THE WINNERS' CIRCLE October 8, 2019

Culinary Olympians raise funds in Ont., Alta. and N.L.

TORONTO, EDMONTON, N.L. — Canada's Olympic Culinary Team, which will compete with teams from all over the world next February 16 at the 25th IKA/Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany, Germany. Culinary Team Canada 2020 is a lineup of like-minded volunteer chef professionals from across Canada whose mission it is to bring home the gold in 2020. These individuals are honoured to present our diverse culture and delicious Canadian delicacies to the world.

Members of Culinary Team Canada presented a four-course wine-paired menu in preparation fo the Olympics at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport on Sept. 27. Sponsors of the event were Sysco Canada, F. Dick, Food Supplies, AMT Gastroguss, Chefs Hat, Culinary Federation, Orved Vacuum Masters, McMaster University, Scanbox, Monin, Crowne Plaza and Manga Hotels.

“The event was very successful,” said Tony Fernandes, executive chef at the hotel and member of the team. “We raised $30,000 making this the best event ever.” Last year's event raised $25,000.

Fernandes has participated in three Culinary Olympics and three World Cup competitions, and is one of six members of the management team this time. Ryan Marquis of C.W. Shasky and Associates is the team manager.

Culinary Team Canada also held another fundraising dinner on Oct. 3 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Sponsors of the dinner were Erdmann's Gardens & Greenhouses, Fin's Select Meats and Seafood and The Wine Cellar.

Later this month, four members of the team, Chefs Fernandes, Marquis, Olaf Mertens of the Canadian Food & Wine Institute, and Carmelo Vadacchino of Food Supplies, will travel to Newfoundland, putting on dinners at the Holiday Inn Express in Deer Lake on Oct. 17; the Ocean View Hotel, Rocky Harbour on Oct. 18; and the Marble Inn Resort, Steady Brook on Oct. 19.

Parq Vancouver celebrates two years

VANCOUVER — Two years ago we opened our doors and welcomed the world to experience Vancouver in a new way. Thank you, thank you to all of our clients, partners, guests and associates for making our moments together meaningful and successful, said Amy Ballard, director of sales & marketing JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS, an Autograph Collection Hotel.

Chelsea Hotels has now raised $700,000 for Sick Kids

TORONTO — Last month, the Chelsea Hotel Toronto presented a cheque for $100,000 to SickKids Foundation as part of their commitment to raise $1 million in support of the #SickKidsVSLimits campaign. To date, they have raised $700,000.

As a result, the hotel is recognized as a Grand Partner – a community leader who shares the SickKids vision, and who can help to transform their vision into a reality and revolutionize pediatric health care access, quality and effectiveness, both at home, and around the world.

“The ability to “give back” to the community is not only an important philosophy of the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto but it is something the hotel practices every day. We are not only willing to go above and beyond to bring comfort to our guests, but also to bring comfort to families in need in the local community in which we operate. It is our hope to not only increase awareness for SickKids, but to continue to raise much needed funds to help those children in their care,” said Josef Ebner, regional vice-president – Canada & managing director, Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.

For the past eighteen years, the annual Chelsea Charity Golf Classic has raised funds and awareness for charity and this year’s event will once again, support AboutKidsHealth.

Looking ahead, SickKids continues to take on the greatest challenges in child health through the SickKids VS Limits campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in Canadian healthcare history and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform child and youth health.

Condé Nast recognizes Pacific Northwest Fairmonts

Condé Nast Traveler recently unveiled the winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, voting all five Fairmont properties in the Pacific Northwest Region to the Top 10 Hotels in Canada and Top 10 Hotels in Vancouver, Canada lists. Fairmont Empress is named as one of the Top 10 Hotels in Canada. Located in Victoria, BC, Canada’s Castle on the Coast earned this distinction for the hotel’s stunning blend of Edwardian architecture and Pacific Northwest modern décor, iconic Tea at the Empress, and its picturesque location overlooking the city’s sparkling inner harbour.

On the Top 10 Hotels in Canada / Vancouver list, Fairmont Pacific Rim earned an overall second place for its five-star luxury urban resort amenities and award-winning restaurant and cocktail destinations. Fairmont Vancouver Airport (#5) was awarded for its soundproof birds-eye view of the runway comings and goings from the luxury of the newly renovated Fairmont Gold floor, while Fairmont Waterfront (#6) was recognized for its prime location and relaxed west-cost luxury that embraces a sustainable philosophy. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (#9), celebrating its 80^th Anniversary this year and a completion of a $75M hotel renovation, including the re-design of their Fairmont Gold floor and collection of heritage suites, is also proudly represented.

“It’s an honour to receive this prestigious recognition by readers’ who have rated their travel experiences at Fairmont Hotels across the Pacific Northwest region,” comments Jens Moesker, regional vice-president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “Our hotel teams are dedicated to the pursuit of service excellence and these awards are a testament to our colleagues’ commitment to creating memorable experiences for our guests every day.”

“It’s an honour to receive this prestigious recognition by readers’ who have rated their travel experiences at Fairmont Hotels across the Pacific Northwest region,” comments Jens Moesker, regional vice-president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “Our hotel teams are dedicated to the pursuit of service excellence and these awards are a testament to our colleagues’ commitment to creating memorable experiences for our guests every day.”

LOUIX LOUIS wins Best International Hotel Design

TORONTO — Alex Marconi, marketing and PR manager at Toronto's St. Regis hotel, is incredibly proud to share that The St. Regis Toronto and LOUIX LOUIS were awarded 'Best International Hotel Design' at the recent 2019 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London, U.K. He sent out a special thank you to the DesignAgency and the Marriott Luxury Design Team for their dedicated support and stunning execution!