Monthly Archives: February 2012

Walla Walla Ping Pong Kingpin Charles Smith

On Thursday February 23, legendary Washington winemaker Charles Smith (of K Vintners and Charles Smith Wines fame) will be visiting Toronto for the very first time, and he wants to play ping pong. Are you up for the challenge? If you work in Toronto's hospitality industry, drop by anytime after 9pm at SPiN Toronto at 461 King Street West. Charles will be pouring some of his great wines (including the much-lauded Royal City Syrah) and introducing his new Secco Italian Bubbles, all while kicking your ass at ping pong.

To get on the list for this trade-only one-of-a-kind event, call Lifford at (416) 440-4101.

The New York Times has called her "one to watch," and her W Network television show Candice Tells All is an inspiration to many. We're excited that Candice Olson will be joining us for for Ladies' Night on Thursday March 8th (which is also International Women's Day).

After earning her degree at the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University, Candice launched a very successful commercial and residential design business. Her first foray into television soon followed. "Divine Design" reached viewers in 160 countries over its eight seasons. In 2005, she launched The Candice Olson Collections, her own lines of furniture, lighting, wallpaper, fabric, appliances and more. Her new show "Candice Tells All" is now in its second season and between Canada and the US (where the show airs on HGTV), she reaches more than 100 million viewers each week.

Although she lives here in Toronto with her husband and two children, she's in demand all over the world and so we're very lucky to have her. Along with other well-known Canadian designers, she'll be presenting some tips and ideas for home decor while enjoying some great food and wine. All in support of a great cause, too. Funds will support the Women Moving Women campaign of the Canadian Women's Foundation.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Ladies' Night web site.

Join Canada's three Master Sommeliers at Aria on Tuesday February 28th for the Master Sommelier Challenge, a food and wine pairing that is truly rare. John Szabo, Jennifer Heuther and Bruce Wallner will face off matching four courses with four wines.

Canapes and champagne introduce the evening. The theme is duck, with Aria Chef Eron Novalaski working his magic in the kitchen. Four courses, four opportunities to excite the senses. Pinot is up to the task, and the considerable library of the Lifford/Schiralli agency will be tapped for your tasting pleasure. Their archives are considerable, drawing on names like Louis Jadot, Kooyong, Felton Road, Carrick, Craggy Range, Schug, Freestone, Amity, St. Innocent, Frescobaldi Pomino, La Pineta and more. The best part? Guests will vote to determine the winner.

On Tuesday, February 28, a remarkable experience awaits. Join the lucky few and witness history, along with esteemed food writer James Chatto who will preside over the evening. In addition to dinner, wine pairings, cheese course and dessert, guests will receive a gift bag containing a premium item from Le Creuset and the Dairy Farmers of Canada. (One gift bag per couple or individual ticket holder.) Seating is limited.

Call 1-888-711-9399 to reserve your place at the table. Tickets are $225/each which includes champagne reception, food, wine and gratuity. Taxes are extra. For more details visit www.visainfinite.ca.