| rev:text
| - ((This is a review for the Winterlicious event - Guilty Pleasures))
It's the second time we came to this annual event, organized by the Drake and the Fashion Incubator. The first time, last year, we had a lot of fun, and decided to make it a tradition. This year, it wasn't the same, it was hard not to compare, but that's how it is.
The event is described as:
"Toronto's favourite fashion brunch, is back by popular demand! Start your weekend with a scrumptious three-course brunch featuring fresh juice, blueberry scones, soft and sexy scrambled eggs and so much more. Browse through rack after rack of original Canadian designs, collect limited edition pieces and peruse one-of-a-kind accessories and jewellery."
FUN RIGHT?
We got there at 3pm (more on that later), and was greeted by some pretentious people at the entrance to the dining area. I say this, because I was looking to see if my friends were there, and their attitude and annoyance that I didn't approach them first before peering into the dining area didn't sit well with me.
We had to have the 3pm seating as I called in January to book the tickets for the Feb 5th event, and apparently most of the seatings had already sold out. Last year we had an earlier seating, and perhaps it made all the difference.
We were supposed to have pastries waiting for us as we came in, but I had to ask for them. They were significantly lacking from last year (see my blog post (http://restodiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/guilty-pleasures-vi-at-drake.html) especially since this year we had an extra person. Coffee and mimosas are included ($10 value). You also get a Parfait (lacking again with fruits), $8.50 value) and a choice of Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, and A vegetable tart. I believe this is the same menu as last year.
I have a more discerning taste than last year, so I feel that there was nothing really that special with the eggs benedict. There are places that would charge less (most likely) or give you much more ($12.50 value)
My girlfriends had the Buttermilk Pancakes ($12 value) LOVED them, and a huge factor in our returning next year. They were creamy tasting (how can?!) and topped with stewed berries.
I loved the concept that during our meal, we could shop and there were was a fashion show, showcasing the designers available in the booths around the hotel. Last year, the models gave each table business cards so that we know where to find them later; this year they didn't bother.
They have booth for local designers for clothes, bags and jewellery. Like a mini one of a kind show. There is also a silent auction when some really good stuff there.
My biggest complaint (other than the fact we didn't get goody bags like last year) was that shopping and the silent auction ended at 4:00pm
I mean, it was 3:45 when our main course arrived! How is it possible that we could shop afterwards?? Could someone have informed me this when I booked the late seating?? The room was full of diners! And everyone was just getting their meals! Could they not have extended this for an extra hour? What was the rush?!
The whole shopping experience is one of the main factors you pay a slight premium to come here - and it was incredibly rushed. When we told them about this conumdrum - she says, "we can go until 4:20" .... seriously.....
The cost of the event is $35 plus tax ($42) and you about a $30+tax value in terms of food. I would really expect to have the leisure time to shop.
+1 star for being awesome next year, and I hope with an earlier seating will make it better. We're going to give it one more chance (because of the pancakes).
Free parking one street east, on Lister (one way south)
Free one hour parking two streets east Mon to Sat, until 6pm
Street parking is $1.50 an hour
------
Update:
I wrote a tasteful disappointment feedback letter to the Drake hotel themselves stating my concerns about timing. The lady in charge of catering/food has informed me that they are planning to re-vamp the event, making it better, longer and bigger. She also invited me+1 as her personal guest next year. Looks like I'm going again, and will need to update my review!
GREAT customer Service.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)