Dine Magazine's 10th Anniversary

By: Sari Colt

When you want to find out where to enjoy a delicious dinner in South Beach or what it's like to travel through Tuscany to sample the best Italian wines, Dine Magazine is your go-to resource. The publication is known for its stunning photography and insightful profiles in the areas of food, wine and luxury travel. 

Dine Magazine recently celebrated its tenth anniversary issue with a wonderful reception at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Cheryl Hickey of ET Canada is featured on the cover.  At the reception, editor-in-chief, Sara Waxman spoke eloquently about the hard work and perseverance it took to get the magazine off the ground and was grateful for the encouragement by her late husband in becoming a food writer. 

And as befitting the theme of the evening, there were delicious dishes to taste (catered by The Four Seasons)  accompanied by fabulous wines. We enjoyed: gnocchi pasta with bison short ribs ragout; sweet potato puree baby spinach and tonka bean jus; oven roasted Ontario beef sirloin  with marjoram buttermilk zucchini and grilled asparagus; quinoa and black kale with Szechaun jus; an artisanal cheese board with quince jam, house made pickled vegetables, toasted sour dough bread, walnut raisin crisp and pate en croute, and pate de campagne charcuterie board. 

Some of the noteworthy guests attending the event included  Jeanne Beker, Liona Boyd, Robin Barker, Jaymz Bee, Jenninfer Holness, Sudz Sutherland, and Robert Deluce. 

Congratulations Dine Magazine on the past 10 years!

Photography by Allan Tong.

The 28th Annual Canadian Film Centre BBQ Fundraiser

By: Sari Colt

I recently attended the 28th Annual Canadian Film Centre (CFC) BBQ Fundraiser, which was held at the historic Windfields estate, on a spectacular September day. There were close to 2000 guests attending the event, which supports the work of the CFC's programs in film, television, music and new media. Some of the CFC programs include the Actors' Conservatory, the Slaight Family Music Lab, CFC Media Lab, Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, the DHX Experience and many others.
 
The BBQ also celebrated the work of CFC alumni who had their films showing at TIFF 2016, including The Headhunter's Calling, Below Her Mouth, Maudie, and Two Lovers and a Bear. 

Tents were set up throughout the grounds featuring food and drink and various industry suppliers. I enjoyed tasty treats from 10tation Event Catering, Fat Lamb Kouzina Catering, The Mighty Cob, Gelato Fresco, Holy Cannoli, Lollicakes, Crystal Head Vodka, Flow Water, Magnotta Winery, Brickworks Cider, Mill Street Brewery and more! 

Christina Jennings, chair of the Board of Directors and CFC CEO, Slawko Klymkiw gave speeches thanking everyone for attending the fundraiser.

Then, legendary Canadian producer/director and CFC founder Norman Jewison came to the podium. Jewison spoke about the accomplishments of the CFC alumni and their successes. 

In the greenhouse, the Media Lab set up virtual reality stations whereby guests could use HTC Vive headset to participate in games.

Musical entertainment was provided by Adaline and Tomi Swick.

Among the many guests attending were actor Naomi Snieckus (Mr. D), actor/director Art Hindle, and comedian/actor Ron James.

I am already looking forward to the 29th Annual CFC BBQ!

Learn more about the Canadian Film Centre here: cfccreates.com

Photos by Liz Tomkins. 

The Rebirth of Toni & Guy in Toronto

By: Sari Colt & The Charming Modernist

I first learned about the hair salon, Toni & Guy during my university career. One day, I was walking along Charles Street in my neighbourhood of Yorkville when I could sense someone looking my way. A trendy girl grinned at me and I had to do a double-take, as the girl that I could not recognize was my housemate, Leslie. Her shoulder length brown hair was transformed to onyx black and cut asymmetrically. "You look like a rock star!" I exclaimed. Leslie said that she had just gotten her hair done at Toni & Guy and raved about her amazing experience at the salon.

A few months later, I visited Toni & Guy and had my hair layered. I was very happy with the results and went back. At that time, the salon was located on Bloor Street West and once it moved and changed its name to Industry, I had moved out of the neighbourhood and found another salon. 

                       MY MOTHER, BETTY COLT (Left) IS A LONG-TIME CLIENT OF TONI & GUY AND HER HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS STYLISH. 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the salon is back in business in Yorkville. Toni & Guy recently celebrated its grand reopening in high style and we were invited to mark the occasion. Rob and Clarissa Pupo, owners of the Toronto location, were on hand to greet their guests, which included Toni & Guy's international creative director, Zak Mascolo. The salon is stark white and is very spacious and open. The team at Toni & Guy Toronto get along fabulously. Rob and Clarissa are both talented hairstylists. Clarissa has also won multiple awards for makeup artistry. 

Toni & Guy is a ubiquitous brand that has a long and illustrious history in the hair industry. Founded by the Mascolo brothers, Guiseppe, Gaetano, Bruno and Anthony in 1963 in England, Toni & Guy salons are now in 42 countries world-wide. The stylists are all trained in the Toni & Guy methodology, with on-trend haircutting and colouring. Bruno Mascolo and Zak Mascolo (Gaetano's son) are very hands on creatively and plan on further expanding the company. The TIGI line of hair products and cosmetics including their popular 'Bed Head ' line now has a pet line called 'Pet Head' for those who wish to spoil their pooches.

Toni & Guy Toronto is one salon worth paying a visit to for being pampered in style and getting the full cutting edge hair experience. 

To learn more about Toni & Guy, visit: toniguy.com/hair-salons/toronto-on/cumberland-street/

128 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6
416-920-7775