It's a night of glamour and glitz for Hollywood, but for most people the Oscars mean an evening on the couch. If you're willing to give up the pyjamas and popcorn, consider these options.
The Avenue Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel offers the full celeb treatment with a red carpet, miniature Oscar statuettes and a menu worthy of Wolfgang Puck. "There's Kobe beef burgers and lobster cocktails with caviar," says Rafal Zwiderynski, the bar's assistant manager. "We want people to experience that glamorous, sexy Hollywood feeling here in Toronto."
It's a sentiment shared by Nadia Ghandour, owner of Zemra Bar and Lounge. "It's a lot more fun to watch the show with other people and talk about the clothes and who should have and shouldn't have won," she explains. The bar on St. Clair near Christie plans to emulate the pre-awards show vibe by snapping Polaroids of patrons as they walk in on the red carpet. The bar will also offer complimentary champagne cocktails and prizes for the best- and worst-dressed customers.
An equally tony option if you can snag an invite is a private party at the Spoke Club, where a big screen will be set up in the main dining room. The club will also have an Oscar pool, with the winner walking away with a dinner for two.
If you're unable to find the perfect ensemble for Oscar night, Slack Alice on Church Street is having a clothing-optional party starting at 8 p.m. (towels, ahem, are provided). There will also be live performances of the Oscar-featured songs and prizes for winners of an Oscar poll. Alas, ladies, it's for men only.
Of course, if all this sounds a bit much for the virgin Oscar partygoer, there are simpler alternatives. Several neighbourhood bars such as the Victory Café on Markham Street will have a television tuned in to the show.
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