newest lodging—its Surreal Gourmet room, designed by fun-loving TV foodie Bob Blumer.
As host of high-concept Food Network Canada programs including Glutton for Punishment, World’s Weirdest Restaurants, and yes, The Surreal Gourmet, Blumer has cultivated an enthusiastic, even slightly oddball persona. His room is an apt reflection of his apparent passions, aiming to feed the fantasies of a guest’s inner gourmand, but also their inner child. Step inside and you’ll find a suite that’s stuffed with an assortment of classic characters that many of us innocuously adored in our early years. Toucan Sam, it seems, managed to successfully wallpaper an armoire with Froot Loops. A photo of the Pillsbury Doughboy by Fausta Facciponte conceals a television (on which you can view some of Blumer’s favourite food-themed DVDs). Mr. Peanut, also photographed by Facciponte, lords over the marshmallow-pillowed bed, while the Trix rabbit accents a small seating area. And figurines of Tony the Tiger, a prepubescent Jolly Green Giant, and Keebler Elf all stand guard together above the kitchenette—not to mention its worthy selection of wines available for purchase.
That kitchenette is perhaps expected in a food-themed room, but it’s fairly unique at the Gladstone: only two other rooms offer any sort of cooking area. Blumer has stocked this one with a vintage blender, retro microwave, panini maker and a set of his favourite Shun knives.
It’s all enough to leave you salivating. Just try not to eat the decor.

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- Vintage food figurines are apt mascots for the Gladstone's Surreal Gourmet room
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Vintage food figurines are apt mascots for the Gladstone’s Surreal Gourmet room

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- An armoire is lined with Froot Loop wallpaper
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- An armoire is lined with Froot Loop wallpaper

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- Fausta Facciponte's Pillsbury Doughboy photo hides at television hanging above a small workstation
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Fausta Facciponte’s Pillsbury Doughboy photo hides at television hanging above a small workstation

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- Blumer's curated food-themed DVDs include <em>Big Night</em> and <em>Sideways</em>
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Blumer’s curated food-themed DVDs include Big Night and Sideways

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- Sadly, the throw pillows are not stuffed with marshmallows
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Sadly, the throw pillows are not stuffed with marshmallows

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- Should you be inspired to enjoy a bowl of Trix cereal, you may do so at the minimalist breakfast bar
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Should you be inspired to enjoy a bowl of Trix cereal, you may do so at the minimalist breakfast bar

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- A caviar-can clock sits above the bathroom door, while a sprinkled donut hangs inside
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- A caviar-can clock sits above the bathroom door, while a sprinkled donut hangs inside

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- A selection of wines is available for imbibing above the retro-styled kitchenette
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- A selection of wines is available for imbibing above the retro-styled kitchenette

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- Who knows, maybe Blumer himself will drop in (note: probably not)
- The Gladstone Hotel's Surreal Gourmet Room
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- Who knows, maybe Blumer himself will drop in (note: probably not)
• Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635; gladstonehotel.com
• Map and reviews