Montecito, My, My, My

A 12,000-square-foot culinary wet dream is coming to Toronto (just three weeks to go people).

Director (and sweetheart) Ivan Reitman and chef Jonathan Waxman are the brains behind new restaurant Montecito. Reitman is putting his personal touch on everything, from a video wall projecting the view outside of his own Montecito home to a spot upstairs encased in glass and light. Foodies will unite around chef tables placed afront an open-concept kitchen clearly designed by people who hold a real respect for food.

A-listers will have a Toronto sanctuary in Montecito. Situated directly behind the Lightbox (the site of so many movie premieres), the restaurant features a secret back set of stairs to quietly usher those who seek privacy into an enclosed dining room with a full-but-inconspicuous view of the "proletariat."

The decor is eclectic in the best way. Splashes of low-key colour and textures galore, yet the space still feels fresh and welcoming. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or donning a summer dress and flats to dinner, Montecito doesn’t aim to be intimidating; rather, with seven separate dining zones, it’s a full-sensory, fully inclusive experience.

Oh, the food. A daily-changing menu boasts California cuisine that successfully takes into consideration the seasonal limitations of farm-to-table Canadian ingredients.

Essentially, all the best stuff, all the time. I’m there. —Katherine Holland

Montecito, coming soon to 299 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, www.montecitorestaurant.ca