O&B opens at the Lightbox

TORONTO—Oliver and Bonacini Restaurants are readying two restaurants in the new headquarters of the Toronto International Film Festival, the TIFF Bell Lightbox. O&B is also planning to open an event space at the top of the building in November.

The architectural firm of the building at King and John Streets in the entertainment districts created the restaurant interiors.

Jason Bangerter, executive chef of O&B’s Auberge du Pommier, is directing culinary operations for the two restaurants, O&B Canteen and Luma.

The bistro style O&B Canteen takes up 3,500 square feet on the main level, with seating for 90 at banquettes and a communal table inside. The patio will seat another 70.

“It is designed as an extension of the street with an extensive outdoor café under a long protective canopy,” says designer Bruce Kuwabara, in a release.

O&B Canteen will be open for lunch, dinner and late night dining, seven days a week.

On the second level, Luma offers more upscale dining in an 8,000-square-foot restaurant and lounge, with seating for 230 inside and another 50 on the terrace.

It is described as comfortable, stylish and relaxed, with rich woods, leather and stone, and floor-to-ceiling views of King Street West.

The menu is “globally inspired Canadian cuisine,” with an emphasis on local.
A long wraparound bar at the entrance stands between the restaurant and lounge.

The lounge, which includes a window bar, seats 100, and is sponsored by Research in Motion’s BlackBerry, one of TIFF’s major sponsors. Luma will serve lunch and dinner daily.

The sixth floor event space, with its adjoining rooftop terrace and outdoor amphitheatre is called Malaparte, after Villa Malaparte in Capri where Jean-Luc Godard shot Le Mépris on the rooftop.

Seating 200, it offers a cityscape view and an interior with “shimmer and elegance” created by Anacleto Design.

Jamie Meireles, executive chef of Oliver & Bonacini Events, will be in charge of Malaparte’s menu, as well as onsite catering.