Toronto Maple Leafs players mingled with fans and media on Thursday evening at the Fairmont Royal York for the team's annual gala, "A Night With Blue & White," and blogTO caught up with stars John Tavares and Morgan Rielly to ask where players dine when off the ice.
Leafs captain John Tavares, or Johnny Toronto, shouted out a few Toronto businesses when asked about his go-to spots to dine in the city — likely aided by his familiarity growing up in the GTA.
Here are John Tavares' favourite spots in Toronto.
The 33-year-old veteran shouted out the posh dining hotspot on Avenue Road, saying he has "been to Sotto Sotto a bunch of times, it's obviously great Italian food."
The six-time NHL All-Star calls Antler one of his favourites, saying he developed a taste for the controversial restaurant known for shocking vegans with its carnivorous menu.
Tavares impressed blogTO staff with his third pick, saying that heading to "go grab a coffee and eat a baked good at Brodflour is something I always enjoy doing."
@blogto Number 3 is chef’s kiss 🤌👨🍳😘 #toronto #ontario #tiktoktoronto #torontofood #torontomapleleafs #nhl #hockey #johntavares #nhlallstar #torontoallstarweekend #mapleleafs #torontorestaurants #food #torontocoffee #dished #yyz #fyp #foryoupage #greenscreen ♬ original sound - blogTO
blogTO also asked Morgan Rielly where he dines in the city, and the 29-year-old defenceman shared that he is a big fan of Buca's King West location, saying, "that's where I like to go for a nice Italian meal."
Rielly spoke highly of the restaurant's downstairs setting, praising its "cozy and nice" atmosphere.
@blogto Morgan Rielly’s go-to restaurant in Toronto has been confirmed 🍝 #toronto #ontario #tiktoktoronto #nhl #torontomapleleafs #nhlallstar #nhlallstarweekend #morganrielly #torontohockey #hockey #torontofood #torontorestaurants #foodie #food #yyz #fyp #foryoupage #greenscreen ♬ original sound - blogTO
Thursday night's gala event, presented by Rogers, featured a casino theme, with net proceeds from the event benefitting the MLSE Foundation.
A few months earlier, Toronto Raptors' rising star Scottie Barnes shared his favourite spots in the city, showing off a very different flavour of establishments.
blogTO