The award was presented at the Annual Canadian and International Garden Tourism Awards Luncheon, sponsored by VIA Rail Canada and hosted by VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia.The Garden Tourism Awards are presented to organizations and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of the garden experience as a tourism attraction.

“Gardens are among Canada’s premier tourism destinations, offering unique experiences and attracting visitors from our core and emerging markets,” said Michele McKenzie, President & CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission as she presented today’s Awards.

Dave Cowen, Chair of the B.C. Garden Tourism Coalition, and General Manager of Butchart Gardens closed the event saying, “Given the enormous number of Canadian and American travellers – almost 14 million annually, as quoted in the latest TAMS report — who include visiting Canadian gardens among the top ten things they want to do while on a holiday, it has been a pleasure to recognize Canada and the world’s many and varied garden experiences as vibrant tourism products.”

The inaugural Garden Tourism Awards were presented at the 2011 Garden Tourism Conference held in Toronto.

Related news items

Fairmont Rooftop Garden, Audio File
Good Food Revolution Visits The Fairmont Royal York’s Rooftop Garden
Fairmont Royal York Rooftop Garden Featured in ‘The New York Times’

Read more at Radio Royal York

COMPETING CHEFS
Brook Cavanagh – La Palette, Mark Cutrara – Cowbell, Jason Bangerter – Luma, Jamie Kennedy – Gilead, Didier LeRoy – Didier Lorenzo Loseto – George, Patrick McMurray – Starfish, Tim Palmer – Fairmont Royal York, Albert Ponzo – Le Select

COMPETING AMATEUR CHEFS
Martin Malivoire – Malivoire, Paul Pender – Tawse, Sue Ann Staff – Staff, Harald Thiel – Hidden Bench

Sample a dozen different tartars (meat, seafood or vegetable) and the wines to match. Vote on your favourites and see if they are in line with our panel of culinary experts and celebrity judges. See if your palate is in sync with our team of sommeliers who will determine the best wine matches. And, because we can’t live on tartare alone there will be other food to enjoy – frites and Asian hors d’oeuvres and sweets.

To reserve tickets call Annette at 416-445- 9920 and help a great cause.

Your support will benefit a child’s education by constructing a needed school in Guatemala. 95 cents of every dollar raised will be donated to the project. Tax receipts available.

Read more at Radio Royal York

Next week, the vineyard will join us in pouring Generation Seven, their newest wine, at a special session of Social Media Week Toronto (SMWTO) on February 13, 2012.

“Social Media ROI: Myth or Reality” starts the morning of the event when invited guests will meet on board a VIA Rail train traveling from Montreal to Toronto, with stops in Ottawa and Kingston. Guests will take part in a series of on-board discussions on various social media topics. Through VIA’s on board wifi, other Social Media Week participants from various locations across the globe will be able to join in using hashtag #SMWTOroi.

The mobile pre-event conference will arrive in Toronto just in time for the evening event, being held at the Fairmont Royal York.

Generation Seven White
LCBO #197988
Sauvignon Blanc/Riesling/Gewürztraminer
Sweetness Level: Dry
13% Alcohol

Generation Seven Red
LCBO #198036
Cab Franc/Cab Sauv/Pinot Noir/Merlot/Gamay Noir
Sweetness Level: Dry
13% Alcohol

Follow Château des Charmes on Twitter. 

Read more at Radio Royal York

Moxie Whitney and his Royal York Orchestra played the legendary Imperial Room at The Fairmont Royal York continuously from 1948 to 1972, with the exception of a 12 month stint at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu. The orchestra played with the best of the best of the time: Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Jack Benny, Sonny & Cher, Peggy Lee, Cab Calloway, Laurence Welk, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington and Count Basie to name a few.

Moxie eventually become the booking agent for all Fairmont (then CP) hotels. He and his Royal York Orchestra also at the Banff Springs Hotel during the summer from 1947 to 1960.

Whitney grew-up in in Brockville, Ontario in very modest circumstances. He was a piano prodigy but suffered a tragic, disabling accident to both hands at age ten. Rather than let that deter his musical ambitions, the accident only made him more resolute.

Moxie played the music people danced to for decades, recorded eight records, and had a successful broadcast career with CBC, CFRB, and NBC Radio.

He also played thousands of concerts, balls, and benefits up until his death.

Moxie!: The Movie is scheduled for release in fall 2012. The producers are currently fundraising to get the project off the ground. If you’d like to contribute you can visit their IndieGoGo campaign where you’ll also be eligible for a bonus draw of a one night stay at the Fairmont York York.

Read more at Radio Royal York

Pan Gravy Recipe
(Makes 5-6 Cups)

Ingredients:

¼ lb butter
½ cup chopped white onion
½ cup flour
4-5 cups chicken or turkey rich stock or broth

Method:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour on the onions, stirring constantly, and cook until flour is golden to brown. Adjust heat so mixture does not burn.

Gradually whisk in 4 cups stock until mixture thickens and is smooth.

If it is too thick, add liquid. Cool, cover and chill.

When ready to serve, reheat mixture over low heat, stirring. Scrape bottom of turkey pan and add drippings or giblets to gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve your pan gravy with an expertly cooked turkey.

Executive Chef David Garcelon has some excellent tips for the home chef in this audio podcast recorded last year. You can also print off and follow along with his own personal turkey recipe.

Read more at Radio Royal York