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Cookie Battle with Chuck Hughes, Chef’s Challenge Pre-Event #3

Chuck Hughes takes a bite of the winning cookie!
  • November 13, 2012
  • Events, food
  • Comments Off on Cookie Battle with Chuck Hughes, Chef’s Challenge Pre-Event #3


Aspiring chefs baked their very best cookies and brought them out to be judged by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes at Cookie Battle, as a pre-event leading up to the big “Chef’s Challenge for a Cure” event on December 1st.

The evening started with the charismatic Chuck Hughes signing autographs for guests with his new book, Garder Manger, at the SubZero and Wolf showroom. Chuck was so approachable, graciously allowing anyone to interrupt and take pictures with him. It was non-stop for the poor guy!

Chuck Hughes signing autographs

Chuck Hughes signing autographs

Dozens and dozens of sweet (some savoury) and delicious cookies of all kinds were brought in. We heard there were going to be about 20 cookie-contestants but it seemed more like 30 … fine by us! With so many great cookies to try, I think everyone was in some much-needed milk! But wine was just fine by us!

Watch this video clip about what to expect in the upcoming Chef’s Challenge. He reminds everyone that Chef’s Challenge will not only be fun, but don’t forget that the competition will also be fierce. It was especially entertaining when he talked about last year’s winner, Mark McEwan, and also David Rocco.

After the speech, Chuck was ready to get down to Cookie Battle!

The top 10 cookies at Cookie Battle

The top 10 cookies at Cookie Battle

Chuck Hughes judging the top 10 cookies at Cookie Battle

Chuck Hughes judging the top 10 cookies at Cookie Battle

Chuck was asked to narrow it down to the top 3 but he had a tough time with shortlisting 3rd and 4th place so it was decided he would choose the top 4.

Chuck Hughes with the final four contestants at Cookie Battle for Chef's Challenge

Chuck Hughes with the final four contestants at Cookie Battle for Chef’s Challenge

All the cookies were great but in the end there was no surprise. Congrats to Amy Taylor (@greeneyesgeisha) for the win with her amazingly delicious “Coffee Lover Chocolate Macchiatto Shortbreads” who had already pretty much won in terms of best presentation. We were lucky enough to try one of these and it just melted in your mouth and many guests said was like drinking an espresso. Congrats and we hope she makes more of these delicious bites!

Coffee Lover Chocolate Machiatto Shortbreads by Amy Taylor

Coffee Lover Chocolate Machiatto Shortbreads by Amy Taylor

Chuck Hughes takes a bite of the winning cookie with Amy Taylor

Chuck Hughes takes a bite of the winning cookie with Amy Taylor

Also check out what happened at the first and second Chef Challenge pre-events.

If you haven’t already, there’s still time for you to register for the main event on December 1st!



About Chef’s Challenge

A remarkable kitchen stadium sets the tone for a true culinary mêlée as celebrity chefs lead fundraisers into the epicurean battle of their lives, all for the opportunity to oust Mark McEwan, who led his team to victory in 2011.

To attend this exclusive culinary fundraising event, participants must raise a minimum of $2,500 to watch the battle unfold. Guy Fieri will craft a five-course epicurean dinner—but keep your keen culinary skills handy throughout the meal—members of the audience will be called upon to complete tableside challenges for Guy!

The top 50 fundraisers earn the privilege to test their culinary talent live on stage alongside their team and celebrity chef, all while under the watchful eye of Guy Fieri.

chefschallengeforacure.com

facebook.com/ChefsChallengeCanada

twitter.com/ChefsChallenge

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Skyfall Advanced Screening After Party for Dignitas Intl

Some very lucky philanthropists got to watch the latest (and many say the best) James Bond movie, Skyfall, three days in advance for a charity screening in support of Dignitas International. Guests in attendance at the Spoke Club reception following the highly-anticipated movie included famous Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, Arlene Dickinson from the CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and MTV news anchor, Aliya Jasmine Sovani. The host of the evening was Zaib Shaikh, best known for his role in CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prairie.

Zaib Shaikh

Zaib Shaikh

Center: Aliya Jasmine Sovani

Center: Aliya Jasmine Sovani

Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson

Right: Tatiana Read, Director of Knot PR

Right: Tatiana Read, Director of Knot PR

DJ Floh Back

DJ Floh Back

Classic Bond Martinis (shaken not stirred)

Classic Bond Martinis (shaken not stirred)

Also, be sure to check out our coverage of the James Bond opening party celebrating 50 years of Bond Style with a brand new exhibition at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

ABOUT DIGNITAS INTERNATIONAL

Dignitas International is a leading medical humanitarian organization developing solutions for global health. Committed to innovation, we work in partnership with patients, health workers, researchers, and policymaker to expand health care in resource-limited communities. Combining frontline expertise and rigorous research, Dignitas saves lives by increasing access to care, strengthening health systems and shaping health policy and practice.

For more information visit www.dignitasinternational.org/

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Nov 14th: It’s Your Moment in support of Look Good Feel Better

  • November 12, 2012
  • fashion
  • Comments Off on Nov 14th: It’s Your Moment in support of Look Good Feel Better

On Nov 14th, It’s Your Moment will be a glamorous night out to raise money for Look Good Feel Better, which encourages women with cancer to feel beautiful about the way they look through workshops and seminars.  This fun 19+ evening will feature a jewelry fashion show hosted by Stella & Dot, light hors d’oeurves, live music, a dance performance by Amy Adams, beauty vendors, hair stylists and more.  There will also be a raffle and auction.

It’s only $20 general admission and $10 for students.  You can get your tickets at the door or in advance with Hanna Sunderani at 416.319.8387.  Advanced ticket purchasers will receive a free raffle ticket for the auction!

Here is the Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/431432946914958

It looks like it will be a great turnout!

ABOUT LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

Launched in 1992 by a charitable foundation of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA), Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only cancer charity dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance, and often on their morale. Over 130,000 women have been helped through our workshop.  For more information visit www.lgfb.ca

Chef’s Challenge Pre-event with Chef Mark McEwan

  • November 12, 2012
  • Events, food
  • Comments Off on Chef’s Challenge Pre-event with Chef Mark McEwan
Simmie Antflick and Chef Mark McEwan

Simmie Antflick and Chef Mark McEwan

Selected guests were invited to attend the 2nd Chef’s Challenge Pre-event with celebrity Chef Mark McEwan at Sub-Zero and Wolf. As the reigning champ of last year’s Chef Challenge, McEwan talked about how he was going to make his team work really hard to defend his title for this year’s Chef’s Challenge on December 1st at Fairmont Royal York Hotel. When asked what his tip for his potential team members in the audience, he joked “don’t cut yourself!” So the battle will be intense but if you’re a serious aspiring chef, you can still register at www.chefschallengeforacure.com. A minimum donation of $2,500 allows you to watch the battle unfold live on Dec 1st.  If you make it to the list of the top 50 fundraisers, you will be in the heat of this great culinary battle elbow-to-elbow with one of the celebrity chefs: Lynn Crawford, Chuck Hughes, Mark McEwan, David Rocco, and Michael Smith.

Chef Mark McEwan speaking to guests at the Chefs Challenge Pre-Event

Chef Mark McEwan speaking to guests about the upcoming Chef’s Challenge on December 1st

Auxiliary President Karen Goldlist with Chef Mark McEwan

Guests watching the video from Guy Fieri about the upcoming Chef's Challenge

Guests watching the video from Guy Fieri about the upcoming Chef’s Challenge

This was the 2nd pre-event leading up to the Chef’s Challenge event on December 1st.  Read about the 1st pre-event with Chef John Cirillo at Cirillo’s Culinary Academy.

About Chef’s Challenge

A remarkable kitchen stadium sets the tone for a true culinary mêlée as celebrity chefs lead fundraisers into the epicurean battle of their lives, all for the opportunity to oust Mark McEwan, who led his team to victory in 2011.

To attend this exclusive culinary fundraising event, participants must raise a minimum of $2,500 to watch the battle unfold. Guy Fieri will craft a five-course epicurean dinner—but keep your keen culinary skills handy throughout the meal—members of the audience will be called upon to complete tableside challenges for Guy!

The top 50 fundraisers earn the privilege to test their culinary talent live on stage alongside their team and celebrity chef, all while under the watchful eye of Guy Fieri.

chefschallengeforacure.com
facebook.com/ChefsChallengeCanada
twitter.com/ChefsChallenge

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Steampunk: Yesterday’s Future, an ISES Toronto Gala

  • November 11, 2012
  • Events, gala
  • Comments Off on Steampunk: Yesterday’s Future, an ISES Toronto Gala

Steampunk: Yesterday's Future

As described in wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century, or a post apocalyptic environment. We really enjoy this pseudo-Victorian mechanical “steampunk” style because it makes for beautiful visuals that stand out from cookie-cutter events.

We were intrigued by the idea of a Steampunk-themed gala and also, who puts on better events than a community of professional event planners? This was definitely an event we didn’t want to miss! The ISES (International Special Events Society of Toronto) chapter annual gala gathered members and friends for a jam-packed evening full of entertainment from live performances, some magic, and great music.

The evening started with a reception of cocktails and hors d’oeurves, a set of violin renditions of popular music by Grenville Pinto.

Guests were then greeted into the dining area by the evening’s host, Michael Coombs, of Michael Coombs Entertainment, with ISES Toronto Annual Leadership Awards, mixed with a vast array of entertainment from aerial performances by A2D2, a great musical performance by Devah Quartet, a magic show by Mental Floss Sideshow, dancing by Dragonfly Belly Dance group, and Well Rounded Hoops. Our favourite performance was Devah Quartet, four young ladies who had great costumes and electrifying string music. They were like a refreshing version of Apocalyptica. Definitely check them out when you get the next chance!

The amazing Devah Quartet

The amazing Devah Quartet

Award recipients included:
Bryan Bell at Decor & More for the ISES Toronto Supplier of the Year Award
Larry Cuthbertson for the ISES Toronto Dedication Award

This annual event was planned and prepared by Eclectic Events International, who have been ISES Toronto members for years. We first met them at the recent Atlantis Pavilion open-house which was also a great event with many impressive attractions to enjoy.

The amazing DeVah Quartet

Mental Floss Sideshow

Mental Floss Sideshow

Julie Danaylov, President of ISES Toronto and Michael Coombs, MC and host of the evening

Photo: Eclectic Events International

Mental Floss Sideshow

DeVah Quartet

DeVah Quartet

Thanks very much to Eclectic Events for having us and putting on a great ISES Toronto gala for the special events community!

About ISES Toronto
ISES Toronto is a Chartered Chapter of ISES Canada, which is an Affiliate of ISES International.

The International Special Events Society was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct. ISES works to join professionals to focus on the “event as a whole” rather than its individual parts.

ISES’s worldwide membership has grown to involve over 5,000 members active in 35 countries throughout the world. Membership brings together professionals from a variety of special events disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers and many more professional disciplines.

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