Introducing: Montecito, the Ivan Reitman-owned restaurant near TIFF Bell Lightbox
Click to view gallery (Image: Renée Suen)
Name: Montecito
Contact Info: 299 Adelaide St. W., 416-599-0299, montecitorestaurant.ca , @Montecito_TO
Neighbourhood: Entertainment District
Owners: Ivan Reitman, Jonathan Waxman (of Babuto fame), and Tom and Jordan Bitove (from Innov8 Hospitality, the group behind Wayne Gretzky’s)
Executive Chef: Matt Robertson, the former executive chef at Reds Midtown
The Food: The daily-changing menu blends Waxman’s signature California cuisine with Canadian veggies, cheeses, meats and seafood (a list of local suppliers is printed right on the menu). Vegetables are highlighted on almost every plate, including Waxman’s world-famous roast chicken—a dish “so impressive that it’s arguably cause for scientific study,” according to the New York Times —which is served here with fresh herbs and salsa verde. As promised, there is a Ghostbusters -themed dessert (although, contrary to early reports, it doesn’t actually explode).
The Drinks: Like the food menu, the wine list is also updated daily. Sommelier Stephanie Guth and general manager Jimson Bienenstock are behind the wide-ranging list of hard-to-find wines, including a serious selection of grower champagnes and four house wines. Former Barchef mixologist James Taylor crafts simple cocktails with house-made floral bitters and Beamsville honey.
The Place: Montecito feels like exactly the kind of place where multi-million-dollar movie deals might get hammered out over lunch. There are at least five distinct “zones,” including a hangar-sized dining room, a trio of chef’s tables, a downstairs bar, an upstairs bar/lounge and a patio on Adelaide Street. Ivan Reitman was involved in the design, and it shows: black-and-white movie stills hang in the dining room, as does a looped film that he shot from his Montecito home.
285230 <strong>Montecito</strong> is located at 299 Adelaide Street, between John and Widmer. (The entrance is just down the alleyway to the left side of the building) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing: Montecito https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-1-ENTRANCE-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-1-ENTRANCE.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-1-ENTRANCE.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-1-entrance/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-1-entrance 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
285209 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-52-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-52.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-52.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-52/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-52 0 0
285227 Director-restaurateur <strong>Ivan Reitman</strong> was reportedly involved in every aspect of the restaurant's design (including, presumably, the <em>Ghostbusters-</em>themed décor) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-7-WINDOW-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-7-WINDOW.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-7-WINDOW.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-7-window/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-7-window 0 0
285226 A trio of family-style chef's tables face the open kitchen https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-11-KITCHEN-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-11-KITCHEN.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-11-KITCHEN.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-11-kitchen/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-11-kitchen 0 0
285225 The 12,000-square-foot restaurant seats almost 400. Movie stills decorate one wall of the dining room https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-15-ROOM-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-15-ROOM.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-15-ROOM.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-15-room/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-15-room 0 0
285221 The menu, overseen by famed New York chef (and co-owner) <strong>Jonathan Waxman,</strong> focuses on fresh ingredients, especially vegetables. This shredded kale salad is dressed with anchovy vinaigrette and sprinkled with pecorino ($12)<br />
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285220 Salad with fava beans, peas, cherry tomatoes and Grey Owl goat cheese ($13) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-30-SALAD-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-30-SALAD.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-30-SALAD.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-30-salad/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-30-salad 0 0
285222 Waxman’s famous roast chicken, served here with herb salad and salsa verde ($24) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-25-CHICKEN-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-25-CHICKEN.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-25-CHICKEN.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-25-chicken/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-25-chicken 0 0
285213 Waxman’s signature potatoes are parboiled, smashed and fried ($8) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-40-POTATOES-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-40-POTATOES.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-40-POTATOES.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-40-potatoes/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-40-potatoes 0 0
285212 “Joe’s Special” is served at brunch. It includes chopped sirloin, wild mushrooms, spinach, onions, eggs, Parmesan and grilled bread ($16) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-43-JOE-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-43-JOE.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-43-JOE.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-43-joe/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-43-joe 0 0
285219 The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man baked Alaska is a circle of sponge cake topped with white chocolate–marshmallow ice cream, marshmallow fluff and meringue ($12) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-32-MARSHMALLOW-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-32-MARSHMALLOW.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-32-MARSHMALLOW.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-32-marshmallow/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-32-marshmallow 0 0
285211 Montecito’s house wines—chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and pinot noir—are from the restaurant’s private label and are available by the glass ($12–18) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-46-WINE-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-46-WINE.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-46-WINE.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-46-wine/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-46-wine 0 0
285218 Former <strong>Barchef</strong> mixologist <strong>James Taylor</strong> crafts cocktails with Beamsville honey and house-made floral bitters https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-34-TAYLOR-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-34-TAYLOR.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-34-TAYLOR.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-34-taylor/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-34-taylor 0 0
285210 The ground-floor bar https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-49-BARGROUND-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-49-BARGROUND.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-49-BARGROUND.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-49-barground/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-49-barground 0 0
285223 There's also an upstairs bar/lounge (pictured here), where the drinks list is a bit more spirits-focused https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-22-BARLOUNGE-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-22-BARLOUNGE.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Renee-Suen-Toronto-Life-Aug-2014-Montecito-22-BARLOUNGE.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-montecito-ivan-reitman-backed-restaurant-near-tiff-bell-lightbox/slide/renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-22-barlounge/ renee-suen-toronto-life-aug-2014-montecito-22-barlounge 0 0
We dined last evening and although the surroundings are lovely and the service very good, the food was terrible. Pasta with wild boar was inedible and the chicken although god was resting on arugula that was very salty…so much so that it distracted from everything. Why is it not acceptable to serve a main course with a vegetable and starch option anyway….feeling ripped off.
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