Landmark resto to close
Bistro 990, a favourite of Hollywood elite, makes way for condo
Bistro 990, beloved restaurant of the film crowd, will be closing its doors.
Just when that will happen, or whether it will reopen at another location, remains unknown, but Kyle Kristenbrun, son of owner Tom Kristenbrun, confirmed the hot spot is shutting down. Cresford Developments purchased the restaurant — a haunt of movie stars, politicians, journalists and professional athletes — along with a patch of vacant land at the corner of Bay St. and Joseph St.
A 32-storey condominium project called1thousand Bay will soon occupy the spot, with units already for sale.
“Yes . . . it’s closing,” said Kyle Kristenbrun. “It’s closing, but I don’t know when or anything else about it. It’s my father’s restaurant, he knows a lot more than I do.”
Rumours about the closure were circulating this week, with some of the restaurant’s staff speculating its final day could come as early as March.
“It will never be replaced, it was just so special,” said former Toronto Star entertainment reporter/columnist Rita Zekas, who spent countless hours there interviewing the world’s top talent.
“Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington ... they’d all go because they could just be themselves. Nobody bothered them. They’d chat, read scripts over dinner. It was just a very special place.”
Zekas said the restaurant was at its zenith when the headquarters for the Toronto International Film Festival — now relocated to King and John Sts. — was nearby.
She said there was excitement, French speaking waiters, a packed “upstairs mosh pit” and scenes such as Nicole Kidman walking through the crowd — red wine in hand — with a “minder” refreshing her drink every few minutes with Perrier water.
Stars such as Liam Neeson, Sean Connery and Michael Douglas included it as one of their favourite spots and could be seen enjoying dinners and lunches between screenings. Zekas said Tom Kristenbrun would join in the festivities, talking with producers, directors and actors and making them feel secure, safe and at home. “I would have to tell him to go home for dinner,” she said. “I just don’t think anything will ever surpass that place . . . it was the place to go.” Cresford Developments would not comment on the future of the restaurant. Tom Kristenbrun has not responded to requests for comment.