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Touring the Interior Design Show 2014

January 25, 2014
Nick Lee
food, industry, lifestyle, party, photos
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Interior design professionals and firms from all around the world gather at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to showcase and inspire with the latest in interior design trends at the annual Interior Design Show taking place this weekend. This year’s Interior Design Show 2014 focuses on lighting with the theme of “See the Light” and getting the right lighting in interior design can set the perfect tone.

Overlooking the Interior Design Show at the Metro Convention Centre North Building

Must-see exhibits include IKEA, Miele, Caesarstone, Andrew Richards Designs, Solo House and Korhani Home (featuring designer rugs from the fashion label Korhani with appearances in Toronto Fashion Week).

Personally I always enjoy seeing the Enomatic wine system (restaurants in Toronto that have this innovative wine dispensing system include Destingo and Touro Brazilian Steakhouse).

I really liked the Solo Home exhibit featuring the latest technology including a 4K HDTV and Sennheiser home theatre installed by Bay Bloor radio. A Solo Home like this starts from $93,500

The Solo Home

Caesarstone showcases their specialties in kitchen countertops with the theme of drop-in cabinets in collaboration with Raw Edges design. Check out the Caesarstone video below.

Here are the IDS 2014 hours this weekend

Saturday, January 25
10 am – 7 pm: The Globe & Mail Style Saturday (Consumer Day)

Sunday, January 26
10 am – 6 pm: House & Home Sunday (Consumer Day)

Guests in attendance at the IDS opening party this year included Scott McGillivray, Glen Peloso, David Rocco, David Dixon and Glenn Dixon, Rachel David, Mike Chalut and more.

Great food included Destingo, Tabule Restaurant, Trinity Taverna, El Caballito Tequila Bar (new on King West), Distillery Events (El Catrin, Pure Spirits), Food Dudes, Gourmet Gringos and more.

Libations: Cocktails by Barchef, Absolut Elyx, Crystal Head vodka, Great Lakes Brewery, Steamwhistle, and more

For more info visit www.interiordesignshow.com

Kirsten Korhani at the KORHANI Home exhibit

Glen Peloso, celebrity interior designer

David Rocco

At the Andrew Richards Design outdoor furniture exhibit

More photos from the IDS 2014 Opening Party

: Caesarstone

: Caesarstone

: Miele

: Williams Craig Inc

: Enomatic Wine Serving Systems

: Kirsten Korhani at the KORHANI Home booth

: Korhani Home

: Korhani Home

: Korhani Home

: Korhani Home

: Korhani Home

: Design Sketches auction in support of the ONEXONE charity

: A jet setter’s closet

: Bowls and wine glasses repurposed as lamps

: The Caesarstone Stage in preparation for the IDS opening night

: Fish bowls by Caesarstone

: Fish bowls by Caesarstone

: The Solo Home

: Overlooking the Interior Design Show at the Metro Convention Centre North Building

: Absolut Elyx vodka

: At the Andrew Richards Design outdoor furniture booth

: Andrew Richards Design

: Rack of lamb

: Barchef

: At the Caesarstone stage with oysters by Distillery Events

: Falafel sandwich by Tabule

: “#BigSmallBath”

: right: Rachel David

: David Dixon, Glenn Dixon

: Glen Peloso, celebrity interior designer

: right: Pay Chen

: David Rocco

: Mike Chalut, Terrence

: Alex, Cory Laing

: Ping pong at the Caesarstone exhibit

: Crystal Head vodka

: At the Miele exhibit

: At the Miele exhibit

: El Caballito Tequila Bar

: El Caballito Tequila Bar

: l: Melissa Campisi

: At the Caesarstone stage

: IKEA exhibit

In video, here’s 90 Seconds of Design with the Interior Design Show

Check out photos from last year’s IDS Opening party 2013

The highly-acclaimed single malt whisky, Glenmorangie Ealanta, arrives this March

January 24, 2014
Nick Lee
lifestyle, luxury, retail, shopping
Comments Off on The highly-acclaimed single malt whisky, Glenmorangie Ealanta, arrives this March

UPDATE: The availability of the Glenmorangie Ealanta has been changed to March 6th. The direct sales URL is www.vintagesshoponline.com

I was lucky to have the opportunity to be part of the exclusive preview tasting of the new highly-acclaimed fourth annual release from the Glenmorangie Private Edition range called Ealanta. In Scots Gaelic, “Ealanta” translates to “skilled and ingenious“.

With the Glenmorangie roots held strongly in Cadboll, Scotland, the award-winning Private Edition release is aged in virgin American white oak casks originating from the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, USA.

Left to right: Glenmorangie Original, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Glenmorangie Ealanta

The anticipation of this fourth annual award-winning release is catalysed by the latest issue of 2014 Whisky Bible, produced by Jim Murray, one of the world’s leading whisky experts.

In his 2014 Whisky Bible (which happens to be the 10th annual), over 1,100 new whiskies were sampled and Murray paid tribute to the quality of Ealanta by describing it as having “one of the longest finishes of any Scotch this year.. and borderline perfection.” It scored 97.5 out of 100 points. Murray also says “Glenmorangie Ealanta pipped others to the post because it went out and did something different; not only did it blow one away with its deftness, beauty and elegance, but it gave an aroma and taste profile completely new to me in over 30 years of tasting whisky.”

Adding to the testament that Glenmorangie does extensive research in the spirit of the theme “wood makes the whiskey”, Dr Bill Lumsden, The Glenmorangie Company’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: “This is a wonderful award for us and testament to the ongoing success of our Private Edition range. Jim Murray has been a leading judge of whisky for three decades so this is a major coup for us.”

If you get the chance you really, really have to try this incredibly long and enjoyable journey of intense flavours described as candied oranges, sugar coated almonds, sweet vanilla and marzipan. At the end you’re left with a taste of oak-derived spices – clove, ginger and a hint of aniseed.

AVAILABILITY
Ealanta will retail for $165.95 starting February 18th at the LCBO via call centre AND for the first time ever, the LCBO will allow for online orders and purchase via the LCBO’s direct purchase website. We’ll share those URL details when they become available.

So mark your calendars for February 18th and in the meantime Sláinte! as they say in Scotland or, in other words, “on your health”!

: Left to right: Glenmorangie Original, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Glenmorangie Ealanta

Check out this video of the launch of Ealanta at the Glenmorangie headquarters. For more info visit www.glenmorangie.com/our-whiskies/ealanta

A look at One King West for weddings and events

January 22, 2014
Nick Lee
tourism, venue
Comments Off on A look at One King West for weddings and events

I always love visiting One King West Hotel & Residence. It’s a substantially tall hotel and condo building with 51 stories centrally located right at Yonge and King Street, accessible via the underground PATH and right above the TTC King subway station. The soaring high ceilings, majestic décor in the Grand Banking Hall and the many other versatile event spaces make it a destination for tourists, Torontonians, event and wedding planners.

There are frequently many memorable events that take place at the Grand Banking Hall with it’s soaring high 45 foot ceilings including Stella Artois a few years ago, the Bailey’s Irish Cream inspired Lucian Matis fashion show, and many more.

Many exciting things are set to come up at One King West including the celebration of it’s centennial anniversary starting July 1, 2014 and the beginning of multi-million dollar renovations.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES
Venue spaces include The Grand Banking Hall, The Vault, Chairman’s Boardroom, Commerce Rooms and the King, Melinda and Austin Galleries, Fourteen Hundred and Fifteen Hundred; each are used for corporate meetings, product launches, weddings and galas.

Overlooking the Grand Banking Hall at One King West

Wedding table setting

The Grand Banking Hall, with its soaring 45-foot ceilings, is the place to be. It’s an incredible venue space for wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate dinners, galas and more; the original 100-foot tellers’ counter now boasts to be one of the longest bars in Canada.

Located on the 12th floor, the Austin Gallery (pictured at the top of this post) is a 2,000 square foot space that can be used as a wedding, meeting or event space with private rooms adjacent to the main gallery and a wrap around balcony overlooking this gallery space.

Chairman’s Boardroom in One King West

The Chairman’s Boardroom, previously the private domain of the Dominion Bank’s board of directors, is used for smaller receptions and meetings; much of the historical essence has been preserved, with its richly-paneled walls and German formosa marble fireplace.

The Vault at One King West

Even One King West’s vault, simply dubbed “The Vault” is an interesting room to hold events. It’s a great backdrop to make any intimate event memorable.

The Fifteen Hundred executive suite

The additions of the new executive suites which launched recently this past Fall 2013, named the Fourteen Hundred and the Fifteen Hundred, are a versatile two-floor multi-use hospitality and executive summer. I especially love the wrap-around terrace, dazzling views, and open concept of the Fifteen Hundred. It’s sure to be an event hot-spot this summer. Read our coverage of it here.

Visit here for more details on all the event spaces at One King West.

HIGHLIGHTS

Designated Ontario Heritage Building
The Vault, as the original bank vault is now known, has been used as the backdrop for various fashion magazine editorials and featured in Hollywood films such as Red, Max Payne and Jumper.
The historical portion of the building will celebrate its centennial on July 1, 2014.
This year One King West will begin a multi-million dollar renovation to all hotel suites.

For more info visit www.onekingwest.com

More photos here

: Wedding table setting

: Wedding head table

: Filet mignon

: Some gluten free desserts at the dessert table

: Wedding-themed dessert table with ice bar

: Wedding table setting

: Inside the Grand Banking Hall

: Inside the Grand Banking Hall

: Seafood ice bar

: The Vault at One King West

: Dining table inside The Vault

: Chairman’s Boardroom in One King West

: A wedding setup in Austin’s Gallery

: The King Gallery in One King West

: Overlooking the Grand Banking Hall at One King West

: Hors d’oeurves

: A table setting at One King West

Also click here to check out the One King West video during Doors Open 2013 last summer.

Upcoming: The fashionable Love Her gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada

January 20, 2014
Nick Lee
charity, Events, fashion, gala, Past Events
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Celebrating women and raising awareness of ovarian cancer, the annual LOVE HER charity gala takes place across the country in Vancouver (in March) and Calgary (in May). In Toronto, the celebration goes down at the Liberty Grand on February 27, 2014. With a fashion show by Andrews fashion studio, a “fireman’s raffle”, silent auction and live musical performances by Juno award-winning singer Divine Brown and popular violinist Sofie Serafino, it’s sure to be a great night for a great women’s cause! The evening will be hosted by Robert Herjavec (Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank) with Canada AM’s Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien.

“We are so thrilled to announce the national series of the 2014 LOVE HER events,” said Elisabeth Baugh, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada. “The success of the 2013 events was overwhelming. We received very positive feedback from all of the survivors, Canadian celebrity hosts, sponsors and guests. We want to continue to raise awareness and funds to make a significant difference in the lives of women living with ovarian cancer, their friends and family, and help change the present reality for those affected by this fatal disease.”

Currently 17,000 women in Canada are afflicted by this disease; LOVE HER pays tribute to these women by helping to raise awareness of the most overlooked and under-diagnosed of women’s cancer. Unfortunately there is no screening test for ovarian cancer and the often late detection of this disease results in a five-year survival rate of less than 30%. Help support the LOVE HER event’s goals by celebrating women and raise awareness of the most fatal women’s cancer.

Here’s the run-down of the gala’s agenda.

6:00pm – reception
7:00pm – main welcome remarks with Bev and Marci from CanadaAM
7:10pm – Divine Brown to perform 2 songs
7:30pm – Karen Campbell Award Presentation to Dr. Narod
7:35pm – Fashion show by Andrews
7:50pm – Survivor Bailey Urquhart speaks
8:00pm – Live auction

For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.love-her.ca

Check out Ovarian Cancer Canada’s video

Upcoming events and favourites of 2013

January 17, 2014
Nick Lee
charity, Events, gala, lifestyle, party, Past Events, photos
Comments Off on Upcoming events and favourites of 2013

It was an honour to be approached by BizBash last fall to consult on finalizing their list of Top Toronto Events of 2013. It was also exciting to win the Canadian Special Events 2013 award for Favourite Event Industry Blog (thank you all for your support!). Our own list of favourite events is below, but first here’s some exciting upcoming events very soon.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Here’s some upcoming big events and also keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page to stay updated.

The inaugural Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) gala

The inaugural Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards gala

Canadian supermodel Coca Rocha has just been announced to attend as well as Yasmin Warsame, Gerry Dee (taking on hosting duties), D Squared, Elisha Cuthbert and Guillermo del Toro among others. Click here for the list of CAFA nominees and visit www.cafawards.ca for more info.

Chefs Challenge 2014 with Giada de Laurentiis in support of Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary

Chefs Challenge 2014 with Giada de Laurentiis

Along with Giada de Laurentiis, there’s also Scott McGillivray, David Rocco and many more (full lineup here). The top 50 fundraisers get to compete alongside celebrity chefs for charity! Check out our coverage from the last Chefs Challenge with Guy Fieri.

MOTIONBALL 365 in support of Special Olympics
Taking place at the Liberty Grand on February 7th, this year’s annual Motionball gala (dubbed “THREESIXTYFIVE” this year) boasts Carmen Electra to co-host and an Under Armour fashion show. You won’t want to miss out on tickets for this. Photos from Motionball 2013

LOVE HER gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
Taking place at Liberty Grand on Tuesday, February 27th, this charitable gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada features a fashion show by Andrews and is hosted by Robert Herjavec (Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank) with Canada AM’s Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien. Click here for more details.

Interior Design Show opening party
Photos from last year’s IDS opening party

Advertising & Marketing Week’s AD BALL
Photos from the 2013 Ad Ball

DRAGON BALL 2014 gala in support of Yee Hong
Celebrating the 25th year of the signature gala for Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, the 2014 Dragon Ball gala is boasting an “X-Treme” culinary experience with internationally renowned 3-star Michelin Chef Alvin Leung from Hong Kong designing the dinner.
Check out Photos from Dragon Ball 2013: Year of the Snake

Casablanca Gala for Canada’s National Ballet School
Check out photos from last year’s National Ballet School 2013 gala: Monte Carlo Meets Gatsby.

Recipe for Change in support of Food Share
Taking place at St. Lawrence Market, this food lover’s event brings 30 chefs into one event for one night only with tasting plates and with 20 VQA wines, 6 local beers for only $125. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets for this charity event.

REEL ARTISTS FILM FESTIVAL (RAFF) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
See last year’s RAFF which celebrated it’s 10th anniversary.

Book Lover’s Ball 2014
In support of the Toronto Public Library Foundation, the 9th annual Book Lover’s Ball is set to take place on February 9th at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel again. The evening will feature decadent hors d’oeuvres by Chef Lynn Crawford, a seated dinner and book-themed entertainment. This charity gala is consistently regarded as one of Toronto’s top events according to BizBash. Among the 60 celebrated authors in attendance, there will be Michael Ignatieff, Olivia Chow, L. Marie Adeline, Kevin Kwan, Steven Galloway and Richard Peddie. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets to attend this book lover’s dream event in support of the Toronto Public Library Foundation. Check out our recap from last year’s Book Lover’s Ball 2013 here.

THE BIG GIVE (sold out, no tickets at the door)
Big Give was a fun party last year with a great vibe and everyone having a blast at Berkeley Church. But this year it’s being held at the new Ripley’s Aquarium! Best of all it’s only $70 including open bar and with the biggest swag bags given out to all guests (20lbs and $500+ worth). So ya, even though it’s sold out I’m still mentioning it. To all those lucky enough to attend, have fun! Check out the website at www.dothebiggive.com.
Here are our photos from last year’s The Big Give in support of the Look Good Feel Better charity.

BEST EVENTS OF 2013
It was very hard to choose, realizing we’re omitting a ton of other events that were also truly amazing but here just a few events (mostly charity) we were lucky to be a part of.

Let’s start off with what we’re calling the best charity gala of 2013: Three To Be Foundation’s 3rd annual Stems of Hope Gala with non-stop entertainment off the stage and on the stage including Salt-N-Pepa