Roof Lounge

TIFF List: 6 VIP-Friendly Lounges

The Toronto International Film Festival is ramping up for its 35th excellent year, with more than 300 movies showing between September 9 and 19. Follow this space in the days leading up to TIFF 2010 for features on much-anticipated premieres, the Bell Lightbox—the festival’s exciting new headquarters—and scads of sites at which to spot visiting celebrities. During the festival itself, we’ll bring you details on each day’s film offerings plus what to do before or after your screening.

TODAY: SUPERB SIPPING SPACES

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13091 Currently the city’s hottest of hot spots, this new lounge features an infinity pool and 360-degree views of the Toronto cityscape. Sir Richard Branson, Drake and Becki Newton have already scoped it out. <a href="http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/toronto/thompson-toronto/drink/rooftop-lounge">Rooftop Lounge at the Thompson Hotel</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityThompson-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityThompson.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityThompson.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebritythompson/ 09-10-celebritythompson 0 0

13090 Don’t bother trying to get in during the day—everyone who’s anyone gets interviewed here before 5 p.m., which makes it a perfect pick for cinq à sept drop-ins. <a href="http://toronto.intercontinental.com/content/skyLounge">Sky Lounge</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-Celebrityskylounge-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-Celebrityskylounge.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-Celebrityskylounge.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebrityskylounge/ 09-10-celebrityskylounge 0 0

13089 “Brangelina” and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted here—but not together, natch! This luxurious 18th-floor perch at the Park Hyatt Hotel boasts rich suede and leather decor, and bartenders with a flair for the classics. <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=6539">Roof Lounge</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityRoof2-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityRoof2.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityRoof2.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebrityroof2/ 09-10-celebrityroof2 0 0

13088 Jamie Foxx, Charlize Theron and 50 Cent are just some of the bigwigs who have taken the elevator to the Manulife Centre’s 51st-floor hideaway featuring Toronto’s highest patio and a great view of the downtown skyline. <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3850">Panorama</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityPanorama-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityPanorama.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityPanorama.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebritypanorama/ 09-10-celebritypanorama 0 0

13087 George Clooney and Jude Law have graced the Four Seasons’ two tony sipping spaces. View celeb shutterbug George Pimentel’s new installation while enjoying teeny tasters and flights of champagne. <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=97">Avenue Lounge & Lobby Bar</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityLobby2-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityLobby2.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityLobby2.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebritylobby2/ 09-10-celebritylobby2 0 0

13086 Maggie Gyllenhaal and Donnie Wahlberg, among others, have visited this flashy nightclub with exclusive outdoor cabanas. Serving until 4 a.m., it plays host to the renowned Nikki Beach Toronto VIP party this year. <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3215">C Lounge</a> https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityCLounge-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityCLounge.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/09-10-CelebrityCLounge.jpg 500 500 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/tiff-list-6-vip-friendly-lounges/slide/09-10-celebrityclounge/ 09-10-celebrityclounge 0 0

Tomorrow: 5 Face-Saving Spas

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Toronto’s hottest season is in full swing; after so much sightseeing, you’re no doubt in need of refreshment. Pull up a patio chair or stop by a swanky lounge for a sophisticated cocktail, local microbrew and a tempting taste of city life. Click the images below to discover our favourite patios, drinks and more. By Marisa Baratta

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12157 1 For a hearty meal and exceptional beer made on-site, head to the <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing~listing_id~4385.htm" target="_blank">Mill Street Brew Pub</a>, a fixture in the Distillery Historic District. Sample the brewmaster’s Tankhouse Pale Ale (pictured)—known for its copper-red hue and spicy hop flavour—or down a pint of the rich, chocolaty Coffee Porter. 2 enowned brewer Mike Duggan offers a range of seasonal beers at his <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=6155" target="_blank">Duggan’s Brewery</a>. Wash down hearty pub fare with the #5 Asian lager—with notes of malted barley and Japanese rice—or the #9 IPA, made with nine traditional ale malts. 3 In the heart of downtown Toronto, <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=5832" target="_blank">The 3 Brewers</a> exudes the comfort and unassuming authenticity of an old countryside watering hole. Get acquainted with one of its delightful “Four Sisters”—blond, red, brown or wheat—straight from the keg to your stein. 4 Steps from the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=1707" target="_blank">Steam Whistle Brewing</a> invites passers by to drop in for a tour of its facilities in a historic roundhouse train depot, then lounge with a free sample of Steam Whistle Pilsner, a golden beer with a crisp, clean finish. 5 Quality house-made wine from South American grapes draw dedicated patrons to <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=4442" target="_blank">Olivia’s at 53</a>, a Victorian home with the city’s first micro-winery. Here, epicureans linger over food, wine and fine music from the comfort of the dining room, wine cellar or garden patio. Hometown Brews https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMillStreet2-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMillStreet2.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMillStreet2.jpg 296 375 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/top-sipping-spots-2/slide/07-10-patiosmillstreet2/ 07-10-patiosmillstreet2 0 0

12154 Whet your whistle with some of Toronto’s most memorable libations. VANILLA HICKORY-SMOKED MANHATTAN Favoured by the well-to-do crowd at <a href="http://www.barcheftoronto.com" target="_blank">Barchef</a>, this sophisticated concoction offers a blend of Crown Royal Extra Rare whiskey, vanilla cognac and cherry bitters served while the hickory syrup is still smoking. MANHATTAN At the <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=5718" target="_blank">Black Hoof</a> and its sister space <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=6159" target="_blank">Hoof Café</a>, co-owner and chief mixologist Jen Agg whips up a more traditional but still amazing version of this classic. Her secret? House-made bitters and rye-soaked cherries. NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE It’s not just a description of the stylish clientele that holes up in <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=305" target="_blank">Brassaii</a>, but also one of the restaurant’s top cocktails. Mixologist Jordan Bushell muddles cucumber with Hendrix gin, tonic water, lime and ground pepper to create this summery tipple. BADASS MOJITO Fresh mint leaves and a crimson glow make it hard to resist this tempting refresher at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=5262" target="_blank">Sidecar</a>, a hot spot that specializes in classic cocktails. The mojito here follows the time-honoured recipe, but adds a twist of raspberries, house-made schnapps and overproof rum. LIBRALOVE A potent mix of Russian Standard vodka, lychee liqueur and cranberry juice, plus raspberry and mint garnishes, comprise this serenity inducing drink at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=4716" target="_blank">Libra Lounge</a>. Unwind with one on a sofa surrounded by candles and smoked glass mirrors, then get back on the bumpin’ dance floor. Signature Sips https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMartini1-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMartini1.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosMartini1.jpg 500 365 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/top-sipping-spots-2/slide/07-10-patiosmartini-2/ 07-10-patiosmartini-2 0 0

12155 RAISE THE ROOF Granite tables and a backdrop of suede and leather create a classy vibe at <a href="http://www.parktoronto.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/lounges/index.jsp" target="_blank">Roof Lounge</a>. Savour a signature martini by the fireplace or sip a rock-sugar mojito on the 18th-floor terrace that looks toward the CN Tower. GO-TO VENUE Bloor Street’s <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3841" target="_blank"> Lobby</a> boasts crystal chandeliers, a 60-foot LED light wall, and scads of celeb cred—it’s hosted parties for Jay-Z, members of the Toronto Raptors and more. Here, fruity martinis like the Mango Tango are popular with the ladies, while gentlemen indulge in scotch. RUSSIAN STANDARD Agitprop-inspired imagery competes with sumptuous lounge seating to lend <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=4552" target="_blank">Pravda Vodka Bar</a> (pictured) a distinct Slavic vibe. Try the popular Perestroika martini—a vibrant mix of vodka, cassis and cranberry juice—or sample a straight-up splash of more than 80 international vodkas. Make it a Martini https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosPravda1-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosPravda1.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosPravda1.jpg 500 400 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/top-sipping-spots-2/slide/07-10-patiospravda-2/ 07-10-patiospravda-2 0 0

12158 Sit back, relax and revel in the amazing vistas afforded from these popular perches. 1 The view of downtown Toronto from a 51-storey-high patio attracts an eager, adult crowd to <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3850" target="_blank">Panorama</a>. Well, that, and a menu featuring a selection of decadent “drinkable desserts,” including the Black Forest Caketail. 2 Though known primarily as a concert venue, Sound Academy at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=932" target="_blank">Polson Pier</a> (pictured) also features the city’s largest outdoor patio. The 40,000-square-foot space offers a breathtaking eastern view of the city’s skyline—not to mention a thirst-quenching array of beer, cocktails and coolers. 3 Ride the elevator up to <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=388" target="_blank">360 the Restaurant at the CN Tower</a> for Canadian cuisine and a glass from the world’s highest wine cellar—more than 550 vintages are stored 351 metres above the ground. The revolving resto also offers an unparalleled vantage point from which to see the entire city. Drinks With a View https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosSoundAcademy-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosSoundAcademy.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosSoundAcademy.jpg 500 434 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/top-sipping-spots-2/slide/07-10-patiossoundacademy/ 07-10-patiossoundacademy 0 0

12156 LOOKIN’ UP Though located in the Financial District, <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing~listing_id~3811.htm" target="_blank">Vertical</a> (pictured) offers an escape from the hustle and bustle—its modern-chic open-air mezzanine overlooks a parkette instead of Bay Street’s beaten path. Enjoy a fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal while listening to the serene gurgle of the waterfall feature or grooving to the DJ’s mix on Thursday and Friday nights. HIP HIDEAWAY Lounge with your friends on pillow-laden benches and shoot the breeze above the cool West Queen West nabe. Palm trees and an unimpeded view make the all-season rooftop <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=4586" target="_blank">Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel</a> a desirable destination for relaxing. ONE & ONLY Glammed-up residents and visitors frequent luxurious <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing~listing_id~4795.htm" target="_blank">One</a> for chef Mark McEwan’s cuisine and, in summer, the wraparound patio. Order some cocktails and peer between the bountiful shrubs for a perfect view of upscale Yorkville. EXOTIC SIGHT Tuck in at a teak table or swivel into a seat at the black granite bar on the patio at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3873" target="_blank">Ki Modern Japanese & Bar</a>. Some privacy is afforded by a sleek iron fence and planter boxes with bamboo stalks, but really, you want to be seen sipping sake martinis at this swank spot. FEELS LIKE HOME Students, families and young professionals alike gather on the large patio at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=5328" target="_blank"> Café Diplomatico</a>. Ensconced in Little Italy and just off busy College Street, it’s an ideal spot for casual conversation over a round of pints and panini. People-Watching Patios https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosVertical1-105x105.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosVertical1.jpg https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/07-10-PatiosVertical1.jpg 500 468 [] https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/top-sipping-spots-2/slide/07-10-patiosvertical-2/ 07-10-patiosvertical-2 0 0

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