With its low key exterior and industrial surroundings, a passerby may dismiss Canvas as a simple office building of sorts, but I can assure you, an unexpected and pleasant surprise awaits you inside! Boasting 5,000 square feet of event space with an impressive 600-guest capacity, this converted warehouse space has a modern and trendy ambiance reminiscent of the infamous Meatpacking District in New York – a perfect venue choice for the host looking for a more unique and impressive backdrop for their upcoming celebration.
Canvas graciously opened their doors, inviting guests to enjoy a fabulous evening complete with an absolutely jaw-dropping food spread courtesy the venue’s incredibly talented roster of preferred caterers! Ted Chai Photography captures all the excitement.
Entering the space, one can’t help but feel like an A-List celebrity at an exclusive private party with thanks to Adagio Valet. Reznick Event Carpets rolled out their signature event carpet in a glittering Aquamarine style that brought a literal meaning to the term “twinkle toes”. To add to the fun, live musicians serenaded guests even before they walked through the front door – it was tough to decide whether all the excitement was inside or outside!
Stepping through the doors, the gorgeous guys and gals courtesy of Cotton Candy Event Staffing Inc. made sure every guest was immediately greeted with a delicious and refreshing welcome beverage. With two equally stunning bars set up and a tantalizing signature drink menu from which to select, Canvas definitely knows that great drinks and stunning décor are key elements for an immersive guest experience. Speaking of great drinks, you have to try the fresh mint bar (with mint grown from Modular Farms CO.)! This simple but extraordinary touch will change your perspective and proves that having freshly picked mint in your Mojito can truly make all the difference!
With so much buzz and excitement in the air, it was time to dig in and try out all the food offered up from the venue’s all-star roster of preferred caterers. L-eat Catering showcased an impressive 3 course menu of eclectic eats: as an appetizer, we have blanched green and white asparagus spears, burrata, oven cured cherry tomatoes, micro basil and white balsamic dressing. The entree was a refined take on the classic Fish ‘n Chips: a seared Black Cod with fingerling potato chips, rounded out perfectly with a julienne coleslaw of valentine radish, heirloom carrots, sugar snap peas, pea sprouts. Ending their display on a sweet note, dessert was an Ontario Strawberry Cheesecake parfait – guests enjoyed every rich spoonful!
10tation Event Catering was on site with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, providing fun twists on familiar fare. Mini Spaghetti and Meatballs and Lobster grilled Cheese were delicious grown up remixes on childhood classics. Their mini plate of spring Pea Ravioli with chanterelles, sage and black truffle had guests raving! Guests on the hunt for gluten free or vegan alternatives were not disappointed: a delicate Pea and Mint puree, with apple slaw on a saffron tapioca wafer was delicious to the last bite.
Eatertainment Special Events & Catering tantalized guests with their tropically-inspired selections. Their delicious pulled Jerk Chicken Soft Taco evoked island vibes with their mango chutney, plantain chips and red beans & rice, paying homage to the tastes of the Caribbean. Individual bowls of Lomi Lomi Salmon in a lime sesame vinaigrette with butter lettuce, grilled pineapple and chayote had our taste buds hula dancing all night long! To finish things off, assorted dessert Eclairs filled with raspberry, lemon and passion fruit mango creams!
Bringing new meaning to “dinner and a show”, Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events wow’d the crowd incorporating both presentation and taste in perfect harmony. Their deconstructed Bagel & Lox is easily an instant classic! This dish showcased cured salmon, pumpernickel bagel toast and an unforgettable herb cashew “cheese” that tasted absolutely fantastic. To help infuse an even greater smoked flavour, guests stood mesmerized as each plate was filled with smoke under a glass cloche. The unexpected addition of aquafaba carrot meringue, beet gel, and dill dust had guests licking the plate clean and unapologetic-ally coming back for seconds! That being said, there’s always room for dessert! The team also served up a Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake featuring fresh Ontario strawberries, stewed rhubarb, and bourbon chantilly cream atop a brown sugar biscuit.
Known for their use of fresh and local ingredients to create sophisticated original fare, Food Dudes showcased their culinary talents with a diverse menu. A selection of Ceviche including a torched albacore tuna with summer inspired flavours of pineapple, coconut, lime, avocado & compressed watermelon had guests feeling like their toes ought to be in the sand. A vegetarian alternative of Watermelon Ceviche was equally tempting! Hungry patrons lined up for the Fried Chicken Bao with pimento cheese, bacon onion jam, banh mi slaw and pickled jalapeños on a scallion steamed bun. Non-meat eaters had the option to enjoy a serving of finger lickin’ good Kentucky fried eggplant! Regardless of your dietary disposition, everyone’s sweet tooth was satiated with a decadent gluten-free mini rich Chocolate Cake made up of passionfruit curd and milk chocolate passionfruit ganache and crowned with popcorn anglaise snow and coconut soil.
The warm spring weather was complimented perfectly with tropically-inspired greenery and luxury furniture provided by Divine Furniture Rental and Event Rental Group with decor by MB Designs Inc | Decor Rentals. With a space this large, Canvas has the ability to create multiple bar set ups that are absolutely unforgettable for guests. Jackie O Florists created an eye catching floral installation above the bar.
Thirsty attendees were invited to enjoy libations provided by event beverage sponsors Ontarieau, Ace Hill Brewery and Fever-Tree. Furniture pieces from event sponsor ELTE MKT kept the crowd seating comfortably and in style.
With respect to entertainment for the evening, musical provider Sole Power provided an array of musical stylings including enthusiastic vocalists and instrumentals. Guests were able to commemorate the evening thanks to the folks at Event Circle, whose signature Black & White “soft glamour” style photo booth is currently sought after by the most famous of starlets. Photographers from Beautiful Life Studios were on site to showcase their amazing talents for capturing sentimental occasions. The staffing and service was top notch thanks to Larry and his team at Staff Your Event. Party Patrol Security kept an eye on things, helping ensure all guests were able to derive the maximum amount of fun.
This open house was truly an evening filled with fantastic food, amazing music and great people – all under one big, beautiful – and incredibly versatile – roof! Consider this a public service announcement to those who seek an escape from the conventional event space standards. One need not look further than Canvas to host your next event and truly let your imagination run wild!
