If there’s one address you’ll want to commit to memory come TIFF, it’s 325 Bay Street, home to the St. Regis Toronto. A TIFF official hotel partner, it’s the place to find exciting programming meant to bring the art of film to life, and to help you celebrate the festival like a star.
Coinciding with the start of TIFF 2022, programming at the St. Regis begins on September 8. Ranging from a Champagne lounge to ultra-luxurious spa treatments designed to get you red-carpet-ready, there’s something for everyone at the St. Regis this month. Through it all, the team has taken inspiration from Dalíland, the festival’s official closing gala film, and one in which the St. Regis brand figures prominently.
Inside the hotel’s lobby, visitors will first step into the movies -- literally. Home to the Dalíland Set Exhibit, the area has been transformed into a replica of the St. Regis suite in New York City, where artist Salvador Dalí spent his winters for 40 years. From there, guests will want to settle into the Astor Lounge for the Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne menu and limited-edition Dalí-themed afternoon tea. Available every weekend until October 16, the novel Dalí Afternoon Tea puts luxe, artistic bites on gorgeous display. The savoury 65C Lobster, combines citrus aioli, caviar, and Devonshire cream, while a savoury foie gras nibble is a perfect bite of profiterole with Amarena cherries, and bourbon. Sweets include a Cristal Rosé macaron with raspberry and lychee cream as well as a strawberry cremeaux, with Champagne gelée.
As the sun sets, live jazz enlivens the lounge each evening between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. In partnership with Cristal Champagne, this is the place for bubbly, by the glass, the bottle, or mixed into three classic Champagne cocktails.
For something a little more substantial, Louix Louis is the place for dinner with a view. During TIFF, the restaurant is also home to two new Dalí-inspired cocktails. Sample the Casanova, a recipe created by Dalí himself, with Armagnac, Campari, orange juice, ginger syrup and cayenne. Or, sip on a citrusy blend of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, Manzanilla Sherry, lemon juice, rosemary syrup and vegan foaming bitters with a Dalíland in hand.
Whether you’re in it for the screenings, the celebrity-spotting, the bottomless flutes of bubbly, or merely for the chance to live large for 11 days, you’ll want to make the most of TIFF’s return this year. For a festival season to remember, head to the St. Regis Toronto, where you’ll hobnob with the brightest stars, sample the tastiest treats, and live and breathe the art of film.
