Since the advent of the first motion picture, generations of us have repeatedly combined a great meal at our favorite restaurant with seeing the newest, hottest movie. From fast food and the latest Disney flick, to a top restaurant and a timely and thought-provoking independent film, "dinner and a movie" has defined each period of our lives.

Through the wonder of air travel, we can indulge in this time-honored tradition in most of the cities throughout the world served by American Airlines and American Eagle and happily discover that this combination of food and entertainment can be even more exciting away from our own neighborhoods. One of our favorites, and clearly one of the top centers for food and film, is north of the U.S. Border in Toronto .

With more than four million people in the metropolitan area and over 80 languages spoken, Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Greek Town , Little Italy and Portuguese Village are scattered throughout this dynamic city, and as you might guess, the variety of food is virtually endless. You can choose from some of North America 's finest and most elegant restaurants to a range of local eateries that will make you think you have, indeed, stumbled onto a movie set!

Our choice for a top-of-the-line dining experience is Truffles at the Four Seasons Toronto. Visitors, residents, hotel guests and often the movie stars who are working in Toronto (more on that later!) come to enjoy the award-winning cuisine. The menu changes seasonally but includes such palate-tantalizing fare as Spaghettini with Perigord Black Gold served with a light truffle sauce—the restaurant's signature dish—as well as rack of lamb, poached lobster and venison with toasted chestnuts. The atmosphere is classy and reservations are strongly recommended (Fourseasons.com). The movie, you ask? Virtually right across the street is the Cumberland 4 Cinemas at 159 Cumberland , one of the most popular choices in town for current mainstream and independent films. allianceatlantiscinemas.com

Move downtown a bit and stroll into Kit Kat at 297 King West (kitkattoronto.com). This eclectic Italian eatery is right in the heart of the live theatre district (Okay, it can be dinner and a play!), and patrons are immediately immersed in its cozy warmth and "we're all family" atmosphere. The kitchen juts right into the eating area, giving diners a close-up look at the action. Ask for the washroom and your directions will include "turn right at the tree." Yes, there's a tree in the middle of the restaurant. And watching the chefs work while you sit at your table is a never-ending source of entertainment.

Suggested entrees include the wonderful grilled calamari appetizer—a King Street tradition—coupled with a variety of changing sauces such as aioli sauce, a tropical fruit salsa, or some other great but always excellent combination. It's Italian, so pasta is king, and the Kit Kat will make you think you're in Italy . Tell Johnny at the door we sent you. Right in the heart of Toronto 's Entertainment District, Kit Kat is just a couple of minutes walk to the Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandria Theatre and Thomson Hall, home of the Toronto Symphony. Still want that movie? One block over at Paramount , 259 Richmond Street West , you'll find a glitzy movie house complete with food and bar outlets with all the smells, lights and sound of the vibrant movie palace that it is.

Enough about food. Now about the movies. The film industry is huge in Toronto and, actually, throughout Canada . From Nova Scotia to Vancouver , filming is big business, but probably no place more so than Toronto , which is known as the " Hollywood of the North." Torontonians are used to the sight of movie trucks, lights, and—most exciting—celebrity sightings in the chic Yorkville shopping area near the Four Seasons or in your average neighborhood bars and eateries. Because of the multi-ethnic neighborhoods and tall buildings, the shores of Lake Ontario and the infrastructure to support movie-making, filmmakers can easily and economically replicate scenes from New York , Chicago as well as Asian and Greek neighborhoods.

Think you've not seen or noticed a film with Toronto roots? How about My Big Fat Greek Wedding ? The movie was filmed in Toronto 's Greek Town . Chicago ? Significant portions were filmed here. Is that Russell Crowe? It could be, since he recently filmed here. Other movies shot partially or completely here include Spider , How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days , and the TV-movie The Matthew Shepard Story , plus the TV series "Queer as Folk."

No story of Toronto 's place in the film world would be complete without noting the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place each September. The statistics from the 2004 festival demonstrate the enormity of the festival's influence in the film world and for Toronto :

* Total of 328 films entered.
* 206 features debuting as world, international or North American premieres. (99 of these were world premieres!)
* 148 films presented in languages other than English.
* Kinsey , Beyond the Sea , I Heart Huckabees and Being Julia are just some of the films that made their worldwide debut at the 2004 festival.