Hospitality in the Time of Covid

The global pandemic has presented challenges to so many aspects of our daily lives.  However, one of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic and the associated public health measures for us all to work through has surely been the inability to get together with other people.  We are social beings and our need to connect with others is a very basic and core driver in all of us.  While the temporary measures we face are necessary and important, doing our best to connect and let those around us know they are important to us is also important.  As we look back at some very challenging times what shines through is the indomitable spirit of our clients and their guests.  Those who pursued opportunities to connect, share a moment, and nourish their bodies and their soul.

Guillaume ClairetHospitality in the Time of Covid
read more

A City with A Story – Toronto’s Historical Wedding Venues

The Ontario Heritage Act works to protect buildings with historical significance. As a result, Toronto has managed to preserve its stunning architectural history going as far back as 1794. Many of these heritage buildings now serve as beautiful wedding venues that might be perfect for your special day.

Each heritage venue has its own charm. Rich history and stories are rooted within their walls, each boasting unique architectural designs – some with red brick and stone foundations, others with weathered wood or exposed steel beams. When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, Toronto has plenty of hidden gems across the city that will help bring your dream wedding come to life.

To help get your venue search started, here is a list of five historic wedding venues that Toronto has to offer.

The featured photo by Scarlet O’Neill.

Guillaume ClairetA City with A Story – Toronto’s Historical Wedding Venues
read more

New Roots Dinner Series – School Garden to Catered Dinner

On October 2nd, 2018, we catered the first New Roots Dinner Series in six unique locations in Toronto, Daniel et Daniel served a total of 130 guests and utilized ingredients grown around Cabbagetown. 

The purpose of this pop-up dinner series was to secure funding for Green Thumbs Growing Kids, a local charity that promotes environmental and nutritional education based around school gardens. Their mission is to reconnect society with real whole natural food by teaching children how to grow fruits and vegetables locally.

After the success of last years dinners, the New Roots Dinner Series will be returning to Cabbagetown. Working closely with Green Thumbs to keep tabs on what’s growing, Executive Chef Karen O’Connor alongside Executive Pastry Chef Bonnie Kravitz, will develop a catering menu that not only utilizes fresh produce from the school gardens but also features their flavours making them the star of each dish.

Dine with us on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 at one of four unique venues located in Cabbagetown: Riverdale Farms, Toronto Dance Theatre, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory. Complete with a cocktail reception and a gourmet four-course meal, it’s going to be a dinner experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

Seating for each venue is limited. Book your tickets here or learn more at: www.newrootsdinner.ca.

Guillaume ClairetNew Roots Dinner Series – School Garden to Catered Dinner
read more

Catering Winterlicious – Eating with a True Canadian Rebel

Winterlicious at Mackenzie House

Rewind back to the eighteen hundreds. You’ve been invited to dine at the home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor and leader of the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. Now you’ve not actually gone back in time, but you’re attending a very special Winterlicious event in one of Toronto’s most iconic heritage buildings. Like a scene from the movie β€œNight at the Museum”, you’re seated next to Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie being played by actors, eating a rustic dinner and listening to live music while in a house that is frozen in 1861.

The Mackenzie House

Catering Table Setting

Located in downtown Toronto, the Mackenzie House has been deemed a historical building for its Georgian-styled architecture and depicture of urban Victorian life in the 1860s. The site features the original three-storey brick row house, along with a one-storey addition added by the City of Toronto in 1967. The site is operated by the City of Toronto and Heritage Services. Our favourite highlights of the home are the Victorian Gas Chandeliers in the dining hall, the cast iron kitchenette located in the basement and of course, William Lyon’s original printing press he used to publish his famous political paper, β€œColonial Advocates”.

 

A Family Style Dinner with the Mackenzies

Beef Short Rib

Dessert at the Mackenzie house

Oven Roasted Chicken Platter

As far as Winterlicious goes, this Victorian dinner is probably one of the most unique historical experiences you can have, the details of which would please even the most studious history buffs. Beyond the impressive dΓ©cor maintained by the museum and the ominous glow of the gas chandelier, dinner guests were entertained by actors and servers in period costumes, enjoying a rustic, family-style meal, off of fine china.

Map of Toronto, Antique

We had a blast catering this event and look forward for when it returns to Winterlicious in 2019! Find out more about the Mackenzie House here and find out more about Daniel et Daniel here.

Guillaume ClairetCatering Winterlicious – Eating with a True Canadian Rebel
read more