Canteen

Canteen at TIFF Bell Lightbox 330 King St West 647 288 4710

The TIFF Bell Lightbox is the most innovative concept in town. It houses 5 cinemas, a gallery, library research facilities and several restaurants. It only shows the finest in cinema. The art gallery has sponsored some outstanding shows. Currently a Fellini exhibit is available and well worth a trip.
All the restaurants in the facility are owned by Oliver Bonacini. Luma is the up scale restaurant on the second floor. The Canteen is open 7 days a week. It seems that any time I go by the place is crowded. I love the ‘grab and go’ section. A large variety of Panino are ready and prepared. You can pick up your order in speedy time .Salads and fine baking is also available. There are tables to enjoy the tasty food or you can take it out.
A large patio and interior is available for sit down table service.
Mathew was our server and I think I can honestly say that he was one of the most accommodating servers I have met. His smile was a mile wide and he was so efficient and cooperative. He even asked if we were attending a film at TIFF Bell Lightbox. We were and he made sure we wee finished in time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place is crowded. The food is creative and delicious.
My Bibb Lettuce Salad was so fresh and tasty ($8.00). I ordered a piece of Seared Albacore Tuna ($11.00) tuna to top my salad. This was the perfect lunch. The greens were refreshing. Yellow beans, egg, avocado and tomatoes were so tasty. The pesto dressing was superb. Best of all the cooked tuna pieces melted in my mouth. I loved every bite.
My sister and I were off to see a film and we intended to have a speedy lunch. She ordered the Beef Brisket served in a croissant with havarti cheese and sauerkraut.($7.00)
The Pizzas are a big specialty here. The crust is thin and the flavors are superb. Giardiniera Pizza is prepared with caramelized onions, artichokes and mushrooms.($13.00) The Frattau Pizza offers a white sauce, potatoes, pancetta, and fried egg. Pecorino and rosemary.($14.00)
Everyone’s favorite of Mac & Cheese is prepared with garganelli, aged Quebec cheddar and smoked ham.($14.00) Vegetable Tangine is offered in a colorful tangine dish. It is prepared with fragrant spiced apricot an almond couscous and served with a spicy yogurt and mint.($16.00) Steak Frites are served with garlic aioli.($22.00)
Daily specials are listed on a large blackboard. Week end Brunch is offered from
10:00 a.m.–3:00p.m. Huevos Canteenos is a specialty prepared with tortilla, beans, scrambled eggs, avocado, salsa and sour cream.($14.00)
The menu is extensive and offers such an array of tasty food. It is well prepared and beautifully presented. The service has always been superb. No wonder Canteen is busy from early morning until late at night. I suggest you try it before the Toronto International Film Festival begins. It is guaranteed to be even busier.