Toronto Life didn't have look far for inspiration in planning its 40th anniversary celebration. "Every issue, we bring together a mix of fascinating people and great experiences in wine, food, and entertainment," said Sharon McAuley, the vice president and group publisher with the monthly urban lifestyle magazine. "Our goal for the party was similar: We wanted to throw a fantastic event that was as lively as it was elegant."McAuley and her in-house team worked with event management and design firm McNabb Roick Events to organize the high-profile affair, which was held at posh Carlu and featured a single communal dining table that sat 80. In an intriguing twist, guests received programs instructing them precisely when to sit for dinner and exactly when to vacate their seats. Adherence to the schedule was critical because there were 800 guests—necessitating 10 separate shifts at the table.
Seven restaurants prepared the meals. Asian Legend treated guests to spicy shrimp on Chinese broccoli, jellyfish and cucumber salad. Jaipur Grille served tandoori steak with sweet lime chutney, chicken with butter sauce, saffron rice, beans foogath, and crispy pappadums. Ki provided a meal of yellow-fin tuna in nori, maple tamari albacore tuna, and layered raw tuna belly—meant to be eaten from right to left. From Mezes, guests dined on grilled octopus and lamb souvlaki with taramosalata and grilled veggies. Noce served ravioli with mushroom and truffle tapenade in a white truffle butter sauce and parmigiano topping. B Espresso and Daniel et Daniel Catering rounded out the list.
The table, which was located in the grand foyer, was comprised of a series of white rectangular acrylic tops. Dining-room decor included tall centerpieces with candles, flowers, and a mirror base, and sheer draping hung on either side of the long table to create an intimate atmosphere. The Carlu's concert hall space served as a lounge, with red carpeting, low white chairs and sofas, and old Toronto Life covers hung from vertical, flat displays.
Designer Farley Chatto used the stage to exhibit a collection of Toronto fashions from the past forty years. Just in Time Casino Entertainment ran a charity casino in the round room, where guest played Texas hold'em and raised money for War Child Canada. Finally, in the sky room, Restylane gave massages and mini spa treatments in a mini health retreat, while Via Allegro Ristorante poured samples of scotch whiskey.
The Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, Soul Stew, Mambo Q, Swing Rosie, and Shawne Jackson with her Billie Holiday renditions, provided the evening's musical entertainment.
—Robyn Small
Posted 11.17.06
Seven restaurants prepared the meals. Asian Legend treated guests to spicy shrimp on Chinese broccoli, jellyfish and cucumber salad. Jaipur Grille served tandoori steak with sweet lime chutney, chicken with butter sauce, saffron rice, beans foogath, and crispy pappadums. Ki provided a meal of yellow-fin tuna in nori, maple tamari albacore tuna, and layered raw tuna belly—meant to be eaten from right to left. From Mezes, guests dined on grilled octopus and lamb souvlaki with taramosalata and grilled veggies. Noce served ravioli with mushroom and truffle tapenade in a white truffle butter sauce and parmigiano topping. B Espresso and Daniel et Daniel Catering rounded out the list.
The table, which was located in the grand foyer, was comprised of a series of white rectangular acrylic tops. Dining-room decor included tall centerpieces with candles, flowers, and a mirror base, and sheer draping hung on either side of the long table to create an intimate atmosphere. The Carlu's concert hall space served as a lounge, with red carpeting, low white chairs and sofas, and old Toronto Life covers hung from vertical, flat displays.
Designer Farley Chatto used the stage to exhibit a collection of Toronto fashions from the past forty years. Just in Time Casino Entertainment ran a charity casino in the round room, where guest played Texas hold'em and raised money for War Child Canada. Finally, in the sky room, Restylane gave massages and mini spa treatments in a mini health retreat, while Via Allegro Ristorante poured samples of scotch whiskey.
The Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, Soul Stew, Mambo Q, Swing Rosie, and Shawne Jackson with her Billie Holiday renditions, provided the evening's musical entertainment.
—Robyn Small
Posted 11.17.06
The 800 guests at Toronto Life magazine's 40th anniversary celebration at the Carlu dined in 10 shifts of 80 at a long communal table from Signature Rentals.
The Toronto Life-themed lounge featured red carpeting, low white chairs and sofas, and old Toronto Life covers that hung from vertical, flat displays.
A large sign resembling a Toronto Life cover greeted guests at the entrance to the Carlu.
Tall candelabras of transparent acrylic adorned cocktail tables near the Toronto Life lounge.
Designer Farley Chatto exhibited on the stage a collection of Toronto fashions from the past forty years.
Beautiful bundles of flowers in tiny glass vases from Demarco-Perpich accented the foyer.
