Written By:Mercedes Lamoca

Come out with your friends and family and enjoy the new beautiful Restaurant called Barsa. It’s an amazing Spanish inspired tapas restaurant, located on Market Street directly beside the historic St. Lawrence Market. At Barsa we tried a wide range of all different kinds of foods from all over the world also tying in the vibrant Barcelona-inspired atmosphere.

Food

Executive Chef Michael G. Smith allows for the guests to taste, discover and share. The menu has a global feeling to reflect all of the diverse cultures in Toronto. The chef uses the finest local and global seasonal ingredients for his unique menu items.  Some of the top dishes that Chef Michael and his crew put together include the Sea Bream Ceviche with pecans, Tiger milk, avocado mousse and foie; and Sangria cakes with coconut tres leche, compressed fruit and mango sorbet.  We tried one of their special sangria drinks, they have  a variety and we recommend them both for winter and summer. Barsa’s philosophy of evolving modern small plates combine worldly flavors with International techniques to deliver a diverse menu guaranteed to satisfy any palate. Come try for yourself and be in “aww”

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is very interesting; the restaurant is the joining of the City and culture of Barcelona with Toronto. Nearly every aspect of the Barsa Taberna design has an inspiration, a story and is unique to only Barsa Taberna. We learned the lights were specially designed to reflect its Spanish heritage and light up the place perfectly.  All of the furniture was custom made and the designs on the floor were specially created for Barsa.  The lovely patterned floors were inspired by the mosaics’ that you will find throughout Spain, specifically in the Palace Al Cazar in Sevilla (Southern Spain). All of this while keeping the historic building and condition in place. The building itself is a heritage building that’s been carefully restored. The renovation  has kept most of its 1800s identity of Toronto, which not only creates for a beautiful parallelism with the Spanish influence but also hints at the history and identity of early Toronto.

Website:http://barsataberna.com/

Twitter: @BarsaTaberna

Barsa Taberna Events:

events@barsataberna.com

Address: 26 Market Street, Toronto, Canada

Here is a list of inductees who were celebrated:

- Paralympian Stephanie Dixon who was the first Canadian woman in history to win five gold medals in a single Paralympic Games winning 19 medals throughout her career.

- Ramesh Ferris, who is a global leader in the battle to end polio. He hand-cycled more than 7,000 kilometres across Canada to raise money and awareness for global polio eradication, education and rehabilitation and provide humane support and rehabilitation for the survivors.

- Jerry and Annie Johnston who introduced Canada’s first program for disabled skiers and were instrumental in the growth of the sport in Canada.

- Founder, publisher, editor and guiding spirit of Abilities magazine connecting 80,000 readers across Canada, Raymond D. Cohen (posthumously)

- This year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient is David Crombie who always has time for disability issues, beginning with his Mayor’s Task Force on the Disabled, and then, for 20 years the selection committee chair for the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame and gifted MC for every presentation.

After guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, the award-giving ceremony started with a speech provided by CFPDP Chair, Honourable Vim Kochhar. After he presented the awards, each of the inductees made a touching short speech that made guests reconsider about the importance how to view people with a disability. The hall was filled with applause due to the inductees’ amazing speeches.

In case you missed the exciting news, we at CityEvents, Toronto’s premier event planning boutique, have expanded operations to include CitySocial, our social media management & training division! The new services being offering consist of designing and executing online marketing campaigns for products and events, focusing on social media planning and tactics. Additionally, we will have training and guidance available for those who wish to manage their own online marketing, but are not familiar with social media, or the right strategy for them.

We cater our event planning and marketing services to small and medium size businesses in international trade, arts and culture, and the hospitality sectors, as well as non-profit organizations. We are also offering our new social media services in French and Spanish!

Two weeks ago we had the opportunity to launch CitySocial, as the official social media sponsor of UnExpected ’13, the Opening Night VIP Party for the Canadian Special Events Expo. Our team managed online interactions prior to and after the event, and were responsible for on-site promotion of contests, and social media engagement. This recent expansion will now offer our client’s the opportunity for one stop shopping at CityEvents, from product and event development, marketing strategies, metrics, and more.

Check out the photos from UnExpected ’13 and our CitySocial launch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157633048285693

I had the honour of attending Event Showcase Night at The Royal Conservatory’s Telus Centre. It was an evening specifically for Event Planners to showcase the glorious hall and various reception rooms. The Telus Centre has an exclusive list of suppliers that commanded our presence that evening. My Uber black car pulled up to 273 Bloor Street West. I walked down a long aisle to be greeted by polite and professional wait staff carrying warm up drinks of some pomegranate coloured, sweet and sour with a splash of sparkling bubbles. I continued down a long hallway (regrettably in my stilettos, albeit it was a walk that entwined both romance and modern art that made the walk oh so spectacular. One wall was composed of a brick wall and a glass enclosure on the other, humbly overlooking the atrium, home to the b’espresso bar, where you will see students mingling amongst classical repertoires.

 A group of exclusive, yet diverse vendors were lined up on the circumference of the main lobby. Behind each vendor, their company name was discreetly but creatively

displayed in white font, and appeared to be floating, on the glass window behind them. How tasteful.  Only the finest samplings were provided. It was not your usual chicken on a stick or spring roll offering. There was melt in your mouth, fork tender beef ribs carved in the creamiest polenta ever. There was fois gras stuffed cornish hen. Clearly no expense was spared. But wait, there were also lobster rolls stuffed in those bite size half moon, mini white bread concoctions.

 A beautiful jazz trio, dressed in tuxedos played in the corner of the glass enclosed hall. Could the evening be any more perfect?

 You can rent one of the three floors but why would you? Go big or go home and rent the entire venue. It’s a must for your special occasion. Except, all in, it starts at about $50, 000 as you must rent each individual floor and bring in caterers and décor and tables and chairs. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

 If you’re looking for a gorgeous venue and your budget has lots of room for incidentals, consider the breathtaking Telus Centre. And put me on your guest list.

Locus 144

Located minutes away from the chaotic streets of downtown core, Liberty Village is an emerging community for socializing and networking just west of Toronto for businesses and residents. CityEvents and InLibertyVillage.com host events which enable locals to meet and mingle with each other. Continuing this successful trend- Locus 144, located in The Liberty Market during “Live It Up in Liberty”, held a successful community networking event on Thursday, July 28th showcasing their unique dinner menu and spirits lists.

The ambience of Locus 144 is very soothing, especially after a long day at work one would want tounwind and submerge themselves into the warm and cozy colour pallets of thedecor with lit candles welcoming you at the dinner table or lounge seating.

Lights were dimmed to perfection and the music just loud enough so people could still talk and not yell in each other’s ears. Locus also invited a local classic/pop singer to add some flavour to the already vibrant event and Lucia (www.luciaonline.com) sang for a set before the D.J took over playing into the late hours of a beautiful summer evening.

For more pictures go to: Link

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, MP was one of the many distinguished guests present to witness an evening dedicated to Vim Kochhar, Canadian Senator and tireless advocate to the disabled community.

Kochhar has been working with the disabled community since 1984. His efforts include the creation of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, a foundation that has raised millions of dollars for the community. Kochhar is also a major supporter of the Paralympic movement and as the chair of the Canadian Paralympic Foundation carried the torch during the Paralympic Games this past winter.

On January 29, 2010 Kochhar was the first Indian-born Canadian to be appointed into the Canadian Senate.

Suhana Meharchand of CBC News Network acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event that raised funds for the services offered at the Canadian Helen Keller Centre.

Stephen Harper extended his congratulations to Kochhar via an address made by Minister Flaherty.

Other speakers at the event included: His Excellency, Shashisekhar Madhukar Gavai, High Commissioner of India to Canada, Wilf Wilkinson, past-president of Rotary International, Patrick Jarvis, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Foundation, Gail Asper of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Senator Con Di Nino and Cindy Accardi, executive director of RCH and CHKC with Larry Corke, co-chairs.

After many heart-felt speeches made by those distinguished guests, Kochhar took the stage to receive his award. In his acceptance speech he expressed his pride for being Canadian. Kochhar also noted the progress that has been made over the years to provide barrier-free and independent living for the disabled community.

The CHKC is the only residential training centre in Canada for deaf-blind persons. The CHKC services help people develop alternate ways to care for oneself, one’s family and one’s home. The CHKC also facilitates connections to peers and the community through the development of alternative forms of communication, computing and through self-advocacy and peer support.

With its urban garden theme, live entertainment, host bar and dancing all proceeds of the night go to support POGO!

Jardin Annual POGO Gala

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 -9.30 PM
Location: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
25 British Columbia Road, Exhibtion Place, Toronto
Costs: $300, $400 per person
For Tickets Visit: http://www.pogo.ca/gala2010.html

Jardin After party

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Time: 9.30 -1.00 AM
Location: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
25 British Columbia Road, Exhibtion Place, Toronto
Costs: $100 per person
Dress code : Glamorous
For Tickets Visit: http://www.pogo.ca/gala2010.html

After last yeas success, FastLane has once again partnered with United Way GeNext, Encouraging Torontonians to make a difference, by becoming involved with United Way Toronto through giving and volunteering.

Other community partners include the Junior League of Toronto,  an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism. And Volunteer Toronto, connecting people through volunteer opportunities.

Kultura will once again host April’s FastLane, absorb the rustic appeal of Kultura at this unique networking experience.

Join us with FastLaneon April 13, 2010 and take the chance to meet young professionals, build relationships and fulfill your career, community, lifestyle and social goals.

FastLane Networking Theme: FastLane in the Community

Cost: On-line Advance $25 or $35 at the Door, 2 for $40 in advance

Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Time: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Location: Kultura, 169 King Street E

For Tickets Visit : https://secure.gettickets.ca/?event=15620

Remember to purchase your tickets soon, as space is limited.

*Your ticket includes a complementary beverage, hors d’oeuvres and a gift bag valued at over $50.00

Hosted By : CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning

Join our FastLane Facebook Group and check out the Event Listing!

Have All of Your Event Scene Questions Answered by CityEvents’ Resident Expert!

Deborah Lewis, CMP, is the Chief Experience Officer of CityEvents, an innovative and detail-oriented event-marketing firm, with longstanding and sound contacts in the corporate world, government, and charitable & not-for-profit organizations in Toronto. Deborah’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch CityEvents in 2006 with a view to creating benchmarks in event planning in the city.

Currently, Deborah’s insatiable energy and drive have allowed her to accomplish the skilled organization of multiple events that include: corporate meetings, international trade programs, conferences and workshops, social and networking events, high-profile fund-raising events, fashion shows, art auctions, restaurant promotions, sponsor promotions, trade shows, and product launches
Deborah is also a long-standing member of volunteer committees organizing events such as The Canadian Opera Company’s Operanation, the PowerPlant Powerball, Innovators Ball, the new Luminato committee and the Women in Capital Markets (WCM) annual Vinifera Awards Gala.

Deborah attends a number of events a week from product and location launches, anniversary parties, political, networking, fashion shows, fundraising events and many programs / events that make up the city of Toronto come alive for her monthly column called SNAPazzarri in SNAP North Toronto and SNAP Downtown Toronto.(Attending all the hot events in TO allows Deborah to experience first hand the trends in events for many markets first hand)

How to Submit Your Questions

With over 15 years of experience Deb knows the ins & outs of event planning and marketing in Toronto. Hot spots, tips and tricks, great parties, awesome food, helpful suppliers – Deb knows it all. If you have a question regarding anything to do with Toronto and its event scene Deb has got your answer! There are three outlets to contact Deb they are:

Facebook

Join the CityEvents Group on Facebook and post your question on the wall

Twitter

Follow CityEvents on Twitter Mention or Direct Message us your Question!

Email us your Question

Please Include the words ASK DEB in your Questions!

Answers will be posted on deblewis.ca so check back !