DEMONTIS: Countdown is on for who in Toronto gets coveted Michelin stars

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The Toronto International Film Festival has certainly helped put Canada on the map. And now we’re waiting (apologies for the time-worn phrase ) with breathless anticipation for who gets to proudly pin the Michelin star on their menu.

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When the famous Michelin Guide finally landed on Canadian shores last spring — and in Toronto as the first city in the nation to be honoured with the iconic stars — many in the food industry were slightly caught off guard, as no one really thought Michelin would come knocking on Canada’s doors.

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But it did — and we’re excited, although there are those in the industry who are a touch underwhelmed at the prospect of the Michelin experience coming to the nation.

That said, the reality is, Michelin spells money and a massive injection of badly-needed funds for a restaurant and entertainment industry that has been seriously brought to its knees due to the recent pandemic.

“This is an important moment for Toronto’s culinary scene, but it’s much broader than that,” says Andrew Weir, executive vice-president of Destination Toronto. “The influence of Michelin as a global voice is immense, and I’m very happy to put the power of that influential credibility into Toronto.

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“We know that Toronto has a great culinary scene — those who live here know it. And you don’t need Michelin to prove this. (But) you do need a large and established audience to seek out these experiences, and Michelin’s arrival will help bring that story to many more people from around the world.”

Weir says Michelin will bring “an injection of awareness and profile, and that’s what stimulates demand and spending.”

Toronto is the first Canadian city to be named in the Michelin listing, with Vancouver following closely behind. Other Canadian cities are being planned for the future, especially as culinary travel is becoming the hot buzzword for the travel industry, with “Michelin as the catalyst for that trip. It increases (Canada’s) reputation on the world stage as a culinary destination and a powerful influence, in both leisure and business travel.

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“The more cache attached to the city, the bigger the success factors,” says Weir.

As for the restaurants anticipating getting their first stars, he suspects when the list finally comes out, “people will say, ‘well, what about this restaurant? And why was that restaurant not included?’

“There will be other lists. This is just the start.”

Who will win one of the coveted stars? There are stars in various categories, including the traditional as well as the Bib Gourmand for restaurants who serve high-quality meals with good price points, and the Michelin Green Star for restaurants involved in “sustainable gastronomy.”

For now, it’s a major guessing game as to who gets to be the first eateries annointed with the famous stars — officials of the 120-year-old institution have been particularly tight-lipped. But all will be revealed Tuesday evening in a glittery event at Toronto’s historic Evergreen Brick Works.

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When asked if he had any idea who some of the winner restaurants are, Weir laughed and said, “I’ll be sitting in the audience at the event and will hear the news like everyone else.”

Mind you, that hasn’t stopped social media from naming restaurants. Much like anticipating any awards show, be it the Oscars or Geminis, Michelin follows.

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Who do I think will get a star or stars? I’ve a few ideas, based on the histories of the award-winning chefs, and by just how difficult it is to get a reservation! But that’s just me: I’m pretty sure there are hundreds of worthy restaurants who haven’t caught the attention of what drives culinary popularity in society, for the time being.

That said, here are my go-to’s (in no particular order):

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— ALO; 799 College St.

Alo has been on the forefront of a slew of culinary honours, and has been ranked in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants and the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, not to mention the trailblazer its executive chef, Patrick Kriss, has proven on the world stage. If Alo doesn’t get a star, there’s something wrong with the system.

— CANOE; Toronto Dominion Centre

With its spectacular view from the 54th floor and a menu that pays homage to all of Canada’s rich heritage, this award-winning established eatery is a favourite among locals and out-of-town guests, thanks to an established culinary staff where imagination is key.

— DON ALFONSO 1890 TORONTO; Toronto Harbour Castle Hotel

Don Alfonso 1890 offers elegant dining at its finest, with a superb culinary cast in the back and impeccable service at the front, all within an art-infused ambience. It already has a Michelin moniker thanks to Italy’s Chef Don Alfonso.

— BAR ISABEL; 797 College St.

All over the internet, Bar Isabel keeps popping up as a fan favourite for Michelin, and we’re rooting for the established restaurant, too. The place is cozy, with a creative flair in small, Spanish-inspired dishes nicely paired with famous wines and craft beers.

— SCARAMOUCHE; One Benvenuto Place.

Sometimes I do believe Scaramouche is the city’s best-kept secret — an unparalleled view of the city coupled with a French-inspired menu that has literally written the book on fine dining, Scaramouche whispers passion in every mouthful.