Shangri-La Toronto, is the official hospitality partner of the Toronto International Film Festival. The hotel property hosted TIFF’s  opening party on September 7th, and has also curated several luxurious movie inspired experiences, such as a specialty TIFF-themed Afternoon Tea menu, instagramable cocktails, and exclusive room packages.If you’re looking for a little decadent downtime during TIFF, the Shangri-La Toronto lobby is the perfect oasis. Beyond the beautiful Afternoon Tea offering, there’s often live entertainment happening, and it’s also a great spot for people watching and possible celebrity sightings.

Afternoon Tea

Shangri-La Toronto’s much loved Afternoon Tea will be taking centre stage throughout the month of September, with a special TIFF-themed offering. Executive Chef John Ross Woodland, and Pastry Chef Steven Tran, have created an array of delectable details taking inspiration from various films.

Screen-worthy savories:

  • Salmon Gravlax – Cured Salmon / Crème Fraiche / Beet Blini / Trout Roe / Dill

  • Truffle and Mushroom Choux – This Alice in Wonderland inspired dish encapsulates what it would be like in “Wonderland”. The Mushroom Choux is a balance of sweet, savory and earthiness with an added twist with the picked wild mushrooms and truffle cream.

  • Mini Deep-Dish Pizza – The Mini Deep Dish Pizza is inspired from the Goodfellas. Vinnie’s famous “Razor Blade” garlic tomato sauce is the base for the “New York Style” Deep Dish Pizza with Buffalo Mozzarella, garlic and basil

  • Golden Ticket Egg – The Golden Ticket Egg has a magical surprise, taking inspiration from a childhood favorite. This delicious morsel consists of potato croquette with egg yolk and double smoked bacon topped with Gruyere Cheese

Edge of your seat sweets:

  • Matilda’s Chocolate Cake – Inspired by the much loved scene in Matilda this cheeky combination brings together chocolate, salted caramel and pecans for an added crunch, because sometimes we all need to be a little bit naughty.

  • Willy Wonka’s Magic Mushroom – Entering the world of Willy Wonka, nothing is as it seems, this purple mushroom could be as magic as it looks with decadent flavors of brown butter, birch, haskap and rosemary.

  • Harry Potter’s Butterbeer – Ever imagine what butter beer tastes like? Fizzy, creamy, with a surprise pop in your mouth. This butterscotch, butterbeer jelly with pop rocks will be just the ticket!

  • Marie Antoinette’s “Choux aux poires” – Enter the world of the French Bourgeoisie and sample this intricate creation of French pastry celebrating flavors of pear, vanilla and maple.

  • Barbie’s “Pink” Cheesecake – With Barbie taking the world by force we are delighted to include this little pink treat as a nod to this year’s most stylish doll. Guests will be transported to Barbie Land with this pink sensation of strawberry, raspberry and lemon.

  • For the final cut, the Signature Shangri-La Scone – cheese and chive scones served with homemade fig and raspberry jam.

    Creative Cocktails

    Shangri-La Toronto’s mixology team have created a range of TIFF inspired instagramable cocktails based on their favorite films this year. Academy Award-worthy flavours bring to life eight unique creations.

    UNICORN – Hennessy VS with Lapsang Souchong Tea Orange Marmalade Syrup with fresh Orange and Lemon topped with Egg White. The decorative details and movement of this drink act as a nod to the midnight dancers and hidden romance within the cinematic experience.

    LE CHIMERA – referring to illusory promises of archeologists striving to strike it rich. For the Etrucans, truffles were considered an elusive delicacy and so this cocktail celebrates this search with Perigold Black Truffle Infused Grey Goose Vodka, Dolin’s Vermouth with Thyme and Rosemary Infused Olive Brine, Ottobratico Olive Oil.

    REPTILE – Coffee Infused Campari with Coconut Infused Antica Carpano and Earl Grey Infused Johnny Walker Black. The cocktail is placed upon a bespoke, faux bronze reptile skin coaster as a nod to this suspenseful detective drama.

    APOCALYPTO – Clase Azul Reposado with Dom Benedictine Liqueur and Chestnut, Saffron & Corn Shangri-La Cordial, creating a feast for the senses to celebrate the ancient Mayan themes of this movie.

    BUCK – Buffalo Trace Bourbon with Sherry Cream and Maraschino Liqueur with a touch of Cherry Bitters. Finished with Ginger, Lime and Cinnamon Foam – flavors mirroring the richly textured and visually stunning film of a revered horse whisperer.

    UNCORKED – Muscat Beaumes De Venise with Hennessy VS and Brioche & Honey Butter Washed Lillet Blanc Butterscotch Liqueur topped with Pineapple & Clove Bitters and a dash of Lemon. A toast to a young man’s journey to becoming a master sommelier against all odds.

    SOUND OF MUSIC – Strawberry infused Tanqueray Gin with Veuve De Clicquot Brut Rose and Habanero & Honey Syrup with a dash of Lemon. This cocktail celebrates a few of our favorite things with a rainbow of color inspired by the heartwarming story of a family’s escape over the Austrian mountains.

    THE MOVIE EMPEROR – El Dorado Rum 12yr with Amaro Averna infused with Shangri -La Falernum Rhubarb Bitters, Lime and Blood Orange considered one of the most decadent of juices in China, gives a special nod to this Chinese world premiere.

    The beautiful lobby and bar area is the perfect spot to relax and unwind, whether it be the start of your day, a midday break, or an evening wind down. There’s also live entertainment throughout the day and evening to add to that chilled vibe. Afternoon Tea and Cocktail reservations can be made via DineTO@shangri-la.com

    Stay Overnight

    TIFF Inspired Experience:

    • Overnight stay for 2 available across all room categories

    • TIFF Afternoon Tea & TIFF Cocktails in the Lobby Lounge

    • TIFF amenity in room to include vintage cinema inspired treats

    • Daily Breakfast

    • Rates from: 1200 CAD

    Exclusive TIFF Suite Experience:

    • The hotel offers suite guests’ exclusive access to a choice of movies and premiers showing throughout the festival depending on the dates of stay.

    • Overnight stay for 2 exclusively available to all suite stays

    • TIFF Afternoon Tea & TIFF Cocktails in the Lobby Lounge

    • TIFF amenity in suite to include vintage cinema inspired treats

    • Daily Breakfast

    • Rates from: 1550 CAD

    Room Reservations can be made via email at reservations.slto@shangri-la.com.  For more information or to make reservations by phone, call the hotel at 647 788 8888.

     

    About the Author

    Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.