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Daily Bread’s Ultimate Food Challenge

Suman Roy, Melissa Grelo, Leslie Roberts, Jason Parsons
  • May 15, 2013
  • food
  • Comments Off on Daily Bread’s Ultimate Food Challenge
Suman Roy, Melissa Grelo, Leslie Roberts, Jason Parsons

Suman Roy, Melissa Grelo, Leslie Roberts, Jason Parsons

The Daily Bread Food Bank hosted their second annual “Ultimate Food Challenge” featuring a culinary competition with 3 chefs: Devan Rajkumar of The Food Dudes, Alexandra Feswick of The Samuel J Moore at The Great Hall and Jason Parsons of Peller Estates Winery. The event brought 250 food loving philanthropists out to the gorgeous Corus Quay on the waterfront who got to sample wine from Peller Estates, beer from Beau’s and, of course, try some great food. My favourite was the ceviche with popped corn and pickled pablano pepper made by Daily Bread’s own Catering Kitchen. It got nabbed up quickly.

The main host for the evening was Howard Glassman (aka Humble from the Humble & Fred radio show) who provided his sense of humour like when he joked about the credibility of the celebrity judges in judging food. Basically only Chef Suman Roy from CP 24 had food credentials to his name, winning a Gourmand Cookbook Food Award in 2010. But it’s all for a good cause anyway! Suman Roy is also the Executive Chef of Campbell’s Canada. Josie Dye (102.1 The Edge) and Preet Banerjee (Oprah Winfrey Network Canada’s Million Dollar Neighbourhood) were also hosts.

On the judging panel we had Arlene Dickinson (star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den fame and also The Big Decision), Melissa Grelo, Suman Roy (Co-host of CP24 Breakfast and News Anchor), Leslie Roberts (Global TV news anchor),  Erin Davis (Co-host 98.1 CHFI’s Morning Show).

The challenge given to the chefs was to use ingredients commonly found in a food hamper box including canned food. Each chef had 30 minutes to complete a dish that was judged on originality/creativity, presentation, texture, and taste. Devan Rajkumar was awarded the most votes by the audience to win the Fan Favourite award with his vegetarian slider consisting of pita bread, cheese and canned pineapple. But it was Alexandra Feswick who won over the judges with her Western Falafel using chick peas, spiced yogurt and lentils.

The Daily Bread winning dish of the Ultimate Food Challenge: Western Falafel with chick peas, spiced yogurt and lentils made by Alexandra Feswick of The Samuel J Moore (at The Great Hall)

The Daily Bread winning dish of the Ultimate Food Challenge: Western Falafel with chick peas, spiced yogurt and lentils made by Alexandra Feswick of The Samuel J Moore (at The Great Hall)

Alexandra Feswick

Alexandra Feswick

Live auction items included

  • Two night stay for two at Arowhon Pines Resort in Algonquin Park (value $1,000)
  • Westin Hotels Signature Heavenly Queen-Sized Bed provided by Simmons Hospitality Bedding

The event raised $90,000 to support Daily Bread’s food bank to serve low-income children and adults at more than 100 community agencies in neighbourhoods all across Toronto.

Our friend Sari Colt with Arlene Dickinson

Our friend Sari Colt with Arlene Dickinson

Leslie Roberts, Erin Davis, Suman Roy, Melissa Grelo

Leslie Roberts, Erin Davis, Suman Roy, Melissa Grelo

For more information visit about the Daily Bread Food Bank including how to help, visit dailybread.ca

Also, check out Chef’s Challenge in support of Mount Sinai for more celebrity chef showdown action.

Some tweets from the evening

Photos from the Right to Play Ball Charity Gala

Glen Baxter

Glen Baxter

The 2nd annual Right to Play Charity Ball brought in a ton of celebrities in support of “Right to Play”, dubbed one of Canada’s fastest growing international humanitarian organizations. The Right to Play Ball was founded by Glen Baxter, fashion television journalist, host of CTV’s In Fashion, and just an all-round nice guy. It was an incredible success at last year’s gala where $80,000 was raised for the Right to Play charity.

Any event at the Shangri-La Hotel is great and this charity gala was definitely no exception. Featuring music by DJ Tony Okungbowa from the Ellen Degeneres Show and DJ Jojo Flores and Lapelle Music. It was raining that evening so it was nice that the large terrace was covered with a tent and swanky outdoor furniture.

Guests enjoyed hors d’oeurves and drinks by Peroni, Belvedere Vodka, Hennessy, Ardberg whiskey. VIP guests got to enjoy the VIP reception hour and also received a gift card from Mastercard, the official sponsor of the event. Silent auction items included a Hamilton watch valued at $2,200 as well as a 7 night stay in a 2 bedroom villa at Grand Isle Resort in Exhuma, Bahamas ($7,000 value).

It was also Kardinal Offishall’s birthday after midnight, so it was great to be able to wish him happy birthday in person. Cupcakes were passed around to celebrate “Mr. International’s” birthday.

It really turned into a dancing party when DJ Tony Okungbowa got going and then it got even wilder when supermodel Stacy McKenzie got up to dance with him. What an incredible night!

Jen Kirsch, Sabbrina Maddeaux

Jen Kirsch, Sabrina Maddeaux

Jen Kirsch, Candice Chan, Natalie Deane

Jen Kirsch, Candice Chan, Natalie Deane

Kardinal Offishall and friends

Kardinal Offishall and friends

George Sully, Jeremy Singer, Chrissy Newton, Justin Edmead, Jen Kirsch

George Sully, Jeremy Singer, Chrissy Newton, Justin Edmead, Jen Kirsch

Rosie MacLennan, 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for trampoline

Rosie MacLennan, 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for trampoline

Gail McInnes, Ainsley Kerr, Elena Semikina (Miss Universe Canada 2010)

Gail McInnes, Ainsley Kerr, Elena Semikina (Miss Universe Canada 2010)

Jen Kirsch, Director X

Jen Kirsch, Director X

Kardinal Offishall, Director X

Kardinal Offishall, Director X

Stacey Mckenzie, DJ Tony Okungbowa

Stacey Mckenzie, DJ Tony Okungbowa

 

Here’s some notable tweets from the Right to Play Ball


Regram from @jaystrut Love us! @SabrinaMaddeaux @righttoplaycan @ShangriLaTO

Check out the video to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing international humanitarian organization:

ABOUT RIGHT TO PLAY

Is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. It was founded in 2000 by Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur. Through sports and games, we help children build essential life skills and better futures, while driving social change in their communities with lasting impact.

For more information visit www.righttoplay.com

Photos below and also on the Facebook photo album here.

Introducing Osteria dei Ganzi: a new restaurant, lounge for authentic Italian apertivo

  • May 9, 2013
  • food, launch, venue
  • Comments Off on Introducing Osteria dei Ganzi: a new restaurant, lounge for authentic Italian apertivo
r: One of Ganzi's partners, Dan Gunam

r: One of Ganzi’s partners, Dan Gunam

Ganzi's head chef, Guerrino Staropoli. Imported from Rome.

Ganzi’s head chef, Guerrino Staropoli. Imported from Rome.

After 6 months of pent-up demand for a much-needed authentic Italian dining hotspot in the area, renovations were finally completed for the Gooderham family mansion at 504 Jarvis Street. The summer patio, scheduled to open at the end of May, will seat 200 people and will feature music, authentic Italian barbecue and true European cocktails.

Toronto’s well-known Keg mansion is just across the street but Ganzi doesn’t directly compete against it, as they both offer different experiences at different price points.

Ganzi was restored with the help of the Metropolis Living Team preserving the mansion’s original handcrafted wood detail, soaring arches, stain glassed windows and brassed fixtures. Italian themed murals and paintings are done by local Toronto artist Hajar Moradi and her team. Materials from a 170 year old barn were sourced including the bar area’s wall rack and the chandelier is made from the barn’s door tracks.

“Osteria Dei Ganzi is a tribute to Italian wine, food & culture”, says Danny Gunam, Partner, Osteria dei Ganzi. “We’re using DOP certified ingredients imported straight from Italy as well as privately imported regional Italian wines which we are proud to offer by the glass. Ganzi is about creating a uniquely European atmosphere that doesn’t cost a fortune”. The wine list is revolving and flexible featuring a high-end selection of Amarone, Barolo, Brunelo that will constantly change. All the wines on the list will always be available by the glass.

I was lucky to be invited to the intimate preview opening dinner and it was such a treat. I sampled cocktails and especially enjoyed the gin martini with vermouth featuring caper berries (yes, instead of olives), each carefully hand-stuffed with goat cheese using a straw, Ganzi’s mixologist, Joao Machado, tells us. Sipping on this martini while also enjoying the stuffed caper berries was quite a delectably flavourful experience that I can still remember.

Gin Martini. Gin, Dry French vermouth, drowned caper berries each with blue cheese

Gin Martini. Gin, Dry French vermouth, drowned caper berries each with blue cheese

Our seating at Ganzi (Photo: Photagonist)

Our seating at Ganzi (Photo: Photagonist)

During the seated dinner I was lucky to be seated next to one of the Ganzi partners, Danny Gunam. I learned there was a great deal of effort in sourcing just the right location and going through all the details in the renovations, and the importance of sourcing authentic Italian ingredients that are DOP (Denominazione di Orgine Protetta– Denomination of Protected Origin) certified ingredients. All of this to create the authentic Italian experience. And it was also was interesting that being an authentic Italian eating experience, Gunam pointed out that the cuisine must be affordable . In fact, Gunam pointed out that the entire menu is all under $20. This is meant to encourage sharing and allow for repeat, casual visits 2-3 times a week. Guests should feel comfortable to hang out and have a cocktail or two paired with complimentary tapas at the bar and then casually stroll over to the dining area for dinner. Such is the way of the authentic “apertivo” experience true to the Milanese lifestyle.

Notable dishes on the dinner menu that make a revisit worthwhile include swordfish carpaccio for only $15. I definitely look forward to returning for more of the the Italian apertivo experience. Be sure to check it out as well!

Raviolini stuffed with ricotta and spinach, fresh tomato and basil sauce, topped with sauteed asparagus

Raviolini stuffed with ricotta and spinach, fresh tomato and basil sauce, topped with sauteed asparagus

Osso buco (bone marrow) with black peppercorn cremolata and risotto Milanese

Osso buco (bone marrow) with black peppercorn cremolata and risotto Milanese

Dessert. Profiterol (beignet) stuffed with Crema Pasticcera and coated with warm chocolate, orange cheesecake mousse on Grand Marnier biscotti, Classic tiramisu

Dessert. Profiterol (beignet) stuffed with Crema Pasticcera and coated with warm chocolate, orange cheesecake mousse on Grand Marnier biscotti, Classic tiramisu

ABOUT OSTERIA DEI GANZI

Osteria Dei Ganzi is a destination eating experience and social hangout offering a uniquely European atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. Set in a 120 year old historical mansion, Ganzi’s modern-vintage decor is the perfect backdrop for a quick lunch, an after work Aperitivo (the Milanese answer to “happy hour”) featuring complimentary “Italian Tapas” served alongside refreshing cocktails or a lively dinner with friends. For more information or to make a reservation at Ganzi, please log on to www.ganzi.ca

Sarah Stevenson awarded at TFI New Labels 2013

Model, Susan Langdon, Arie Assaraf, Miranda Purves, Sarah Stevenson, Elisha Ballantyne, Suzanne Rogers, David Dixon, John Morioka, Model (Photo credit: George Pimentel)

At TFI’s New Labels 2013 award gala which aims to launch the careers of new fashion design entrepreneurs, it came down to four finalists showing their Fall/Winter 2013 collections in a fashion show down in front of a well-attended gathering of 700 fashion media, buyers, and celebrities.

The evening at The Carlu was hosted by Breakfast Television’s Dina Pugliese and other notable guests in attendance included Stacey McKenzie, Sylvia Mantella, Simona Shnaider, Brian Gluckstrein, Gabrielle Miller, Georgina Reilly, Glen Baxter, Anne Marie Mediwake and many more.

The TFI New Labels panel of judges included Arie Assaraf (TNT Boutique), Elisha Ballantyne (Target), David Dixon (fashion designer), John Morioka (Target), Miranda Purves (FLARE editor), Suzanne Rogers (fashion philanthropist).

(Photo credit: George Pimentel)

(Photo credit: George Pimentel)

 

Christopher Paunil

Christopher Paunil

 

After the fashion shows, the judges took a few moments to come back and announce the winner was Sarah Stevenson.

Sarah Stevenson

Sarah Stevenson

It’s a pretty hefty prize as Stevenson gets to take home the grand prize of $25,000 cash donated by Suzanne Rogers. Stevenson also gets to launch an exclusive collection for Target sold across Canada in 2014 and also a full-page editorial feature in FLARE magazine. Congrats to her as the reds, blacks, whites and originally-designed and laser-cut prints really stood out with exotic beauty inspired by Dutch still life paintings from the Baroque period.

“I am so thankful to the Toronto Fashion Incubator for organizing this competition for emerging Canadian design, and for providing myself and my three fellow designers with this incredible opportunity,” said Sarah Stevenson. “The competition was a thrilling experience and I am so excited to work with Target and see what happens next.”

“We were overwhelmed by the talent on the runway last night and are beyond proud of the four finalists who gave it their all,” said Susan Langdon, Executive Director, Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI). “We would like to thank Suzanne Rogers and our amazing event sponsors: Target, P&G Beauty & Grooming, FLARE Magazine, Mantella Corporation and the City of Toronto. It is because of their leadership and support of the TFI that we can organize this competition and nurture Canada’s next generation of design talent year after year.”

Notable tweets

Check out Sarah Stevenson’s video interview here by The Canadian Press at mysask.com

TFI-New-Labels-canadian-press-sarah-stevenson-video-thumbnail

ABOUT THE TORONTO FASHION INCUBATOR

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) is an innovative, award-winning non-profit organization that plays an essential role in the growth and promotion of Canada’s fashion community. TFI helps budding fashion entrepreneurs develop the creative and professional capacity they need to succeed and evolve in the challenging fashion industry. As the world’s first fashion incubator, the TFI has fostered many of Canada’s most celebrated talents for 26 years including David Dixon, Pina Ferlisi, Todd Lynn, Arthur Mendonça and 2012 New Labels winner Sid Neigum.

The Carlu’s 10th Anniversary Party “Decadence”

Carlu10thAnniversary-BestofToronto-024

In one of Toronto’s most anticipated events of this year, the 10th anniversary of the Carlu pulled out all the stops to deliver on it’s own hype that had everyone in Toronto talking. It definitely exceeded expectations in terms of the vast amounts of gourmet food, amazing people and entertainment which adds up to tons of fun. Upon arrival at the Grand Foyer guests were greeted by models wearing Swarovski serving drinks. Other interesting highlights included the conveyor belt serving a variety of dishes and the salmon in ice hanging from the ceiling by L-eat Catering (dubbed “fish chandeliers”). Notable eats included the delicious steak tartare topped with a quail egg served in-shell by Daniel et Daniel and the liquid nitrogen avocado ice cream topped with trout roe by L-eat Catering.

The 10th anniversary party was supported in 3 categories: TASTE, DRINK, LOOK.
TASTE Catering included 10tation Event Catering, Daniel et Daniel Event Creation & Catering, L-eat Catering, The McEwan Group, Neptuno Oysters

DRINK Drinks were provided by Bacardi, Mill Street Brewery, Cave Spring Cellar, Mark Anthony Brands

LOOK Decor was provided by McNabb Roick Events, Signature Rentals, Contemporary Furniture Rentals, Westbury National, San Remo Floral Design Studio, HIGGINS EVENT RENTALS, Farley Chatto Designs, Northern Valet Inc., The Butler Did It Inc., National Sign & Design, Reznick & Partners Carpet

Entertainment included Daniel from Bellosound and great live performances that kept guests dancing in the Auditorium.

Guests in attendance who came out to celebrate included Shinan Govani, Natalie Deane, Kenny Hotz, Mike Chalut, David Dixon, Glenn Dixon, Glen Baxter, Elena Semikina, Rosey Edeh and many more. It was great to see many other familiar faces as well and it was an honour to be a part of the grand celebrations.

It’s quite clear that The Carlu hosts many of the best events in Toronto. Largely this has to do with the efforts of the innovative event visionaries, Mark Robert and Jeffry Roick who, after $8 million in restorations, opened up the historic 1930s venue 10 years ago on May 1st, 2003. It was renamed after the famous French architect Jacques Carlu (1890-1976) and is considered one of the world’s best examples of Art Modern architecture remaining in existence. The Carlu launched with much fanfare as the venue was chosen to host the royals, Prince Charles and Camilla.

“One of the reasons The Carlu was chosen to host the Royals was because of Charles’ love for heritage buildings,” recalls Mark Robert. “When he turned to me and said ‘we need more people like you’ I realized that we had likely received the biggest confirmation that we’d done a great job on the restoration let alone saving the space from potential demolition.”

Some facts about The Carlu after 10 years:

  • Hosting more than 1,650 events including 190 Weddings, 135 charity functions, 160 award dinners, 25 Bar/Bat mitzvahs
  • 2004 Architectural Excellence Award – Ontario Architectural Association
  • Scrolls of Recognition – City of Toronto
  • and many more accolades
  • The Auditorium is 8,500 square feet in total with a capacity for 1,200 theatre-style seats including balcony seating for 460
  • The Round Room has dining for up to 300 guests
  • The Grand Foyer is 10,000 square feet in total allowing 700 for dinner or more than 1,500 guests for cocktail-style receptions
  • There are also the Clipper and Sky Rooms for additional space or smaller functions

You can bet that The Carlu will continue hosting many of the best events in Toronto. Check out www.thecarlu.com

Mike Chalut

Mike Chalut

Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra

Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra

Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra

Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra

Carlu10thAnniversary-BestofToronto-033

Glen Baxter, Glenn Dixon

Glen Baxter, Glenn Dixon

l: David Dixon

l: David Dixon

Notable tweets

Gallery below and also on Facebook here.

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Photo from The Carlu

Photo from The Carlu

Photo from The Carlu

Photo from The Carlu

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