Since this year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday (tomorrow), it’s being referred to as St. Patrick’s Weekend. And what better way to celebrate than with beer that actually comes directly from Ireland.
The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts set the stage for this year’s Canadian Screen Awards hosted once again by comedian Martin Short.
This year’s “Wedding Room” hosted by The Wedding Co. The event this year took place at Oliver & Bonacini’s Arcadian event space last month.
For a new initiative supporting the SickKids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), members of the SickKids Foundation Chinese Cabinet launched a fundraising gala event called “Glitter in Macau” which featured a night of gourmet dining, entertainment and casino tables at the Shangri-la Hotel.
At Real Sports Bar on March 6, 2014, it was once again a Toronto sports fan’s dream come true to be able to rub shoulders and mingle with their favourite Toronto sports heroes from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, the Toronto FC, Toronto Marlies and alumni all in one night at the MLSE Players Gala 2014.
Two years in the making, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has just unveiled their latest exhibition, The Forbidden City, now open for public viewing.
Just in time to capture Spring fever, we’re giving away a Samsung GALAXY Camera! Approximate retail value of $549. Click here to enter the contest.
Kicking things off at the Storys Building last week, the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation (MPCF) started their fundraising efforts ahead of the annual gala event called “WE|U|Night” in support of their longtime charity and education partner, “Free the Children”, co-founded by fellow philanthropist, Craig Kielburger.
On February 27th, 2014 the annual Love Her gala was held at the Liberty Grand celebrating women, promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada.
While shooting their 2014 swimsuit calendar, the Toronto Argos Cheerleaders squad made this fun lip-dub video to Nicki Minaj’s song “Starships”. Just released today, this video was shot while on their Caribbean cruise visiting Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
On February 27, Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar, from the SIR Corp family of restaurants, hosted a media dinner to introduce their newest location at Yonge & Gerrard.
Toronto-based cancer support foundation, Wellspring, held their special annual fundraising event last week. The fashion show showcased Holt Renfrew’s collections just ahead of spring but this time it was about much more than fashion.
Celebrating their one year anniversary on March 5th, Happy Hooker is throwing a week of specials including Wednesday with FREE fish and chips from 5pm until close along with $4 pints and drink specials. Other specials throughout the week include Buck-a-Shuck oysters on Tuesday and Friday. Click here for details.
Last weekend was the 11th year of the Reel Artists Film Festival bringing a curated selection of 19 international feature-length and short documentary films devoted to visual arts.
Toronto’s own iconic Yorkdale Mall celebrated their 50th anniversary this year with February 26th marking the day when the shopping mall opened it’s doors 50 years ago back in 1964. The grand occasion was commemorated in many ways with an unveiling in which I was lucky to attend.
Taking place at SPiN on King West, Express previewed their summer collection to the setting of models, ping pong, food and cocktails.
Last week I was lucky to be invited to the opening party to celebrate the launch of the store for the global menswear brand, SuitSupply, specializing in tailor-driven collections. It’s the newest and first Canadian store residing in a converted mansion with 4,800 square feet in the most posh place to be in Yorkville across from Hazelton Hotel.
Since it’s inception in 2009, Paws for the Cause has supported a variety of charitable initiatives including the OSPCA, the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust Fund, and the Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic. They’ve even created an annual scholarship at the University of Guelph granted to a veterinary student, fondly named the Chloe Award after founder Laura Serra’s own dog. The event is also co-chaired by Harry Rosen’s fashion director, Paul Smith (in the photo above). Paws for the Cause was held this year at The Hoxton. Amir Johnson was booked to attend after his Raptors game but I guess he got tied up. Howevever there were plenty of other eligible bachelors up for live auction to get a dinner date on Valentine’s Day. Bids were very generous frequently reaching over $500. The secret messages wall was a fun idea where each guest had an assigned paper bag which would hold messages. Some of Toronto’s restauranteurs were in attendance including Andrew Richmond (La Carnita), Andres Marquez (Fonda Lola), and Steve Gonzalez (Valdez). It was a fun annual event for dog owners and dog admirers alike and should be on your radar. Visit www.pawsforthecause.ca for more info.
With 600 literary enthusiasts in attendance at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on February 6th, the 9th annual Book Lover’s Ball celebrated 60 Canadian authors including books by politicians Michael Ignatieff and Olivia Chow. Other highlights included L. Marie Adeline (S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared), Steven Galloway (The Cellist of Sarajevo) and Neil Pasricha (The Book of Awesome).
The Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) is an annual car exhibition hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre taking over both the North and the South Buildings. It’s open now until February 23rd with the following hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM until February 22nd 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (February 23) You can save 10% if you buy tickets online.
Already having 25 years of hospitality experience and a portfolio of 11 restaurants including Auberge du Pommier and Canoe, Oliver & Bonacini has officially launched O&B Caters, which is their “Direct-to-Venue” service.
It was an absolute pleasure photographing Chef’s Challenge for Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary once again. This time it was held at the Toronto Congress Centre and everything was bigger, better and just an absolute blast.
Love 4 a Cure Valentine’s Day themed charity party featured an auction to win dates with sexy, young and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes at The Courthouse on Adelaide St which took place on Thursday, February 6th, 2014.
Set to the style and romance of the 1940s, Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) held their annual fundraising gala with the goal of raising $850,000 towards the financial assistance of NBS’ Professional Ballet Program students.
Undeniably one of the best charity parties in Toronto, this year was no different with special guest Carmen Electra. It’s definitely worth the ticket price for the incredible value you get having a good time with over two thousand partygoers in support of Special Olympics Canada via the nonprofit Motionball organization. Check out our photos below.
In it’s 11th year, the Reel Artists Film Festival returns with an artfully curated selection of 19 international feature-length and short documentary films devoted to visual arts, taking place at TIFF Bell Lightbox from February 19th to the 23rd. Presented by the Canadian Art Foundation, RAFF boasts being North America’s only film festival centered around visual art and artists. One of the main features is the film about New York’s renowned artist Kehinde Wiley (featured in GQ, WSJ and more) and he will be in attendance at the opening night festivities. Click here to check out the Reel Artists Film Festival video for some great highlights – check out the one about the giant rock! Visit canadianart.ca/raff for the full program guide. www.canadianart.ca/raff/category/events/ RAFF OPENING NIGHT FESTIVAL RAFF’s opening night festivities take place Wednesday February 19th, 2014 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox with a cocktail dinner reception, screening, talk and celebration. The festival kicks off on this evening with artist Kehinde Wiley (pictured above) and the world premiere screening of Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace. Wiley will be in attendance along with producer Jessica Chermayeff, editor Ana Vanaselic. Opening night tickets are $175 in advance only available at www.canadianart.ca/raff/opening-night or by calling 416-368-8854 ext 101. FESTIVAL PASSES AND SINGLE TICKETS Festival Passes: Advance-sale only from January 23, 2014 Festival passes are $75 (Redeem this pass for a single ticket to each festival screening, excluding the Opening Night Screening and Celebration. Select your films in advance or on the day of the screening at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each film, in person or over the phone). Single Tickets: On sale from January 23, 2014 Single tickets are $12 general admission; $8 for students/seniors with valid ID; rush tickets will be sold at TIFF Bell Lightbox Box Office 15 minutes before each screening. All tickets are subject to availability. “We are thrilled to present this year’s standout list of documentary films to our dedicated audience, and to welcome such renowned artistic talent to the festival,” says Jacqueline Howe, Interim Executive Director of the Canadian Art Foundation and Publisher of Canadian Art magazine. “Having the privilege to hear these artists discuss their work with the filmmakers and other visual art experts truly furthers RAFF’s goal of inviting the wider public to engage with contemporary art.” Lead image: Still from Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace. Image Credit: David Smoler
Set in the middle of the entertainment district on Mercer Street next to Second City, there’s the hotspot rustic Italian restaurant called Buonanotte. With the original location in Montreal, Buonanotte focuses on good Italian cuisine set to a backdrop of an entertaining atmosphere where Fridays and Saturday nights make it a place to be with it’s own club scene. And it was the place to be at their big “UNO” party last week celebrating one year in Toronto. Great food upon great libations were shared including lamb chops, a pasta and risotto station, charcuterie, cocktails and so much more throughout the night. OPERATING HOURS Open for lunch service from Monday to Friday 11:30am to 3:00pm. Dinner service is from 5:00pm until closing. Closed on Sundays except for their Sunday brunch parties called “La Domenica” ADDRESS: Located on 19 Mercer Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1H2 TELEPHONE: 416-599-7246 Thanks to Mike Chalut for the invite! See below for more photos. For more info about Buonanotte Toronto visit www.buonanottetoronto.com More photos
It was a night to give recognition and celebrate outstanding achievements in Canadian fashion last Saturday, February 1st, 2014 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. I was expecting a bit of a media frenzy and that’s quite what it was on the red carpet with cameras blazing and interviews all around. It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen so it was manageable. Everyone was fairly accessible particularly Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha who obliged photo ops and many other interruptions with grace. Comedian Gerry Dee was the host for the awards show and top winners included Coco Rocha for Model of the Year and Dean and Dan Caten, the famously stylish design duo winning Outstanding Achievement. Sarah Stevenson is making a name for herself winning honours upon honours with her TFI New Labels win last May and now awarded by CAFA with the Emerging Talent Award ($10,000 cash prize). Congrats, Sarah! Here’s the full list of winners for the inaugural 2014 Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards: Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jeremy Laing Menswear Designer of The Year: Travis Taddeo Outstanding Achievement: Dean & Dan Caten (DSQUARED2) Accessory Designer of The Year: Dexter & Byron Peart (WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie) Canadian Style Award: Joe Mimran (Joe Fresh) Image Maker of the Year: Chris Nicholls International Designer of the Year: Dean & Dan Caten (DSQUARED2) Stylist of the Year: George Antonopolous Model of the Year: Coco Rocha Emerging Talent Award: Sarah Stevenson THE AFTER PARTY The after party was packed with fashion enthusiasts with all 4 sides of a busy bar and eats running late into the night with the DJ pumping the tunes. Sephora gave out a variety of custom lipsticks and had touch-up booths. My highlights included seeing some familiar friends Stacey McKenzie, Elena Semikina, Ken Taylor, and Veronica Chail and so many others. I remarked that Jay Strut’s pose for my photo was scandalous and he casually replies “tell me something I don’t know“. Shout outs to my friends, Brittney Kuczynski, Vicky Milner, and Jennifer Bassett and many more who worked hard behind the scenes to bring CAFA to fruition. All the best success with bringing continued recognition for the fashionably talented in Canada! Here are my photos from the red carpet reception and CAFA after party. Check out this great video recap by my friend, Kalen Hayman. For more info about the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) visit www.cafawards.ca
With an understated name like the “Toronto Region Board of Trade”, you wouldn’t know at first glance that it’s a premiere event space in the financial district of downtown Toronto, but when you dig deeper actually it is so much more. It’s located in First Canadian Place which is my favourite of all the Toronto financial district plazas. And since September 2008, the reputable restaurant and catering experts, Oliver & Bonacini, have continued their exclusive service partnership with the TROB. So a couple weeks ago guests, wedding, event planners and media were invited to sample the event space being greeted with sparkling wine mixed with dissolved cotton candy as well as liquid nitrogen popcorn. Of course there was much more inside. THE FOOD O&B brought their portfolio of restaurants: Representing Toronto Region Board of Trade, Alan Van Heerden, Chef de Cuisine, serving Poached Salmon Sliders Representing O&B Caters, Jamie Meireles, Corporate Chef, O&B Events, serving Korean Flank Steak Representing Malaparte, Guillermo Russo, Chef de Cuisine, serving Seared Rice Cakes and Pork Belly Representing Arcadian, Michael Robertson, Executive Chef, Arcadian, serving Smoked Lake Huron White Fish EVENT SPACE As an event space, the Toronto Region Board of Trade boasts over 30,000 square feet of modern decor. The updated design was done by designer “Designum Design,” the same designers who updated the other trendy event space, Arcadian Loft. Recent renovations include: Ballroom: raised ceiling, great sound proofing, built in AV, lighting Renovated 4th floor washrooms New 3rd floor washrooms Stairwell addition from 3rd floor to 2nd floor Upgraded look with paint, wallpaper and lighting QUICK FACTS 30,000+ square feet Seated capacity: 350 Reception capacity: 400 Chef: Alan Van Heerden, Chef de Cuisine, Toronto Region Board of Trade Claiming to be one of the most affordable modern event venues in downtown Toronto, it’s worth taking a look at for meetings and special events. Recent events that have taken place include the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) and Toronto Region Board of Trade gala dinner (with a sprinkling of Mayor Rob Ford controversy). For more info visit events.oliverbonacini.com/Venues/Toronto-Region-Board-of-Trade.aspx SEE ALSO
Advertisers, marketers and communication experts (and those just getting into the field) get together in Toronto for ideas and creativity in the industry for the ICA’s “FFWD Advertising & Marketing Week”. With a series of events including galas and awards, it draws in top influencers from companies such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo and many more. So “Galaxy” was the theme of this year’s Ad Ball held at Uniun last night and it turns out “ad men” know how to throw a smashing party (last year was pretty great, too). Here are the photos: More photos: By the way, the annual list of the “Most Influential Brands in Canada” were revealed by Ipsos Reid surveying 5,008 Canadians. Here’s the top 10: 1. Google 2. Microsoft 3. Apple 4. Facebook 5. Visa 6. Coca-Cola 7. Samsung 8. YouTube 9. MasterCard 10. Procter & Gamble It’s interesting to note that the only non-US brand is Samsung and Google maintains it’s lead from last year. For more info visit advertisingweek.ca ABOUT THE ICA The Institute of Communication Agencies or the ICA (www.icacanada.ca) is the professional business association which represents Canada’s communication and advertising agencies. The ICA’s mission is to champion commercial creativity, amplify the industry’s economic impact, and to embrace and drive change. As such, the ICA promotes thought leadership, higher standards and best practices. It serves as the largest source of information, advice, education and training for Canada’s communication and advertising industry. ICA’s member agencies and subsidiaries account for over 75 per cent of all national advertising in Canada, with an economic impact worth more than $19 billion annually. More information about the ICA and its initiatives can be found at www.icacanada.ca or follow on Twitter @adweekcdn or @icacanada. SEE ALSO Ad Ball 2013: Gatsby’s Roaring 20′ Google Tops Canada’s Most Influential Brands