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
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.
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.
Comments Off on Upcoming: The fashionable Love Her gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Three to Be’s 3rd annual Stems of Hope gala ft Salt-N-Pepa
At the Power Ball: 15 Minutes of Fame party for The Power Plant Gallery
Hush, Hush party by the The Toronto Public Library Foundation
Photos from TIFF’s Cronenberg: Evolution opening party
The Carlu 10th anniversary: Decadence
The Seafood for Thought event at the Toronto Zoo delivers on good food and fun once again
At the Canadian Opera Company’s 10th Operanation gala
The unique Polo for Heart experience in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation featuring a gorgeous fashion show from Upper Canada Mall retailers
Servestock 2013 – A Backyard Charity Party featuring Suzie McNeil and K-Os
The Target store opening party with Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elisha Cuthbert
Luminato Festival’s Yves Saint Laurent opening night party
At the Venetian Ball 2013 featuring Paul Anka
The Curve Ball gala with the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre
Comments Off on An interview with the inspirational Brittney Kuczynski
Brittney Kuczynski and Jennifer Bassett at Le Grand Bal
I’m lucky to be able to meet a lot of interesting people when I’m frequently out documenting the best that Toronto has to offer and one of the people that really stands out is the young and inspiring mover-and-shaker, Brittney Kuczynski.
Brittney is an avid cultural philanthropist with a much sought-after job on Bay Street, setting a prime example of what a young professional can achieve. Her Linkedin page reads impressively, playing a leadership role in some of Toronto’s premier philanthropic initiatives; serving as the former Chair of the Oceana Ball and Editor-in-Chief of Oceana Magazine, Co-Chair of the inaugural Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Hush Hush party, Co-Chair of the 2014 Power Ball, and fresh out of the oven in 2013, the President & Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Fabric (a charity-based Canadian cultural yearbook available in Chapters/Indigo and other high-end retailers across the country) launched annually at the lavish Le Grand Bal in support of Oolagen Youth Mental Health. An activist of Canadian arts and culture, in the winter of 2012 Brittney announced the inception of a new major event, The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA), set to take place on February 1st, 2014.
Vicky Milner and Brittney Kuczyinski
How old are you?
I’m 24 years old.
What motivates you and when did you start getting into philanthropy?
Brittney and charity have always been synonymous; as a child I recall asking for World Vision children for my birthday, which have now flourished into an array of philanthropic initiatives.
Is it true you were a contestant in Miss Universe Canada in 2008? What was that like?
I was. Being an enormous geek in high school, it was a fun experience that enabled me to meet some remarkable women, such as my great friend Elena Semikina, who was crowned in 2010 and is now an admirable Documentary Film Producer.
How did you start the Oceana Ball, a premiere fundraising gala for the Herbie Fund at the age of 19? What learnings did you get out of it?
I was very fortunate to be introduced to the Herbie Fund at the age of 19 via my cousin, Alexis Kuczynski, who celebrated 10 years cancer free (thanks to SickKids Hospital) with a fundraising initiative for Herbie, and was subsequently inspired to start the Oceana Ball. The event grew vastly with the help of my family, and Jackie Gideon, my Co-Chair who is a makeup artist and producer extraordinaire. My four years experience Chairing the event and publishing the magazine was a lot of fun and a ton of work, especially while starting out a career in the demanding world of finance.
My biggest learning curve stemmed from the sponsorship acquisition process as I was commonly asked “why not just write a cheque directly to the charity?” I have since refocused my initiatives on having dual-platforms that include both financial beneficiary (fiscal prudency is core to my fundraising philosophy) and outreach that is accretive to Canadian culture and inspires patrons to feel good about celebrating the art of giving.
My new foundation, Canadian Fabric, endeavors to use fashion as a vehicle to endorse Canadian cultural sovereignty by celebrating Canadian achievement, while simultaneously popularizing and financially benefitting low-profile organizations. Our inaugural year beneficiary is Oolagen Youth Mental Health.
Of all the cities you could focus your philanthropic efforts on, why did you choose Toronto?
The truth is I’m a tree hugging Canadian; yet have a hard time identifying with the Canadian cliché. As you’ll read in my Editor’s letter, I don’t drink beer, say the word “eh” and I’ve never made love in a canoe. Our country is home to so many exceptional ideas, people, and artists that I believe play an integral role the evolution of our cultural identity; my goal is to make our country better acknowledge and celebrate it.
In addition to being an increasingly vibrant city (with great shopping), Toronto is home to an exceptionally supportive network of cultural and philanthropic innovators that I am honored to work with and continuously learn from.
Tell us a little about your day job?
Monday to Friday, 7:00AM until the market closes; you’ll find me on the trading floor of Industrial Alliance Securities. On that note, The Wolf of Wall Street is a far departure from reality on a trading desk – at least since the 1980’s/90’s (or so I hear). To describe my job quite simply, I spend my day following the markets; learning about and analyzing companies; having intellectually stimulating conversation with some of the country’s brightest fund managers and analysts; and of course, trading stocks! I love my job; it consumes me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and not a moment of it is dull.
What’s the secret to juggling so many amazing charitable initiatives including publishing a nationally-distributed magazine and playing a leadership role in several premier events?
Teamwork! I have an exceptionally supportive family; my mom, Donna Kuczynski, who is a serial entrepreneur, is a true miracle maker.
Canadian Fabric magazine is produced entirely on a voluntary basis with the help of nearly 150 generous people made up of Art Directors, Editors, writers, photographers, designers, stylists, hair and makeup, coordinators, interns, and my fantastic Editorial Board lead by Suzanne Rogers – the most forward-thinking Honorary Chair and leader anyone could ask for, and our event Chair, Sylvia Mantella – an extraordinary fashion enthusiast who always encourages thinking outside the box.
I met my best friend, Vicky Milner, 4 years ago when she worked at the Herbie Fund. In spring 2013, she joined CAFA as Managing Director, and has since played a significant in helping CAFA flourish into a true national milestone event.
I’m very blessed to have gathered a strong support network of friends and colleagues who are profoundly instrumental in making far-fetched dreams come true.
Are there any other exciting projects in the works?
No projects in the pipeline as of now, I plan to build out all existing initiatives over the next few years before tackling anything new.
What advice can you give to others who want to make a difference?
Finding a great cause that inspires you is essential; it’s truly the driving force behind any successful philanthropist. I wasn’t planning on taking on any new projects until I stepped inside the horrid conditions of one of the Oolagen patient houses (home to 8 kids suffering from severe social and mental health issues, and when I visited, parts of the ceiling were starting to fall), and it completely transformed my next few years … I started Canadian Fabric! Similarly, my experience publishing over the past 4 years has introduced me to some truly exceptional artists that, for some odd reason, I, a mainstream finance girl with no affiliation to fashion, hadn’t heard of… that lead to CAFA!
Be sure to look for Canadian Fabric magazine at Chapters/Indigo and other high-end retailers now across Canada. We wish her the best of luck at the CAFA gala on February 1st and success in all of her future endeavours.
