The iconic hobbits from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy made a special appearance at one of Vancouver's most celebrated restaurants during a recent visit to the city. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan—the original four hobbit actors—enjoyed an unforgettable Valentine's Day dinner at Vij's, the renowned Indian restaurant owned by chef Vikram Vij.
A Surreal Evening for Vancouver's Culinary Scene
The actors were in Vancouver for An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years event at Fan Expo Vancouver, which took place from February 14 to 16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre over the Family Day weekend. Their dinner at Vij's on February 14 created a memorable moment for both the restaurant staff and the celebrity guests.
Chef Vikram Vij Shares the Special Moment
Vikram Vij, the chef and owner of the iconic Vancouver eatery, posted a photograph of himself with the four actors on social media, capturing the special evening. "A Valentine's night we'll never forget," Vij wrote in his post. "Welcoming Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan to Vij's felt surreal—four incredible artists whose work has brought so much joy to audiences around the world, gathered around our table in Vancouver."
Vij continued, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to host such distinguished guests: "We're so grateful to share our food and hospitality with wonderful guests. Moments like these remind us why we love what we do."
The Hobbits' Longstanding Friendship and Dining Traditions
The four actors have maintained a close friendship since they began working together on Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which launched with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. They have participated in numerous cast reunions over the years and, true to their hobbit characters, they particularly enjoy sharing meals together.
During a panel event at a fan convention in New Orleans in early January, Dominic Monaghan explained their dining philosophy: "As you all know, hobbits are extremely fond of spending time with each other and eating well and drinking well and just enjoying the company of their friends. The four of us made it very clear once we started doing these conventions that one of the most important things we needed to do at least once a convention was to go out for dinner."
Monaghan added, "Last night, we had a four-hour dinner. It was very hobbity. We take our time. So, we're very on brand in terms of the way we eat." This leisurely approach to dining perfectly aligns with the hobbit culture depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, where meals are celebrated occasions filled with good food, drink, and companionship.
Vancouver's Celebrity Dining Destination
Vij's restaurant has become a favorite destination for celebrities visiting Vancouver. The restaurant's innovative Indian cuisine and warm hospitality have attracted numerous high-profile guests over the years. This recent visit from the Lord of the Rings stars adds to the restaurant's growing reputation as a must-visit culinary establishment for both locals and visiting celebrities.
The actors' Valentine's Day dinner at Vij's represents more than just a celebrity sighting—it demonstrates how food can bring people together and create lasting memories. For the four hobbit actors, their meal at Vij's continued a tradition of friendship and shared experiences that has endured for more than two decades since they first brought Tolkien's beloved characters to life on the big screen.
