Tags
chocolate, GMO-Free, hotels, organic, organic beer, organic flowers, organic spa, organic wine, restaurants, TIFF, Toronto
Well it’s on! The 2011 Edition of Toronto’s International Film Festival gets underway today. Though we’ve still got a way to go, Toronto’s green side has evolved nicely and led us to some real treasures. So if you’re in town for the festival, here are some of Toronto’s best green spots:
Hotels
The Fairmont Royal York hotel appears to be the best bet when it comes to sustainable luxury hotels in the city. The Fairmont company as a whole has, for quite some time, taken a special interest in greening its overall operations but the Royal York in particular has been recognized for its environmental initiatives including its rooftop organic herb garden and beehive. Its menu features dishes created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients and meats. Organic and biodynamic wines are also available.
As well, the Royal York’s Library Bar has created 3 special drinks in honor of TIFF featuring ingredients from its rooftop organic garden and beehive: The Breakaway, Festival Buzz-Tini and the Raj Kapoor. Cheers!
Restaurants
Restaurants can be a little difficult. There are a fair number of them that are serving dishes made with local ingredients, natural meats but many don’t specify whether these are organic or not. Others however are fully committed to using 100% organic ingredients while still others give themselves some leeway by specifying that they make every effort to use organic ingredients where ever possible – here are a few you might want to check out:
Live and Organic
Live Food Bar Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines, beer and spirits available
Rawlicious Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines and beer available
Organic The Beet Organic Café Casual dining – organic beer and wine available Camros Organic Eatery Casual Persian cuisine
Organic where possible
Auberge du Pommier Fine Dining – Organic ingredients as much as possible, ingredients sourced from boutique farmers, naturally raised meat, sustainably sourced seafood, organic and biodynamic wines available
Banu Casual/Chic – Traditional Iranian cuisine and vodka bar – organic meats available – organic vodka available
Pangaea Fine Dining – Seasonal menu organic ingredients where possible – organic wines not available Niagara Street Café Casual/Cozy dining – bistro french/mediteranean options – natural raised meat, organic dairy, artisan products Magic Oven Casual dining – Pizza, pasta – use local ingredients and organic ingredients where possible, no preservatives or additives
If you’re just looking for a quick coffee and snack: Cafes, coffee bakeries and amazing chocolates
Alternative Grounds Fair trade and organic coffees
Soma Chocolate Chocolate bar and café – in historic distillery district – organic where possible
Organic Oven Cafe – gluten-free baked goods, desserts, breads and sandwiches, organic coffee and teas
Mercury Espresso Bar Coffee Bar – Organic specialty coffee
Wines and Spirits
Because of the restrictive laws of the province of Ontario, wines and spirits are only allowed through the producer or the LCBO. Many of the LCBO outlets throughout the city do carry a selection of organic wines and spirits.
Spas
Bloor West Organic Spa Facials, body treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Urb Organic Spa Facials, peels, waxing, tinting, special treatments including LED therapy, oxygen…
Elixir Organic Spa Facials, massage, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Pure and Simple Specialized facials, hair removal, tinting
Organic Spa ‘N Lounge Facials, body treatments, massage, manicure, pedicure, hair removal
Flowers
Eco Flora Fair trade, organic and wild crafted flowers
Fresh Unlimited has accumulated quite a database during our years in the green gifts industry. If there is something specific you are looking for in an organic, gmo-free or sustainable version, let us know, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!
Enjoy the festival!
