rom mammoth multiplexes to cool-kid rep theatres, Toronto is home to plethoric cinemas. With the NFB, a horde of specialized theatres, multi-cultural video shops, alt-rental stops, and an oft-strong movie production industry, it is an idyllic place for cinephiles. While September and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) bring with them unrivaled movie-viewing possibilities, they also cultivate fantastic party-going opportunities. Sure, you could spend TIFF's temporary tenure watching films, but why not get soused with celebrities instead? For all of your TIFF-related imbibing and hobnobbing (I've always wanted to use that word) needs, we've compiled the best spots to hammer back a few with your betters. You're welcome.

Avenue
Yorkville is the epicenter of TIFF gawking, gazing, and celebrity sighting. Within its swank confines, the Four Seasons remains the focal point of black-tie-undoing, after-hours revelry. Though you likely won't get invited to a celebrity's hotel room -- well, you might; don't give up too easily -- stalking celluloid stars and auteurs is easily done at the in-house lounge, Avenue. Fittingly named after the promenade on which it sits, this martini-friendly joint becomes an ad hoc famous-person's clubhouse. Furthermore, late licensing keeps the clientele soused deep into the night. Perhaps that hotel room isn't out of the question after all. 21 Avenue Road



Bistro 990
Throughout TIFF, you don't have time to figure out where things are. Thankfully, Bistro 990 does most of the work for you (we'll do the rest). Located at 990 Bay Street (see what I'm saying?), it's across the street from the Sutton Place Hotel, so it gets more than its share of run-off film stars. The space is posh without flaunting it and the fare relies on market-fresh ingredients without getting didactic (one never wants proselytizing with his or her meal). Also, it's always better to eat with visiting celebrities than drink with them: there's less chance of doing something embarrassing. Incidentally, close your mouth while you stare and bring tooth picks for surreptitious cleanings. 990 Bay Street



C Lounge
Truncation is the key to chic-ness (you can borrow that platitude, I don't mind). You don't know what the titular "C" refers to and I’m not going to tell you. (It's always more fun to pretend you know). A self-proclaimed "spa lounge," C is a unique entity. Like its Toronto-area brethren, C wears a number of hats but, unlike its counterparts, it doesn't toe a traditional line. Instead, it tempers its lounge with hints of serenity rather than a surfeit of kinetic posturing. It's the type of place that encourages both revelry and furtive conversation. You can easily close-talk and whisper into ears, despite the tumult. Though C's chilly brother, Ice Lounge, is out of commission during the summer and TIFF, it makes due with a different kind of cool. 456 Wellington Street West