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Target Celebrates Opening with Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker

Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada, Bullseye Target's bull terrier mascot, Blake Lively | Photo: CNW Group/Target Canada

It was a red-carpet affair at Victoria Park and Danforth of all places, formerly a Zellers department store, in a plaza called Shoppers World. After a few Target soft openings, this marked the official opening of 24 Target stores across Ontario as the red carpet was laid out with notable celebrities including Blake Lively, Elisha Cuthbert, Kardinal Offishall, Karl Wolf, and Adam van Koeverden. Another surprise special guest was revealed to be Sarah Jessica Parker.

Elisha Cuthbert, Sarah Jessica Parker | Photo: George Pimentel

Elisha Cuthbert, Sarah Jessica Parker | Photo: George Pimentel

The opening party event had tons of fun booths throughout the whole department store available for exploration:
Cold drinks from the Starbucks store inside Target
Grilled cheese sandwiches grilled with household irons
Oysters opened with a power drill
Hors d’oeurves and wine served from Target shopping carts and a bathtub
Food, dessert and drink stations
Cake pops with chocolate fondue and other toppings
Manicures and hand writing analysis
Wii Dance on a big screen
Photostar photo booth opportunities with Bullseye, Target’s official bull terrier mascot (he behaves so well for photo ops!)

This Target store is one of 24 now open in Ontario and is located at:
Shoppers World Danforth
3003 Danforth Ave.
Open Monday – Saturday from 8 am – 10 pm
Open Sunday from 8 am – 9 pm

Check here for all the Target store locations open in Canada.
http://www.target.ca/en/locations/

Here’s Target’s video from the opening event:

Bullseye with Kardinal Offishall | Photo: George Pimentel

Bullseye with Kardinal Offishal | Photo: George Pimentel

Karl Wolf | Photo: George Pimentel

Karl Wolf | Photo: George Pimentel

Bullseye with Adam van Koeverden | Photo: George Pimentel

Bullseye with Adam van Koeverden | Photo: George Pimentel

Photo: George Pimentel

Photo: George Pimentel

Our own instagram shots from the evening
Drills and oysters, drinks in bathtubs and shopping carts and more @Karlwolfs with @bellosound at the @target_ca opening
.@target_ca opening party! Spotted Elisha Cuthbert @happyelishas @KARLWOLFs #target #shopping #celebs
Shopping at the .@target_ca opening party with .@Karlwolfs @karyzmaagency

Some notable tweets

More official photos:

2013 Canadian Music Week Music and Broadcast Industry Awards

Pierre Bouvier, A Simple Plan
  • April 7, 2013
  • awards, industry
  • Comments Off on 2013 Canadian Music Week Music and Broadcast Industry Awards
Pierre Bouvier, A Simple Plan

Pierre Bouvier, A Simple Plan | Photo: Grant W. Martin

The Annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards gives recognition to the pioneers and builders of the Canadian music and broadcast industry.  In the 31st annual awards event , a Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award was given to the band, A Simple Plan. This award gives recognition of Simple Plan’s global fundraising efforts and dedication to youth welfare, both individually and through the Simple Plan Foundation. Aware of the problems and struggles faced by teenagers, both through the connection to their fans and personal experiences, they believed the power of music could work as a tool in recovery, coping and helping to find a passion in life.

Since its auspicious beginning, the Simple Plan Foundation has assisted both young people in need and children facing life-threatening illness, raising and donating over $1 million to various youth-focused charities in Canada and around the world.

Other performances that evening at the Guvernment included The Watchmen, Colin James, and The Pursuit of Happiness.

Congrats to the latest inductees:
Colin James – 2013 Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee
Ralph James – 2013 Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee
John Donabie – 2013 Canadian Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame Inductee & Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award
Graham Henderson – 2013 Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

For more details of the 2013 Winners and Nominees please visit http://cmw.net/awards/music-and-broadcast-industry-awards/

Pierre Bouvier, A Simple Plan | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Pierre Bouvier, A Simple Plan | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Colin James, 2013 Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Colin James, 2013 Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Mariana's Trench introducing Ralph James | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Mariana’s Trench introducing Ralph James | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Moe Berg, The Pursuit of Happiness, singer/songwriter | Photo: Grant W. Martin

Moe Berg, The Pursuit of Happiness, singer/songwriter | Photo: Grant W. Martin

left: Jully Black

left: Jully Black

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CMW-BestofToronto-013

Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Mark your calendars for the 2014 Canadian Music Week, moving to May for warmer weather May 6 to May 10, 2014.  So next year’s Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Kool Haus (132 Queens Quay East).
cmw 2014

Here are some of our other photos from the CMW Radio and Broadcast Awards

Canadian Special Events Star Awards Gala featuring Chantal Kreviazuk and Suzie McNeil

The 16th annual Star Awards Gala produced by Eclectic Events to close the Canadian Special Events Expo was a night that gave recognition to event planners who work so hard to create the fun events guests get to enjoy without a care in the world. Meanwhile it is well known behind the scenes that event planning is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. So it’s only fitting that special event planners get recognition for the magic that they create.

Great job by POP Kollaborative to present the special guest for the evening, Chantal Kreviazuk, who gave an intimate performance over the piano. The whole event was streamed live over the web by Eventstream.ca Other entertainment throughout the night included Mysterion the Mind Reader, Great Canadian Burlesque, Chaos Devine, deVah Quartet, Tyler Yarema and Suzie McNeil.

Carolyn Luscombe, Eclectic Events Intl

Carolyn Luscombe, Eclectic Events Intl

It was amazing to see how many of the special events we’ve covered in Toronto that were recognized at the Star Awards gala. In fact, BestofToronto.net has covered almost all the Star-Award winning special events in Toronto! It’s great to be part of the magic!

Special thanks to Eclectic Events for supporting BestofToronto.net from the beginning and also producing incredible events such as this one: planning events that entertain other event professionals.

Julie Danaylov from A2D2, Entertainer of the Year

Julie Danaylov from A2D2, Entertainer of the Year

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Pop Kollaborative

Pop Kollaborative

Here’s the full list of Star Award winners. Well deserved, everyone! Congrats!
Best Achievement in Technical Support

canfitpro, Toronto, ON
canfitpro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show
Best Buffet Table Design

Embassy Grand Convention Centre, Brampton, ON
Stayin Alive Disco Gala
Best Conference

aNd Logistix Inc. Toronto, ON
Mortgage Forum 2012
Best Corporate Team Building Event

POP Kollaborative Inc. Calgary, AB & Toronto, ON
Tag You’re It
Best Cultural Event

Pride Toronto, Toronto, ON
Pride Week 2012
Best Entertainment Production

POP Kollaborative Inc. Calgary AB, Toronto, ON
MOMENTS – Scotiabank 100th Grey Cup Gala
Best Event Catering (it’s a TIE!)

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s RE Le Traiteur, Montreal, QC
Bal du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal

Presidential Gourmet Fine Catering, Toronto, ON
The Night that Never Ends 2012 Friends of Tiff Inaugural Gala
Best Event Produced by an Assoc, Board or Committee

Eclectic Events International, Inc, Toronto, ON AND ISES Toronto
Steampunk – Yesterday’s Future
Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization (Community Based)

Cava Rose, Montreal, QC
Vintage Circus themed Valentine’s Day Ball
Best Event Produced for a High Profile Charitable Organization

Reach for the Rainbow, Toronto, ON
26th Annual Crystal Ball
Best Event Produced for a Corporation (by a 3rd party independent planner)

Mina Martini Inc., Montreal, Quebec
Le Bal en Black
Best Event Produced for a Corporation (by an in house team or planner)

WestJet Airlines, Calgary, AB
A Cirque-Tacular Christmas
Best Festival

brand.LIVE Group, Vancouver, BC
Honda Celebration of Light
Best Fund Raising Event (includes fundraising) (it’s a TIE!)

BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver, BC
BC Cancer Foundation’s 2012 Inspiration Gala

Solutions with Impact, Toronto, ON
Rally for Kids with Cancer
Best Media Event

The Mint Agency, Toronto, ON
Diner en Blanc Toronto
Best Opening Event

Krista Slack + Aylett
Grand Opening of the National Urban Park in Downsview Park
Best Public Entertainment Event

John Donnelly & Associates and City of Surrey
Surrey Canada Day
Best Sporting Event

Solutions with Impact, Toronto, ON
Strike Out Cancer
Best Table Center

Social Butterfly Event Design, Toronto, ON
Christmas at Tiffany’s
Best Theme Decor Under $25,000 (it’s a TIE!)

Karma Design Studio, Toronto, ON
Phantom of the Opera

OneWest Events Inc. Calgary AB
A Night in Manhattan
Best Theme Decor $25,000-$40,000

The Display Connection Inc, Toronto, ON
Wharf at York
Best Theme Decor $40,000 -$75,000

Gaps Prop Shop / Spoilt Red Productions, Calgary, AB
YYC to NYC, Bright Nights, Big City
Best Theme Decor Over $75,000 to $100,000

Decor & More Inc, Oakville, ON
Daffodil Ball
Best Theme Decor Over $100,000

e=mc² events, Calgary, AB and Decor and More Inc. Oakville, ON
Black and White Christmas in the City
Best Trade Show

Ontario Hospital Association, Toronto, ON
HealthAchieve
Best Trade Show Booth or Pavilion

Black Chalk Marketing, Toronto, ON
“Hook Me Up” Tour
Best Wedding Over 75K

Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc. Calgary AB
Bling Exponential
Best Wedding Under 75K

LAVISH Events Inc./ OneWest Events Inc. Calgary AB
Butler-Bott Wedding
Most Outstanding Logistical Achievement

e=mc² events Calgary AB
TIFF Inaugural Gala – The Night That Never Ends
Entertainer of the Year

A2D2 Inc Toronto ON
Most Outstanding Event Under $100K

5th Element Events Toronto ON
Canadian Hospitality Foundation’s Scholarship Dinner & Gala
Most Outstanding Event $100-300k

Hala Events & Communications Inc. Toronto ON
Book Lover’s Ball
Most Outstanding Event Over $300

POP Kollaborative Calgary AB, & Toronto ON
MOMENTS – Scotiabank 100th Grey Cup Gala
Event Professional of the Year

Lynn Fletcher – Lynn Fletcher Weddings

For more information visit http://canadianspecialevents.com

Suzie McNeil

Suzie McNeil

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CSE-StarAwards-BestofToronto-030

Also be sure to check out our coverage of the opening night party for the CSE Expo Opening Night Party: “Unexpected”.

Photos below and also on Facebook here

Top Bartenders Compete in “Made with Love” National Mixology Competition

Two of the honourable MadeWithLove judges: Matt Jones (Maker's Mark Ambassador), Kevin Brauch (The Thirsty Traveller, Iron Chef America floor reporter)
  • April 2, 2013
  • culture, drink, Events
  • Comments Off on Top Bartenders Compete in “Made with Love” National Mixology Competition

The biggest cocktail competition in Canada came and went on Monday, March 25th, where the top sixteen finalists in Toronto competed for the MadeWithLove National Mixology Competition at the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District. This event originated in Old Montreal in 2009, and within three years it has gained huge popularity across Canada and has become an international phenomenon.

This year, the top local sixteen contestants created their own cocktails inspired by the neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto. Their creations are judged based on originality, presentation, and taste. With 600 people at the event, two winners were selected by the end of the night, one being the judge’s choice and another winning the public’s favourite. Both winners receiving an all expense paid, three-day trip to Mexico where they will participate in the MadeWithLove Mexico Tour in August. Luckily Nick and I from BestofToronto.net had the privilege to experience the cocktails made with much love by some of Toronto’s best mixologists.

Levon Hill and Olivia Nowark shaking up Varanasi Sunrises at Adrian Stein's booth, Mistura/Sopra Upper Lounge

Levon Hill and Olivia Nowark shaking up Varanasi Sunrises at Adrian Stein’s booth, Mistura/Sopra Upper Lounge

Pie in the Skyy: Adrian Stein (from Mistura/Sopra Upper Lounge) told us the idea behind this drink is transforming a pizza into a cocktail. The taste of the drink is refreshing, especially with the hint of basil and rosemary. It was funny to be asked if we wanted a “slice” and then being handed the Pie in the Skyy cocktail. Without a doubt, this drink resembles the neighbourhood of Little Italy.

Adrian Stein, Mistura/Sopra Upper Lounge "Pie in the Skyy":Pizza infused Skyy Vodka, tomato water, sundried tomato shrub, basil and rosemary tincture (Skyy Vodka base), fresh basil, pizza crust and parmigiano rim.

Adrian Stein, Mistura/Sopra Upper Lounge “Pie in the Skyy”:Pizza infused Skyy Vodka, tomato water, sundried tomato shrub, basil and rosemary tincture (Skyy Vodka base), fresh basil, pizza crust and parmigiano rim.

Ice, Ice Baby: From frozen carbon dioxide to liquid nitrogen, Simon Hooper of Nyood, incorporates modern cooking methods to whisk up a frozen cocktail on an iced cream cone.

Simon Hooper, Nyood "Ice Ice Baby"

Simon Hooper, Nyood “Ice Ice Baby”

The Saint’s Past: I cannot describe the amount of effort that Joe Howell (from The Spoke Club) gives into making each glass, hence I took a video. All I can say is this drink is sincerely made with love.

Over-“C”-s: Every ingredient in this drink starts with the letter C: Campari, Courvoisier Cognac, Clementine, Cream, Citrus, Chili Syrup. But that is not all, Rob Renda’s drink strikes a balance between flavour and texture: creamy, sweet, then sour, and lastly mildly spicy from the chili syrup.

Congratulations to Robin Kaufman of the Toronto Temperance Society for winning both the public and judge’s choice with his creation Apples to Ashes with Appleton rum, cedar-infused rye, cedar-smoked apple syrup, Campari, Unicum stirred and served over ice, finished off with a Unicum spritz and a rosemary spring garnish.

Sixteen finest cocktail creations from Toronto’s top sixteen bartenders, all under one roof! What a fantastic concept by Pierre-Oliver Trempe. With each contestant bringing on their A-game to demonstrate a true love’s creation, I am definitely looking forward to attending next year’s MadeWithLove National Mixology Competition.

right: Veronica Saye, The Harbord Room "Heather Jean"

right: Veronica Saye, The Harbord Room “Heather Jean”

Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler

Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler

Some notable tweets:

Also check out this great Harlem Shake remake “Toronto Bartender Shake” made by @alyssaluckhurst

TORONTO BARTENDER SHAKE from Alyssa Luckhurst on Vimeo.

For more information visit enjoymadewithlove.com

Memory Ball 2013 in support of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

  • March 31, 2013
  • charity, party
  • Comments Off on Memory Ball 2013 in support of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

The evening at the sold-out Memory Ball on Saturday, March 23, 2013 started off with a wine reception and Feature Foods’ herring and vodka pairing with ambience created by the Toronto Clarinet Choir. There was a great selection of silent auction items to peruse as lots of delicious and hot hors d’oeurves were provided by Toben Foods by Design. The evening continued with hand massages by Aveda spa, colorful cupcakes, a photobooth by Infinity Photobooth and full open bar. Local Toronto DJ’s Marly Marl of Enforcas and DJ Pat Trivedi who was sponsored by Memory Mats.

Memory Ball was a great charity gala with a fun-focused vibe filled with over 430 party-going philanthropists and Andrew Richard Designs is a dynamic open-concept loft-style venue to host any upscale event. In only their 2nd annual Memory Ball, Friends for a Benefit (FFAB), was started by a group of young friends who were united for a cause after 2 of their mothers were diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, currently under the care of their daughters. It was shocking to learn that early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed in individuals as early as 19 years old. FFAB hopes that through it’s year-long activities and communication pieces it is able to improve the understanding of the disease, especially in it’s early-onset form. Scroll down below for their video included below “Every 4 Seconds”.

Great to hear that plans are already underway for Memory Ball 2014!

UPDATE: Memory Ball raised $35,000 this year for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto! To date, Friends for a Benefit and Memory Ball have raised over $55,000 in just two years!. Congratulations!

Guests bidding on the silent auction

Guests bidding on the silent auction

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Justine, Alex Liang (Kenton Magazine), Megan

Justine, Alex Liang (Kenton Magazine), Megan

right: Gracie Carroll

right: Gracie Carroll

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MemoryBall-BestofToronto-076

Every 4 seconds someone around the globe is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As it stands today, more than 500,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and approximately 71,000 of them are under the age of 65. (50,000 are under the age of 50). Video by Memory Ball.

About Friends for a Benefit and Memory Ball
In 2011, Friends for a Benefit (FFAB) was established to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s disease among a young demographic. Each member of FFAB has been personally touched by Alzheimer’s disease. The group is passionate about increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s disease as both Ms. Poirier’s and Ms. Fudurich’s mothers were diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In its inaugural year, Memory Ball hosted 350 guests and raised $21,203 for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and aims to exceed that amount in 2013. To learn more about the organization and sponsorship opportunities, please visit memoryball.org.

About the Alzheimer Society of Toronto
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto is the leading health organization working nationwide to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Society offers support, information and education to people with dementia, their families and their caregivers, while increasing public awareness of dementia related illness. The Alzheimer Society of Toronto promotes research and advocates for services that respect the dignity of the individual. For more information, please visit alzheimertoronto.org.

Check out our photos below. To see them on Facebook, click here.

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