What happens when you pair together an iconic movie director from Toronto and a world famous chef from NYC? One of the best and biggest restaurant openings of the year, Montecito. 

And what I believe is a restaurant that is going to change the landscape of dining out in the city forever.

First of all, it's one of our biggest yet, at 12,000 square feet over two storeys.

Secondly, Ivan Reitman directed the design and decor, so it's also one of the most beautiful (he's so good, one hopes he'll do a home and clothing line next). And a video he shot outside his home in Montecito, California will play on the a digital wall of screens to set the scene. Personal home movies from Ivan Reitman? Swoon.

And of course, then there's the food. Chef Jonathan Waxman’s (NYC’s Barbuto, Nashville’s Adele’s, and this fall a restaurant in 1 Hotels Central Park) love of local and seasonal products is highlighted by daily menus and working directly with local farmers, so expect organic chicken from Mennonite cooperatives, grass-fed beef, etc. Executive Chef Matt Robertson (L’Atalier de Joel Robuchon, Red’s Midtown) and Executive Sous Chef Gaetano Ferrara (Four Seasons Toronto) will be running the show in the open concept kitchen.

The restaurant will be open to the public soon, but in the meantime, check out the building of this epic landmark and my interview with Ivan Reitman and Jonathan Waxman on our Facebook page.

See you at Montecito.