Tea Party
There’s definitely royal Kate and Will magic behind the sharp uptake in demand for all things English including proper high teas. Perfect timing, then, for U.K. native-now-Oakville, ON dweller Alice Goldie to open a Canadian branch of her Vintage China Hire. A textiles artist, Goldie began amassing her exquisite china pieces over a decade ago as inspiration for her printed designs.
The collection – catering to tea parties for up to 120 guests – includes teacups, saucers, assorted-use plates, teapots, and sugar-creamer serving ware from the Victorian era to the 1950s. A wide selection of vintage embroidered linens is also available. Pretty are the delightful multi-tiered cake stands, a perfect perch for scones and petite fours. Mix-and-match patterns bring a riot of colour and daintiness to tables. Delivery or pick up for events within the Greater Toronto Area.
On The Edge
Talk about an adrenaline rush as the CN Tower harnesses up the bold and daring for an outdoor trip around the top of its main pod, 116 stories above the ground. Edgewalk at the CN Tower, the first of its kind in North America, allows thrillseekers to walk hands-free around a five-foot wide ledge above the tower’s 360 Restaurant. Walkers are attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system.
The attraction is slated to open in August, and run to October, weather permitting. Walkers traverse the tower’s “roof” in groups of six to eight. Consider it extreme team-building or an incentive reward, with trained Edgewalkers encouraging participants to push their personal limits by leaning out over the city with only air beneath them. Advanced ticket bookings are underway.
Brewing Up Sake
The Ontario Spring Water Sake Company has Torontonians saying “Kampai” (“Cheers” in Japanese) since opening its doors on eastern North America’s first sake brewery. Located in the Distillery District, the company is operating out of the former Gibsone Jessop Gallery, a great space with three-foot limestone walls and towering ceiling. The main area houses a retail shop and tasting bar.
Along with walk-in traffic, private tastings can be arranged after-hours Monday to Thursday for groups of 10 to 30 people. The two to three hour educational event includes a tour of the brewing area followed by a structured tasting complemented by sake-compatible foods. Host inside the retail area or outside on the opening-soon patio (Capacity: 50). The wine is served in traditional sake cups and glassware that are also available for purchase.
