Kira Wakeam, kirawakeam.com
Natasha Koifman of NKPR has the scoop on all the hottest hangouts to visit during TIFF.
As any experienced celebrity sleuth will tell you, the best spots for spotting the rich and famous change almost as much as the film line-ups from year to year. That's where Natasha Koifman steps in with her valuable insider tips. As NKPR President, she's responsible for bringing some of the hottest parties to TIFF each year, as well as the popular IT lounge, frequented by A-listers who drop by for sweet swag while promoting good causes like Artists for Peace and Justice and Camp Oochigeas.
Koifman says TIFF 2011 is expected to be the "biggest year so far for talent" so the odds of coming face to face with someone famous is definitely in your favour. While the red carpet galas provide an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of big-screen stars from a distance, MSN Canada asked Koifman to reveal the best ways to get an up close and personal encounter. Got a pen?
Best ways to spot stars on a budget
* Sit at O&B Canteen on King St. W to catch celebrities coming out of the Hyatt Hotel and TIFF Bell Lightbox
* Grab a coffee at the Starbucks by the Hyatt Hotel on King St. W
* Stakeout the Four Seasons and Hazelton Hotel - "A lot of the (press conferences and events) have moved downtown but talent is still staying up town."
* Plant yourself on the stairs at 99 Yorkville between the Four Seasons hotel and Summer's Sweet Memories Ice Cream (where the stars are also known to indulge their sweet tooths)
* Hang around The Burroughes building on Queen. W - "CAA is doing their events there" with Brad Pitt, Blake Lively expected.
Top sip-and-splurge venues
* The Ritz-Carlton hotel bar - "There are lots of events happening at the hotel."
* La Société Bloor St. W - "It's going to be a big, big, hot spot. Between 12 and 4 in the morning you're going to see a lot of them finishing off their night there."
* Rosewater Supper Club - "They host the kick-off cocktail party."
* Avenue Bar at the Four Seasons hotel: "A lot happens up town" late at night and well into the early morning."
Best bets for dining with the A-listers
* One Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel
* Scarpetta at the Thompson hotel - "It was definitely a hot spot last year."
* Joso's and Sotto Sotto - "A lot of celebrities are regulars."
* Brassai
Hottest clubs during TIFF
* This is London
* Ultra Supper Club
* Tattoo Rock Parlour
* The Government (Sky Bar upstairs)
Most buzzed-about bashes
* Toro After Dark Benefit for Artists for Peace and Justice on Sept. 9 - "Jon Hamm is confirmed to co-host with George Stroumboulopoulos and Paul Haggis."
* ONEXONE concert featuring Lupe Fiasco, Melanie Fiona and Kardinal Offishall at Kool Haus on Sept. 10
* Hello! Canada party at The Ritz-Carlton hotel on Sept. 10
* CANFAR dinner on Sept. 11
* InStyle bash at Windsor Arms Hotel on Sept. 13
* Soho House exclusive events
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