2023 Wrapped: A Spotlight on Oliver & Bonacini Events
Our expert team shares their five favourite event moments from the past year
It’s been a busy year of launch parties, private functions, glorious gatherings, and extravagant events. From perfectly plated dinners to expertly crafted cocktails, stunning decor, and entertainment galore, there was no shortage of impressive events in 2023. As our talented team of event specialists reflect on the past year, a few standout moments are worthy of highlighting. Before we jump into all that 2024 has in store, join us in exploring our five favourites of 2023, and be sure to grab a pen — there’s plenty of inspiration for future events to come!
Our Favourite Dish: The Beef Filet from Canoe Catering
Yes, you read that right: Canoe is available to cater your exclusive dinner, intimate wedding, or special celebration, elevating events of all kinds with its one-of-a-kind contemporary cuisine. The finest Canadian ingredients took centre stage in this intricate and artful Beef Filet, which topped the list of favourite dishes from 2023. Thoughtfully inspired by the country’s deliciously diverse landscape, the perfectly cooked steak was served with roasted rapini, crispy leaves, creamy mash, bacon jam, and jus.
Our Favourite Chef Station: Salmon Served to Order
There were more than a few chef-led offerings throughout the 2023 event season, but it was this salmon station’s setup at The Carlu that had guests raving the most. In this incredible Birch Syrup Cured Sustainable Salmon, the succulent fish was enjoyed with pickled cucumber, 100km Foods greens, puffed wild rice, crème fraîche, and dill. Carefully plated on the spot, this light and refreshing dish showed there’s no limit to what our chef stations can assemble right before your eyes.
Our Favourite Decor: An All Seasons Celebration
Possibly the most transcendent event of the year goes to a summer gala that took place at The Quay, O&B’s newest event space on Toronto’s waterfront. The bright and airy space, which accommodates up to 400 guests, was transformed to channel all four seasons under one roof. Life-sized trees, lush petals, and billowing branches filled the space with the essence of spring, summer, fall, and winter, enhancing the downtown venue with intricate decor that allowed guests to dine amidst nature.
Our Favourite Cocktail: An Exquisite Espresso Martini
A beauty event that took place at Malaparte was the setting for 2023’s top cocktail. Crafted by O&B’s expert mixologists, a delectable espresso martini (personalized with a little extra pizzazz) offered guests an incredibly Instagrammable moment. Delivering the perfect setting to snap pics, mingle, and sip in style, Malaparte is a spectacular event space hidden away on the sixth floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Whether you’re after a classic or a drink designed exclusively for your event, our talented specialists are full of fun ideas to take cocktail hour from basic to buzzing.
Our Favourite Entertainment: Flipping for Champagne
Upside-down aerialists claimed the title for most memorable entertainment in 2023. Topping off guests’ Champagne flutes as they hung from freestanding hoops, it’s hard to imagine a more creative way to get a refill! Pouring beverages at the launch party of The Well (home to O&B’s newest 38th-floor restaurant, Aera), the exclusive event featured a sneak peek of the city’s most anticipated mixed-use development. Offering a glimpse at the type of immersive entertainment our events team can arrange, these talented acrobats were proof the sky is truly the limit!
We hope our highlight reel of this year’s standout favourites shines a light on what O&B events can offer and even provides some inspiration for your next gathering. From showstopping food and drinks to intricate decor and out-of-this-world entertainment, allow us to help you craft an event guests will be talking about for years to come. Explore our unparalleled event venues and get in touch to start planning today!
Phone: 416-364-1211 | events@oliverbonacini.com
