Oscar Parties in Toronto

With one week to go till the Oscars I have got one thing on my mind: FOOD. Really, what fun is the seemingly endless Hollywood annual glam-fest without Oscar-themed canapes, cocktails and other culinary delights?

My best friend hosts an annual Oscar party, the menu for which revolves entirely around the top contenders for that coveted gold statue. This year he and his housemates are serving an eclectic spread consisting of The Curious Canape of Benjamin Button Mushroom, Slumdog Mattar Paneer (starring Dev Potato and Naanil Kapur), Death by Heath Ledgerman Chocolate Cake with a glass of Milk, Rocky Revolutionary Road Ice Cream, a cocktail called the Frosted Nixon, and The Readerbach Beer.

While I tried to convince him to open the party up to the blogTO readership, he declined (more Frosted Nixons for me!). So instead I have a round-up of other Oscar parties in the city.

O'Grady's Tap and Grill
O'Grady's fifth annual Oscar party. Reservations recommended and costumes always welcome.
The Food: Oscar themed pub snacks
When: February 22, 7pm
Where: 518 Church Street (at Maitland) 416-323-2822
Cost: No cover

The Drake Hotel
The Drake's annual Oscar party will be hosted by Richard Crouse (of the IFC's Richard Crouse's Movie Show) and will include an electronic Oscar pool, lots of prizes including dinner for two and a night for two in the hotel. Free bottle service for the first 3 groups of ten to make a reservation!
The Food: Oscar night menu that includes Old Fashioned Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and Creamed Greens for $17.95, $5 glass of bubbly and a $3.50 pint of Creemore, Winterlicious menu also available. Free popcorn!
When: February 22, 8pm. Reservations recommended.
Where: 1150 Queen Street West
Cost: No cover

Pegasus Bar on Church
An Oscar party at the Pegasus for the AIDS Committee Toronto with Oscar ballots, a 50/50 draw, trivia games and mystery boxes with prizes.
The Food: Complimentary finger foods
When: February 22, 7pm
Where: 489B Church Street
Cost: No cover

Bloor Cinema
NOW + Bloor Cinema present the 81st Academy Awards. Cheer on all the slumdogs, nuns, jokers, and wrestlers!
The Food: Cash bar, popcorn and other concessions
When: February 22, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm.
Where: 506 Bloor Street West
Cost: Free for members, seniors and children. $3 memberships at the door.

Photo by Trevor Haldenby from the blogTO Flickr pool