2011 STAR Awards

In the summer of 2010 we were approached by POP Kollaborative to cater an office opening party for Corus Entertainment. Initial planning was very hush-hush as the event was to be new and fabulous. Our menu had to reflect a “MINDJAM” theme; something spontaneous, unexpected and most of all spectacular. It soon became clear that this was a unique opportunity. As our VP Russell Day described our initial meetings with POP,

“We realized that we had been given a once-in-a-career opportunity: to be able to use every freaky idea we’d ever had!”

Duck Confit Cupcake crowned with a Roasted Beet Mash icing and sprinkled with candied aniseeds (Inspired by Bob Blumer)

Duck Confit Cupcake crowned with a Roasted Beet Mash icing
and sprinkled with candied aniseeds (Inspired by Bob Blumer)

While menu planning was a great deal of fun for all involved, it was also challenging. Research and countless tastings were involved and at the event we were serving a menu with items we had never presented before. Did I mention that there were one thousand guests in attendance?

MINDJAM opening of Corus Entertainment building

MINDJAM opening of Corus Entertainment building

Enough talk… Here are some more of the exciting dishes that we unveiled that evening!

Stuffed Scallop garnished with House-pickled Vegetables and Passion Fruit Pearls

Stuffed Scallop garnished with House-pickled Vegetables and Passion Fruit Pearls

Left: Tomato Tarte Tatin topped with Black Olive Sorbet and Basil Oil Right: Oysters Rockefeller with a sweet Spinach Marshmallow, torched on-site

Left: Tomato Tarte Tatin topped with Black Olive Sorbet and Basil Oil
Right: Oysters Rockefeller with a sweet Spinach Marshmallow, torched on-site

Quail Egg Diablo stuffed with Guacamole Mousse, topped with Smoked Tomato and Chili Caviar

Quail Egg Diablo stuffed with Guacamole Mousse,
topped with Smoked Tomato and Chili Caviar

Truffle Macarons with a decadent Foie Gras Mousse filling

Truffle Macarons with a decadent Foie Gras Mousse filling

The evening was a great success and we were happy to be part of such a wonderful, creative event. The distinctive menu certainly got the guests talking and their curiosity promoted more interaction with our chefs.

While a successfully executed event is its own reward, it’s equally thrilling to receive additional recognition for our creative efforts. We are very pleased that our work at the MINDJAM event has been nominated for a STAR Award in the category “Best Event Catering”. The STAR Awards recognize outstanding creative and technical achievements in the Canadian event planning industry, and Daniel et Daniel is truly honoured to be considered!

Click here to check out the full list of nominees, including multiple nods to our friends at POP Kollaborative. See you at the STARs!

Guillaume Clairet2011 STAR Awards