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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.

The One of a Kind Spring Show Mar 27 – Mar 31

  • March 30, 2013
  • arts
  • Comments Off on The One of a Kind Spring Show Mar 27 – Mar 31
NUGS. Just as whimsical as their creator, NUGS are cute, colorful and charismatic creatures sure to charm any child or adult who's a kid at heart!

NUGS. Just as whimsical as their creator, NUGS are cute, colorful and charismatic creatures sure to charm any child or adult who’s a kid at heart!

The ‘One Of A Kind Spring Show’ is in town right now from March 27-31 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. At the centre of the massive exhibit hall is a feature display boasting fresh, bold designs using products that are all made in Canada. This year’s special feature includes the “One of a Kind Bunny Rabbit Competition”, where exhibitors create a piece along this theme using their own medium. Best of all, guests can vote for their favourite bunny at the People’s Choice Award!

Now everyone LOVES Etsy (ca.etsy.com) where you can buy and sell all things handmade or vintage online – and this year’s show featured an entire section dedicated to talented Etsy sellers including CandiWare, Love at First Blush, Organic Quilt Company, Sugar Soul Studio and many, many more artisans.

To read more about the One of a Kind Show, click here www.oneofakindshow.com

2013 ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW AND SALE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Weekdays & Saturday 10am–9pm
Open Good Friday 10am–9pm
Open Easter Sunday 10am–6pm

Check out some of the finds in the gallery below:

Celebrating Lucian Matis and Baileys at the FW2013 Fashion Show

Erin Karpluk (CBC's Being Erica), Natalie Brown (Being Human / Cracked)
  • March 30, 2013
  • fashion, launch
  • Comments Off on Celebrating Lucian Matis and Baileys at the FW2013 Fashion Show

I was lucky to be invited along with celebrities, fashion industry insiders, media and fashion bloggers to attend the private unveiling of the Baileys glass dress and the high-end couture Lucian Matis fashion show. While some shows were happening on the last day of fashion week at David Pecaut Square, it was a special treat to be part of an alternative closing to Toronto’s fashion week. The evening at One King West started with a reception featuring 3 types of unique Bailey’s cocktails and rich desserts passed around. It was a nice touch to be greeted with Lucian Matis-branded swag bags on each seat.

So the reception ended and show started with the one-of-a-kind dress as the first onto the runway with no introduction needed. It was just there and the glass was shimmering beautifully. It is composed primarily of pieces of glass from the new Bailey’s Irish Cream bottles as well as other flat glass and multi-faceted beads. Since the shards of glass are flat, we were assured that no models were injured by the dress (thanks, Chris!). It took over 125 hours and a team of three skilled workers to create. The work-of-art takes inspiration from the new silhouette of the Bailey’s Irish Cream bottle and the iconic ‘Double B’ logo was prevalent for the top half of the dress.

Similarly, the redesigned Bailey’s bottle is taller with lifted shoulders and gives the logo greater prominence.

Lucian Matis' Bailey's glass dress Photo: JJ Thompson

Lucian Matis’ Bailey’s glass dress Photo: JJ Thompson

“This season I wanted to focus on the simplicity of the silhouette rather than the details,” explains Matis. “Working with a monochromatic theme, I could emphasis the shape of the garments from an architectural methodology with boxy geometric shapes.”

Those in attendance included David Sutcliffe from CBC’s Gilmore Girls, Erin Karpluk from CBC’s Being Erica, Gabrielle Miller, Natalie Brown (Being Human / Cracked) and Rosey Edeh (Global News).

Erin Karpluk (CBC's Being Erica), Natalie Brown (Being Human / Cracked)

Erin Karpluk (CBC’s Being Erica), Natalie Brown (Being Human / Cracked)

Here are our own photos from the reception:

Check out photos from the fashion show entitled a “Monochromatic Fantasy” consisting of black, white and ivory using fur, felts, wool and silk.

Also check out our photos from the MATIS by Lucian Matis collection for Fall / Winter 2013 earlier during fashion week.

A shuttle was provided for those who wanted to return to David Pecaut Square to get back in time for the next fashion shows there.

Watch the behind the scenes video on the making of the glass dress.

Here is some video footage from the exclusive fashion show

Baileys® Canada Fashion Week | Lucian Matis from Baileys Canada on Vimeo.

Baileys® Canada: Lucian Matis | Behind the Scenes from Baileys Canada on Vimeo.

ABOUT LUCIAN MATIS
Romanian-born, Toronto-based fashion designer Lucian Matis began designing at a very early age. Prior to moving to Canada in 1999, Matis studied art at the Sibiu Art Institute in Transylvania. Matis graduated in 2003 from Ryerson University’s esteemed Fashion Design Program where he received multiple awards. His first professional collection was presented at L’Oreal Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2007.

Matis gained national attention and a vast fan base through his participation on the first season of Slice Network’s Project Runway Canada. He has since been featured in several in-depth profiles on Fashion Television, eTalk, ET Canada, Breakfast Television, CityLine, Marilyn Dennis, Global News, CBC, and more. His work has graced the pages and covers of numerous national and international publications, including FASHION, FLARE, ELLE Canada, Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, and Women’s Wear Daily.

His designs have been worn by numerous internationally renowned celebrities, including Nelly Furtado, Sarah Gadon, Andrea Martin, Mia Martina, Coco Rocha, Petra Nemkova, just to name a few. Lucian Matis is available through custom orders through www.lucianmatis.com.

About BAILEYS® Irish Cream
BAILEYS Irish Cream launched in Ireland in 1974. It is now available in 180 markets worldwide and is the number one selling liqueur in the world.  BAILEYS Irish Cream is currently ranked 7th among all distilled spirits sold worldwide and enjoys 70 percent share of the total Irish Cream Liqueur Market around the world.  Owned by Diageo plc, BAILEYS Irish Cream contents are a blend of Irish whiskey, fresh double cream and other fine ingredients. For more information on BAILEYS Irish Cream, please visit us at www.BAILEYS.com.

Bailey's Irish Cream cocktails

Bailey’s Irish Cream cocktails

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