The Event Guru

Strolling servers sing the sounds of ‘Carmen’ opera!

As a real foodie, I love trying out new culinary experiences in our great city and this is my second ‘experiential’ dining event.

Unlike your typical Winterlicious pre-fixe meal, this dining moment was definitely one for the books. It was held for 3 days and part of a unique culinary tasting where selected restaurants are chosen to host a showcase of food and art.

I was lucky to finally get a seat for 2  on the last day. Apparently, the first two days were sold out, even at $69 per person. Of course this included a magnificent four-course, authentically Spanish meal including ingredients of rabbit, chorizo, seafood and much more! These items are premium products and are sourced from Spain and the rabbit came in from Quebec. It was a indeed a real treat!

My evening started off with a ‘Carmen Concoction’, a tantalizing blend of tequila, triple sec, cranberry lime juice with some extravagant garnishes. This totally beats the ‘cosmos’ the gals from Sex in the City stylishly sip away at.

Next I had a choice of Sevilla Salad or Sherried Onion Soup with Saffron. I went for the latter and it was indeed a perfect starter – creamy texture, yellow in hue and loved the fried onions on top, nice touch!

Seconds was a choice between Lentils or Dates wrapped in Bacon. Once again, I chose the latter. It was an amazing combination of sweet &salty. Baked dates is a real delicacy and had no idea how easy it was to make.

Third course was a choice of Dry Cod Fish, Paella Montanezca or Cauliflower in Calabres Sauce. Of course the Carnivore in me went for the traditional paella with rabbit, chorizo and chicken. As the rabbit hailed from Quebec, I knew this was worth a try. And once again, the dish rocked off my plate!

 

To end this glorious meal, for dessert I chose the Catalan Style Cream – fried milk with black fruit sauce. I never had this combination before and it was spoon-lickin good! I had to go lighter for dessert as my stomach was ready to expand beyond as the third course was overtly filling. I wore button fly jeans, I was tempted to unbutton the top one…I know we’ve all done this at least once readers!

The meal was one to certainly brag about but in between courses was equally amazing as diners were introduced to strolling servers who belted the tunes from Bizet’s opera – Carmen, in French!

My dining partner and I were baffled as we were being served a plate of our next dish and out comes a tune of ‘Amore Cantada’ from our server. It was so unexpected, yet a beautiful rendition. I was dying to ask questions but the opportunity didn’t present itself until the hour and half passed. Then the singers, disguised as servers (wearing the black slacks and tailored white shirts) came on stage to take their bows. It was a clapping ovation. Some of the servers came from various schools from Canadian Opera Company, Royal Conservatory of Music to Wexford Academy of Music.  Apparently it took two months to prepare for this unique experiential dining event.

This was a first for the Toronto dining scene, the media was all over it. I hope the restaurant continues to do this, as it was an amazing interactive and engaging experience for guests, along with some amazingly tasty good food.

Restaurant Name: Embrujo Flamenco, www.embrujoflamenco.com

Photo courtesy: Henry Chan 

 

 

Bye, Bye, Fly…Besharam rings in 2011 with new digs – The Courthouse

“Happy New Year Besharam Bitches...!” Those are the sweet words I remember from the sexy host, a.k.a. Malika,at the finale event held at The Fly on January 7, 2011.

Let me just say, I’ve never met any man who can pass off being a women and do it with such grace and style, even with 5 inch stillettos on.

Forget about keeping up with the Kardashians, I need to keep up with you!

Besharam has served five years at the Fly, a sin-city joint for those to let loose, dance, tease and truly be ‘shameless’, which is the literal translation of the word 'besharam'.

A new year brings in new resolutions some say, but I wonder if people’s inhibitions to remain shameless will decrease or increase in its new home, the Courthouse? It is indeed a rather upscale event space, however, I’m a firm believer in change so this could be a good thing. And frankly, I’m feeling the need for better bathroom stalls.

I caught up with DJ Amita, the diva behind the brand, who spins variations of bollywood, bhangra, chutney, top 40, reggae and beyond to party-goers.

Q. Are you concerned about the new move?

A. Not really, I’m quite excited. I think this move will give us an opportunity to reinvent Besharam by incorporating some new things like emerging talent, not only on stage but off stage, like decorators, new product companies, catering, etc.

Q. So what type of ideas do you have in mind?

A. Myself and my co-producer, Zavaré, want to create theme-driven events to reflect what’s happening within our community, things that are relevant. From wedding shows to charities to the IIFA’s. We want to cross-brand the event and create a forum to introduce new things.

Q. Sounds like you want to create experiential events with partnerships? Win-win for both?

A. Exactly.

Q. Will you change up the music? Any concerns of losing your audience, since Courthouse is more upscale?

A. No, the music will remain the same, only better. I’ve been undertaking some private lessons with some of TO’s top DJs and I love learning new techniques. We have a strong following from all backgrounds and cross-genders - I believe that's what makes us unique. We don’t segregate from anybody who simply want to dance, without the drama.

Q: That’s true. I noticed you have an eclectic mix of attendees and what I like is that it’s not just South Asians. There are many people from all backgrounds, ages and professions – Tamils, Malaysians, Punjabis, gays, lesbians, Caucasians and even the aunties and uncles.

I admire your ability to keep striving, upgrading skills at any age, any level. Hone your craft. It’s really important to feed one’s soul. Way to go!

So what can we look forward to your kick-off event on February 4?

A: Well… that will remain a bit of a secret. We want to ‘wow’ loyal and new Besharam fans but the theme will fall in line with ‘Sutra’.

Good timing since February is the month of celebrating love. Heck, we should be celebrating love every day with those that matter. But the upcoming event does sound rather seductive.  Hmm…what do I wear?

So readers, this is just a snippet of what to expect from the new Besharam at The Courthouse. Don’t fear -  there won’t be any price increases but there will still be strict policies in place. For more information visit www.besharam.ca.

Lina's TOP FIVE

As David Letterman has his Top Ten, Lina has her Top Five for those who plan on attending Besharam's February event.

1.   Get on the guest list to avoid line ups. Try to arrive before 10:30pm to guarantee access.

2.   Dress sexy, not scantily. Just because its Besharam doesn’t mean one arrives with not much on. Do leave something to the imagination. We can empower ourselves with some great wares! Let’s take lessons from Malika.

3.   Come armed…under the arm. I encourage everyone to spritz on some D-O. Though, I love the Besharam experience, it becomes rather challenging when the bhangra kicks in, all arms are up and well…figure it out readers! I often carry a perfume sampler and when it’s unbearable, a little squirt does the trick!

4.   To the drag community – continue with stillettos and bling! It may raise some eyebrows to the straight guys but trust me, they are envious! US women love the skin you’re in, so bring it on! 

5.   For straight guys (some not all), remember to respect one’s space and those around you. So axe the roaming hands and just dance! One can show off their talents by a cool dance move, like Shah Rukh Khan!

Signing off folks, till next time!

From Tree to Tabletop!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a splendid holiday season and brought in 2011 with some great eats and good cheer with family & friends! Don’t feel guilty if you brought in a few pounds either, its added warmth that’s needed in this darn blistering cold weather!

Now some of you readers may have celebrated Christmas with a  traditional tree, decorations and the whole nine yards. Some of you may have decided to just add bits n bobs (as the Brits say), few elements, to the holiday season with a wreath on the door, maybe some white icicle lights and few ornament type nik naks. For those of you who did nothing, don’t worry, its never too late to buy clearance items (up to 90% off at Pier 1) to incorporate these decorating ideas to your next dinner event!

To the left is a picture of the family tree in my household along with the ornaments I incorporated. It was a fresh tree I picked up from the local farm and applied some decorative items that I brought back from my last India trip. Some items even came out of my jewellery cabinet. I love the crystals, pearls and hand-made gold/silver sequence ornaments. It gives the tree some class.  Mind you, it would have been mind-blasting to have the million dollar tree that was in one of the premiere hotels in Dubai in my digs. Sure Cartier, you can lend me some diamonds and pearls anytime for my tree!!!

Ok wishful thinking, now back to the blog.

I tend to remain in the ‘holiday spirit’ usually until the end of January as I like the house to stay glam’d for a bit. It keeps the spirits high. But when the time comes to put away the ornaments, back in storage, I’m selective.

If you love throwing dinner parties and wintertime is a very good time to invite friends over, as it beats the post-holiday blahs, hold back a few items.

 

I recommend keeping back the ornaments, long strand pearls, the icicle lights, organza fabrics, pinecones, chargers and branches from the fresh Christmas tree.

 As the ornaments I selected were in gold and silver, I took the round hanging globes and placed them in a bamboo boat, along with the pinecones.  It's a nice combination to have a rustic piece with some glitter. 

 

To add some edge, I use the organza fabric as my base table runner.

This really sets the tone for a ‘winter glam’ theme to the dining table and home.

One can always use a woven basket or even those Christmas aluminum tins that someone put your shortbread biscuits in. Its endless! All you need is to lay a decorative organza fabric inside the tin and place the ornaments until it has that overflow look. Then I add the long pearl strands and dress around the bamboo boat. One can be really creative and tie the organza with the lights but be sure to use fire-retardant fabrics, as we don’t need any sudden hazards!

 
To continue with the ‘winter glam’ theme, I keep the gold and silver chargers and incorporate them at the dinner table. So charger, then dinner plate and salad plate on top.

To complete the look, I take my crystal ornaments and I loop them over my cloth napkins, thereby acting as napkin rings. To give it a bit of colour as the opaque in the crystals can blend with a white cloth, I then take my fresh tree branches, cut them down to napkin size and slide it through the ornament loop. Alternatively, just use a fusia colored napkin cloth and the crystal ornament will pop out.

Voila! A beautiful table-top setting, done on a dime!

So decorating divas, no need to hibernate in the house. DO throw some post-holiday dinner parties, recycle the seasonal décor and go glam this winter!

If you have any post holiday looks you’d like to share, feel free to send me photos and your story at [email protected].

Cross - Branding Bollywood style!

Recently I was invited to a Smirnoff event that took place at the Munition Factory, in the heart of the Toronto’s film studio district. I didn’t know much about the event at first but after some web research, l gained more insight. This past summer Smirnoff launched a new campaign called the “Nightlife Exchange Project”.  This peaked my interest as I do enjoy going out but a global party exchange hmm…now that sounds cool!

Check this - Smirnoff takes 14 countries around the world & swaps the nightlife all in one night. So in Toronto we were partying at the same time with people in Bangalore. Tho’ it's a different time zone, we still got to do it together! And it was full on bollywood style, unlike any event I’ve attended in Toronto. Smirnoff got it right! Kuddos to the agencies for really putting on a show!

My senses were over-stimulated from the moment I walked in through the hand painted installations of folding hands (made from mdf). It felt like India for a fleeting moment with riksha cyclists and colorful gypsies walking through the bazaar to smells of masala eggs on the grill by the local dhaba (by Daniel et Daniel catering). Clothing and jewellery vendors to henna artists creating gemmed artistry on the hands of the many guests. 

I was given a handful of 100 rupee bills by the organizer and she told me to buy my drinks with it. I thought, ‘genius and innovative thinking’. So I hand my cash over to the bartender (branded in Smirnoff ware) in exchange for one of their vodka martinis, all blended in some exotic Indian mix. I chose the coconut vodka with sugar cane. My friends went for the masala vodka’s with a pinch of paprika. Like the spice idea!

We continue onwards through the bazaar and into the main party area. It was sheer sexiness. I love it when people can convert a plain warehouse space, and this was a film studio converted into a mega party setting. From sweeping organza fabrics suspended from the ceilings to crystal chandeliers with pyro-technics-  the best part was the platform for the go-go dancers.

Each platform was shaped as white lotuses. So you weren’t looking at a block, that part was covered. It was shaped as a lotus and the stunning India-fy’d dancers were shakin their bootie on it! The DJ booth was set between carved peacocks.

Another big eye-opener for me was the kamasutra wall. It was a large photocopied  image plastered against a large foam board. The photo images were Indian female shaped bodices with live human statues. Three very attractive and fit individuals with not so much attire on, stood still for hours - posing. Its similar to the static sculptures you see in the temples of Kajaraho, India. And the dim lighting added a real mystical element to it.

And there’s more…the conversation room. So a bunch of people hob nobbing under a tent and conversing – NO! It was people getting their twitter on! Guests were granted a few minutes to share their experience either at the many laptop stations or from their handheld devices. The party-goers outside of the tented area, can preview the ‘conversation’ on the big screen behind the dance floor. Incorporating social media - winner!

 

 

I have to say, it was an excellent experience and a great way of cross branding culture and the Smirnoff product. As an event planner who attends many of the city’s top events, it can be tiring to see another bollywood attempt, but really, kudos for getting it right. It was a memorable one for me & my crew!

Photo credit: Nikki-Leigh McKean

Event Guru’s next blog – holiday entertaining hot tips!