It might have been a chilly fall day outside, but it was nice and warm inside Arta Gallery during their fall open house! Located in the historic Distillery District, this unique commercial arts and event space invited guests to experience all it has to offer, including its beautifully curated “We Love Fall Here” art exhibit. Ted Chai Photography beautifully captured all the fabulous details of this event.
Being a seasoned wedding and event planner, my mind was whirling with all the fabulous ways this blank canvas of a space could be transformed. It is a visually stunning and remarkably flexible event space with an open concept. The perfect space to host upcoming holiday parties!
The always amazing Food Dudes really indulged the guests with their culinary creations! Upon arriving at Arta Gallery, I was immediately greeted with an array of passed hors d’oeuvres that included Roasted Squash Soup Shooters, Lobster Rolls, Seed Crusted Tuna, Vegan Bao, and my personal favourites, French Onion Dumpling and Fried Chicken Bao. The French Onion Dumpling exploded in your mouth and really simulated the taste of French Onion Soup. The Fried Chicken Bao was perfectly crispy and the pickled jalapeño was the best flavour combination.
The food stations were just as exciting – the Beet Pierogies were unique and delicious, with caramelized leeks, goat cheese and white cheddar, topped with smoked sour cream – my Polish Grandmother would be very pleased. The Sous Vide Beef was so tender you could easily cut it with a fork – it was definitely a mouth-watering dish! The Harvest Salad was a great compliment as it offered a lighter, but still delicious, option perfect for fall, including carrots, squash, beets, maple walnuts, pumpkin seeds, caramelized apple dressing, and a chili cranberry goat cheese spread to top if off! Yum!
Food Dudes also provided the Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider Station full of delicious toppings including whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, cherries, graham crackers, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, nutmeg and marshmallows – sure to bring out the kid in anyone! There were also whole cinnamon sticks to add to your cider, allowing you to create the epitome of a fall drink.
10tation Event Catering indulged the foodie in me with some very creative options. One of their food stations consisted of Slow Cooked Thai Duck with Sticky Rice. The duck was so moist it literally melted in my mouth, and the hit of coriander and lemongrass added the perfect flavour combination. The Lobster and Crab Lollipop with Mojito Dipping Sauce was so fun to eat. Mojitos happen to be my favourite cocktail, so turning the flavour into a dipping sauce was such a unique idea enjoyed by everyone fortunate enough to attend. Their Fried Chicken Sandwich was on a little bed of avocado, and the addition of piquillo peppers and hot sauce gave the perfect hit of spice! Truly so delicious, I may have gone back for seconds (okay maybe thirds)…
For dessert the lovely staff from Upper Event Services tray passed some miniature cheesecakes – the perfect sweet and savoury mix to end the evening with.
No event would be complete without some awesome entertainment – and Sole Power provided just that! I really enjoyed the live violinist who played over popular songs from artists like Taylor Swift and Sia. There was also a live singer and guitarist who serenaded the crowd with his amazing voice.
Element Event Solutions provided the much needed cruiser tables and stools, the perfect perch to enjoy all the amazing culinary items. All That Jaz Weddings made some beautiful flower arrangements that were seen throughout the Gallery. Guests seemed to really enjoy the photo booth provided by Event Circle – myself included!
I left this event with a full belly feeling very content. It was so fun to walk around this cool space and view all the local artwork. If you’re looking for somewhere to host your next holiday party or event, look no further than Arta Gallery!
