Cocktails
This event space has every accommodation required to suit all types of events. The Scarlett Room is well suited for weddings, cocktail dinners and small-scale corporate events. The Grand Symes is 5,600 square feet of space, highly arched ceilings and three skylights, suited for concerts, large productions, fundraisers and car shows.

Mains – Features
The Symes was built in the 1930’s and consists of two grand scale rooms; The Scarlett Room and Grand Symes. The Scarlett Room has a capacity of 280 guests indoors, with a capacity of 250 on the outdoor terrace. The Grand Symes has a capacity of 350 guests. Both rooms are spacious with the perfect amount of natural lighting; while staying true to its Renaissance design.

Sides
A large plus to this venue is the proximity to a new location of The Junction Craft Brewing Co. This fantastic local brewery is right on site, sharing the historical ‘Destructor’ building beside The Symes. This location is brand new, having just opened its doors for business on January 27, 2018.

Dessert
The Symes is partnered with a successful and trendy list of caterers, event service providers, floral and rental companies. Daniel et Daniel, The Food Dudes, Forget Me Not Flowers and Divine Furniture Rentals are among the list and may be an option for your next event at The Symes.

Event Hours: Negotiable

Address: 150 Symes Road, Toronto ON M6N 0B1

For more information and to book a visit, head to their website: https://www.thesymes.ca

Cocktails
The food hall has a serve-yourself setting therefore does not take reservations. There is plenty of seating for guests to seat themselves and enjoy their meals.

Mains – Features
The Assembly has elegant, soft lighting with rustic decor throughout the hall creating a comfortable dining experience. The space boasts 18,000 square-feet with a new 4,000 square-foot patio coming this summer. Capacity: Approximately 370 seated and 750 for a cocktail event

Sides
At Canada’s first food hall, choose from barbeque, seafood, gourmet pizza, sushi, vegan cuisine, desserts and many more food options prepared by the top chefs. Vendors include:

• Tokyo Smoke
• Reyna
• Hibiscus
• Dailo
• Ramen Isshin
• The Good Son
• Bulldog Coffee
• Tachi
• Little Khao
• Cherry Street Bar-B-Que
• Mira Mira
• Resto Boemo
• Shari
• Nutbar
• Love Chix
• Colibri
• Bluenose Lobster
• Short & Sweet

Aside from the many restaurant stations to choose from, the venue features full a wine bar, beer hall, mural and a stage.

Desserts – The Icing
Assembly is conveniently open until 10PM Monday to Saturday with Sunday hours coming soon. Download the Assembly Chef’s Hall app on the App Store or Google Play and earn rewards such as free dinner for one year!

Virtual Tour

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/111+Richmond+St+W,+Toronto,+ON+M5H+2G4/@43.6503522,-79.3859838,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x882b34cd97de58e1:0xd2602fc0596a5d5b!8m2!3d43.6503522!4d-79.3837951

Address: 111 Richmond St W Toronto, ON M5H 2G4
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm
Contact: (647) 557-5993 or hello@assemblychefshall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatassembly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatAssembly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eatassembly

Pick 6ix, sneak peek inside the restaurant – Photo taken by: Deborah Lewis

Starters
Have you heard of Toronto artist Drake’s newest restaurant in town? Located right in the heart of the city, Pick 6ix is the newest hot spot in town.

Cocktails
This venue is where our very own artist hosts his private parties with celebrities; NBA superstars, OVO crew etc. How amazing is the opportunity to host your event in the same venue Drake likes to host his own. At Pick 6ix you’re sure to often see the crowd order bottles of wine but when dinner time comes, you get to see all the fabulous cocktails. The Black Widow is the top-selling cocktail, made with Drake’s Virginia Black whiskey.

Mains
Pick 6ix is the place to enjoy top quality drinks and food while being in an atmosphere that has a mix of an upscale lounge or dinner and a sports bar. Without forgetting that they offer healthy high-end dishes and lots of sashimi and sushi.

The restaurant features a 2,100-square-foot open concept with a glass enclose that slides down by the simple touch of a button. Once the glass ceiling is opened it creates a great open patio environment. (See picture below.)

Pick 6ix Patio – Photo taken by Deborah Lewis

Side 
The venue has three private rooms, two of them can be combined and let’s not forget that anyone can have access to Drake’s personal room with a private entrance when he’s not around.

Dessert
The resto lounge space has a permanent DJ station for your next event. Although Pick 6ix is a high class venue, they host SIX DEGREES, a social media series by E! Stay tuned as the series discusses everything from sports to the hottest topics in pop culture.
Pick 6ix’s operation hours are Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. which is great as not a lot of restaurants in the city are open late nights.

Capacity
The restaurant seats 178, with an outdoor terrace accommodating up to 100 guests.

Website: https://www.pick6ixto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pick6ixto/

Contact Info: info@pick6ixto.com

Their specialty is Smoker’s Choice Family Style Meat, this special menu is a large platter for sharing. You will live a refined BBQ experience. For only $44 per person, you can have wings, salad, one side, you can choose 3 types of meat on 9 different types of meat and day’s dessert. Don’t miss it! For groups of up to 10, hands-on cooking sessions reveal the secrets to achieving BBQ perfection in an over or a smoker.

Barque Butcher Bar suggests a lot of meats, from poultry to seafood, everyone can find what he likes! Between $5 and $16, it’s totally accessible. Plus, you can take fresh salad, fries or poutine. And don’t forget to taste their daily cupcakes. The maximum capacity is 40 private seats, 25 semi-private seats, and 60 standing.

By Kevin Hewitt Photography.

Venue:

Barque Butcher and Bar

287 Roncesvalles Avenue

Toronto, ON M6R 2M3

Hours:

SHOP HOURS:

Monday – Thursday: 12PM – 10PM

Friday: 12PM – 11PM

Saturday: 10AM – 11PM

Sunday: 10AM – 9:30PM

KITCHEN HOURS

Monday – Thursday: 5PM – 10PM

Friday: 5PM – 11PM

Saturday: 12PM – 11PM

Sunday: 12PM – 9:30PM

By Kevin Hewitt Photography

In order to register you:

416.532.7700

butchers@barque.ca

For private event, register you at:

events@barque.ca

Social Media:

Website: https://barque.ca/pages/butcherbar

Twitter: @barquebutchers

Instagram: @barquebbq

Facebook: @barquebutchers

By Kevin Hewitt Photography

Astrolab offers you access to the space and gear you need to create your dream projects of all shapes and sizes using the all-inclusive equipment packages. The Studios caters to commercial, independent film and music video production. Studio spaces are available for rent even by the hour and with 3 different studios to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect setting that fits your needs.

Studio 1 (Photo Courtesy of Astrolab)

STUDIO 1
Studio 1 is 2,789 square feet (including support spaces) and access to support spaces. 4×4 grid with 17? clear height and 44’ x 50’ white cyc (can be painted any colour for an additional charge), Dedicated 200 amp three-phase service, Distro, grip and lighting equipment with Built-in cyc lights.

STUDIO 2
Studio 2 with 1,500 square feet has access to support spaces with17? clear heights, 27’ x 30’ white cyc and 200 amp three-phase service.

STUDIO 3
Studio 3 with 300 square feet comes pre-lit with pro level and pre-rigged LED lighting.Includes 18? continuous white cyc wall, grid at 12? from floor, and access to support spaces. All lighting is top-of-the-line, user-friendly LED.

Studio 3 In Action (Photo courtesy of Astrolab)

Still looking for a space to prep before filming? Astrolab has you covered. Offering support spaces for hair & makeup, a kitchen lounge, wardrobe, audio recording and mixing booth, editing and color spaces and offices (Boardroom), you’ll find everything you need at Toronto’s first on-demand studio.

For further information check check out http://astrolab.studio .

Facebook: AstroLab Studios Inc.
Twitter: @astrolabstudios
Instagram: AstroLab Studios Inc.

416-844-0191
629 Eastern Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 1E4

In 1972 it was rebranded to appeal to youthful blues and rock fans, bringing in the likes of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Tom Waits, U2, and Elvis Costello.  Its infamy exploded in 1977 with a surprise performance by the Rolling Stones (where they also recorded the Love You Live album). They booked massive acts like Blondie, the Ramones, Devo and Joan Jett. Basically, it was the place to go for live music in Toronto.

The Rolling Stones play El Mocambo under the alias ‘The Cockroaches’ March 1977. Photo courtesy of Toronto Star.

Changes in the music industry’s touring practices meant a decline in business for the El Mocambo, unable to book big names, they resorted to small local acts. The club was sold in 1986 and suffered many changes of hand and closures over the years.

But like a classic rock band, the El Mocambo resurrected in the 90’s as an underground and garage music venue hosting the likes of White Stripes and Zoobombs and helping in the launch of Peaches, Toronto’s breakout electronic musician and performance artist.

El Mo changed hands and was reinvented once again in 2001 to feature music from every genre and a particular focus on charity events, hosting fundraisers for War Child, Amnesty International, Free the Children, World Vision and Blanket-Fest.

The famous neon palm tree El Mocambo sign will continue to hang out front after more than 65 years. Photo from INK Entertainment’s Instagram.

November 6th, 2014 was to be the final swan song for the venue that could. At the last minute, the venue was bought by Dragon’s Den outspoken Michael Wekerle. But it has been closed since then, but for good reason, it’s been under renovations for yet another reincarnation.

This time around the El Mocambo will be home to a recording and production studio, designed my the same people that did Jimi Hendricks studio in NYC, as well as host live music events. The new El Mo will be managed by INK Entertainment, the same company behind REBEL, UNIUN, and Batch.  The remarketing and lead up is quickly gaining momentum on social media for the summer 2017 reopen. In the meantime, you can buy swag from their pop-up shop (when it’s not sold out of branded classic logo shirts and hats), Prohibition at 66 Kensington.

Keep an eye on our blog if this excites you as much as it does us. We’ll be sure to keep you updated

– Paula McDines

Drake Commissary will offer fully customizable event planning that will include every step from innovative food and drink, to art, music, and décor. Expect expert event coordination for anything from afternoon brainstorming sessions to team building events where you can get your hands messy at a cooking class. And of course, there will be a bar for after work cocktails accompanied by talks from artists.

Continuing with their promise to serve healthy, unprocessed food, the new bakery will be dedicated to exploring new and fresh creations daily using locally sourced products. The whole place is set to become a “gastronomic town square” that blends the edges of guests and chefs.

The Drake’s expanding empire now includes the Commissary, Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty, Drake Devonshire Inn and multiple Drake General Stores. Each venue encapsulating and reflecting its own unique neighbourhood.

Read all about the features and exciting happenings here, and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available

Island Yacht Club is often referred to as the most beautiful cove on the Toronto Islands. Your holiday event begins at Queens Quay where you board the private shuttle to your retreat on the island. Relax while enjoying the view of the Toronto Skyline on the short 10 minute boat ride to Muggs Island.

This is a popular venue for corporate meetings and weddings. The Clubhouse has a capacity of 414 guests, including the outdoor patio area. There is a full catering service on site that offers a menu for any occasion.

In the summer there is a tent set up outside for private dining, picnics etc.

The facility can accommodate the following capacities:

-Club House : 414 guests (including outdoor patio area)

-Other Activities : Two clay tennis courts, Pool(connected to patio), Nature Trail, and Kayak.

-Kids Club : It includes sailing, hikes, volleyball, badminton and swimming.

Address: 89 Queen Quay West P.O. Box 81079, Toronto, ON, M5J 2V3

Contact: admin@iyc.ca / 416,203,2582

Website: http://iyc.ca/

If curiosity truly gets the best of you, you’ll notice a faint outline of a door that leads to the best section of Figures.

(Photo courtesy of Figures Toronto)

Through the secret passageway you’ll find yourself in a beautiful restaurant that takes pride in the joys of comic book imagery; custom art, comic themes and some of your favourite superheroes and villains fill the walls, filling you with feelings of nostalgia and excitement.

But what really gets people to come back is the mix of tapas, shareable plates and delicious food that is offered on the menu (which you only get to take a look at once you visit the restaurant in person!) For the curious minds however, you have choices of Yellow Beet & Yukon Gold Gnocchi ($22) or even a Warm Crab Cake over Lightly Truffled Crab Salad ($26) and more.

In terms of events, the venue is a fantastic space for networking and entertaining as the atmosphere provides an intimate space with plenty of character that will be sure to be an icebreaker for guests

Space: 2,000 Sq. Feet

Capacity: 80 seated | 150 cocktail

This space also has a DJ booth and an area for socializing, Figures’ guests can enjoy a delicious dinner into a vibrant nightlife.

Whether it’s through the use of stormtrooper appearances in your latte’s and cocktails or the Pac-Man that seems to leave behind neon trails on the ceiling, you’ll be fascinated with what Figures has to offer.

Ceiling view (Photo courtesy of Figures Toronto)

For more information visit: http://figuresto.com/

Or email: info@figuresto.ca

Twitter: @figurestoronto

137 Avenue Road

Toronto, ON, M5R 1R2

416-900-1022

Our Deb Lewis from CityEvents was lucky enough to see the ballroom a few times over the last decade at Doors Open Toronto. The first time over a decade ago, when the room was full of cobwebs and was only used by a local fly fishing club. After that the ballroom was deemed unsafe so it was years later after the renovation started she was able to see the ballroom starting to take shape.  “It is such an exciting time to see the King Eddy ballroom rebirth for another century of key events.”

Named after their adorned crystal chandeliers, the Crystal Ballroom also kept its old-world charm meets modern luxury with ornate moldings, 8-metre high coffered ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city. These features are what makes the Crystal Ballroom the most popular venue for hosting grand society affairs, royal galas, debutante balls, weddings and conventions.

In fact, since opening in 1922, the venue, located on the hotel’s 17th floor has hosted some of Toronto’s most prestigious and extravagant events from the 1920s to the 1970s including:

• August 8, 1927 - The Prince of Wales (later, the uncrowned King Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor) and British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin were entertained with a lavish state dinner.

• 1939 – Senator Frank O’Connor founder of Laura Secord Candy in Canada, received a remarkable testimonial dinner, which had a crowd overflow the hall and the head table was filled with the chief representatives of the king, the government and the city including Mayor Ralph C. Day

• April 12, 1955 - Polio Vaccine proved effective and safe for 80% to 90% of children across Canada and the US. Nearly 700 doctors, technicians and nurses crowded the Crystal Ballroom to watch the news report on two dozen TV Sets, installed specifically for the occasion.

And it seems that the hotel has some very strong intentions to keep doing so, especially with the new restoration that has brought new life and shine to the ballroom.

For more info about the Crystal Ballroom re-opening, click here: Omni King Edward Hotel