life isn't average. neither are we.
La Reverie
Kristina Chau - Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I attended a great industry event last night -La Reverie at Andrew Richard Designs.  Located on Adelaide East, next door to Up Country, this gorgeous show room of chic and luxurious patio furniture is also a special event venue.

As I'm always looking for unique spaces in Toronto, Andrew Richard Designs Events is definitely one on my list as it can be used for corporate and social events of all kinds.  Coincidentally, I just executed a wedding there this past Saturday and it was gorgeous! 

Anyhow, back to La Reverie.  As we entered ARD we stopped to pose for a snapshot, and then took a moment to drink it all in.  There were two fully stocked bars and at least 10, if not more, caterers showcasing their culinary delights on the Atrium floor.  Needless to say, this party guru/foodie was experiencing sensory overload and I couldn't wait to dive in.  Here are some pics of some of the tasty treats we enjoyed:


Mini chicken souvlakia with tzatiziki and mini Greek salad.


Shrimp and Sweet Peat Parfait with a Savoury Whipped Cream & Cheery Tomato by L-Eat Catering.
BTW - Niki from L-Eat is a doll and amazing to work with!


Lobster Pot Pie.


La Piece de Resistance - An Amazing Cheese & Fruit Display by Pusateris.


Delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Tarts, again by L-Eat Catering.

Besides all of the wonderful food and drinks enjoyed by all, ARD showcased some ideas for added entertainment at an event.  There was everything from a live band, to fortune tellers.  Here are a few pictures:


Soular kicking off the party right with their soulful voices and funky sounds!


Upstairs in the Loft DJ Daniel Buckman of BELLOSOUND spins some great tunes.


I loved the pink lounge!  The beautiful draped fabric and flowers were designed by ARD with rented furniture from Contemporary Furniture Rentals.


A caricaturist creates a fun portrait for one of the guests.


Just outside the pink lounge were two very popular fortune tellers.


Miles plays his sax alongside BELLOSOUNDS and adds a nice bluesy tone.


Helping ourselves at the candy buffet!


How cute are these little windowed bags? They're from Creative Bags who have an assortment of custom bags, ribbons, tissue and wraps for all of your party needs.

 
To finish off a great night, I redeemed my ice cream coupon at Captain Cone for a yummy soft-serve twist cone!

As a party guru I know how much work it takes to put something like thistogether, so kudos to Andrew, his team and all of the vendors who did a great job!  

For the life of the party,
Industrial Chic
Kristina Chau - Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Last night I attended an annual industry event called Industrial Chic held at
The Fermenting Cellar in The Distillery District:



I love attending and planning events here as it can hold up to 600 people for
a cocktail reception, making it a great venue for large weddings and corporate
events - especially since this unique raw space can transform into something
spectacular each and every time.

It was a fun time re-connecting with friends in the industry, making new ones
and meeting fellow tweeters in person.  One person to note is Jared Golberg
of 5th Element Events.  Jared designed the invitations and the 5th Element
Events team also designed the look of the event - great work you guys!

Below are a few pictures of the event but I have to apologize in advance for
the quality as they were taken on my Blackberry.  Another reason I so want
the iPhone4 - how about it Apple?







Complimenting the event were the great cocktails and the delicious culinary
samples from some of Toronto's top caterers.  While all of the food was
delicious, I have to say that Presidential Gourmet impressed me the most
by creating an unusual, but tasty pairing:



Presidential Gourmet
- Ontario Asparagus with Milford Bay Smoked Trout
with a La Minute Creme Fraiche Ice Cream.  I also love that this dish was
made from all local produce so it falls within the 100-mile diet.



Encore Catering - Madagascar Chicken Breast with Bulgar Salad Garnished
with a Lemon Cayenne Crostini.



10tation Event Catering - Nova Scotia Lobster on a Bed of Roasted Organic
Beets with a Tarragon Vinaigrette.



Daniel et Daniel Catering - Seared Tuna Nicoise, New Potato, Haricot Vert,
Grape Tomato, Black Olive Caper Berry & Quail Egg.

All in all, Industrial Chic was a lot of fun and definitely a perk of working in the
event industry.  Thanks to the team at the Distillery District for hosting this fab
event and to all of the great vendors who participated!

For the life of the party,
 

not your average party