Toronto’s always classy Omni King Edward Hotel has again put together something special for stars, movie industry folks and TIFF movie-going public.
No hotel in Toronto does a better job of celebrating the seasons and special events with themed menus than the venerable (since 1903!) King Edward Hotel. From their classic high tea service (best in the city) that changes throughout the year, to special menus for royal wedding celebrations and now again for the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Throughout TIFF the “King Eddy” will offer a custom-designed selection of shareable menu items and unique, noteworthy cocktails that fit in perfectly with the classy British charm of hotel. These limited-time food and cocktail selections will be served in the main lobby seating area, where the fabulous high tea experience take place. The menu will also be available in the lobby bar, and unofficially as room service choices for guest staying at the hotel.
The Food
The special TIFF food menu was designed to be a collection of casual and shareable bar-style plates, perfect for a film industry folks sitting around chatting about their next projects, or film-goers relaxing and getting a little nourishment before rushing to their next big red carpet gala screening. We were able to sample each of the seven dishes (in addition to the complimentary sea-salted popcorn) and they were all box office hits for our eyes and mouths. Full disclosure: we had actually been on set all day (at Instagram headquarters) filming our own pilot episode for a documentary series on amazing Canadian women – and were absolutely famished.
Smoked Beef Brisket Sliders – Truffle Warm Chips – Truffle Mac’n’Cheese Lollipops
Kudos to the King Eddy food and beverage team in coming up with a menu that really will please nearly everyone. Carnivores will really enjoy the House Smoked Beef Brisket Sliders, seafood lovers will find joy in the Grilled Octopus or Beer Battered Cod. Vegetarians have decadent Truffle Mac’n’Cheese Lollipops and an upscale Chickpea Shawarma as options and in addition to a Grilled Watermelon Salad and Parmesan & Truffle Warm Chips which also work for the gluten-free crowd.
Grilled Octopus vs Grilled Watermelon Salad
Beer Battered Cod & Chickpea Shawarma
The Cocktails
Here is where things really get fun. The King Edward teamed up with leading Canadian fine wine and spirits agent Charton Hobbs, and the result was seven very exciting, exotic and cleverly named cocktails. The drinks incorporate many of the leading spirits in the Charton Hobbs collection, such as Hennessy cognac, Belvedere vodka, Buffalo Trace bourbon, Glenmorangie scotch as well as Moët & Chandon champagne.
Yes, we tried all these wonderful creations!
The drinks were all unique, with a wide range of liquors and accompanying flavours, again providing something for everyone. Presentation, was top-notch, with garnishes (loved the thin delicate pineapple slice on the Italian Stallion), swizzle sticks and patterned straws adding the cocktails appeal. A nice job as well in coming up with the playful names for each creation, all in keeping with the TIFF film industry theme. Fun examples include the Live Action Caesar, The Blockbuster (it was), The Director (classy) as the lighter, fruity and delicious The Actor and The Italian Stallion.
The Service
The King Edward gets full marks for the quality of its staff and service. From the lobby staff, and food and beverage managers that greeted us as we find our way around to our seat, to the serving staff, it was a great, classy experience. And thus ideal for an important meeting, special date, or anyone you’re looking to impress and and need complete faith in the quality of the people and service at the venue you’re at. Our well-traveled, and sometimes demanding editor-in-chief felt our main server at the TIFF menu preview evening was one of the best she’d ever had the pleasure to be served by.
Overall, a wonderful experience, not unique to this particular menu, or event, and one worth trying out when you’re visiting Toronto, or visiting downtown in you already live in the region.
The Verdict:
Highly recommended – the King Eddy experience never fails to satisfy at all levels, it’s a true gem in the heart of Toronto. And we can’t say enough about the high level of friendly service.
THE OMNI KING EDWARD HOTEL – 37 KING ST E – (416) 863-9700
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