Exclusive inside look at Madrí Día Libre in Toronto: A toast to our hospitality heroes–joined by Serge Ibaka

Toronto’s hospitality industry rarely gets a “day off.” Bartenders, servers, chefs, and operators spend their lives making sure our nights out are seamless, delicious, and unforgettable. But at Madrí Día Libre, hosted at the Ace Hotel, the tables turned. Instead of pouring for others, the city’s top hospitality leaders were invited to sit back, sip, and soak up inspiration.

We were there, inside the room for this intimate, invite-only event—just 30 of Toronto’s most influential hospitality pros, gathered for an afternoon that felt part cultural immersion, part industry reset. And trust us, it wasn’t just another branded event. This was a love letter to the people who make Toronto’s bar and restaurant scene thrive.

A day designed for the industry

The event’s name, Madrí Día Libre—literally “day off”—captured the spirit perfectly. The speaker series set the tone, blending perspectives from beer, culture, and sport.

Caitlin Keeley, futurist and co-founder of a global futures collective, unpacked the signals of digital burnout and why people are craving offline connection more than ever. “Too much algorithm, not enough humanness,” she explained—a sentiment that resonated with an audience who live for IRL moments.

We also heard from Mirella Amato, North America’s most credentialed beer specialist, who shared how thoughtful pairings can elevate a beer like Madrí Excepcional into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Then, in one of the most personal moments of the day, Carlos García, founder of La Sagra Brewery and the man behind Madrí Excepcional, shared how the idea struck him in the most ordinary place: stuck in a Madrid traffic jam. “I was always passionate about beer, but also about marketing. I realized I could bring those two worlds together to create something new,” he said. That spark led to La Sagra in 2011 and eventually Madrí Excepcional, now one of Europe’s fastest-growing lagers.

For García, Madrí isn’t just a beer—it’s a way of bottling Madrid’s street culture and exporting the city’s soul. “Madrid is my home. I wanted to capture its spirit—the passion, the diversity, the lifestyle—and share it with the world,” he told us.

And then came the crowd-pleaser: Serge Ibaka, former Toronto Raptor, NBA Champion, and now Madrí Excepcional ambassador. Stepping on stage, he instantly reminded us why Toronto still considers him one of its own. “Toronto is home, Madrid is home—it just makes sense,” he said, speaking about the partnership. He touched on his love of food, Spanish hospitality, and the lessons he’s carried from both his Congolese roots and his years in Spain. “Hospitality is about passion. In Spain, they take the time to make sure you feel welcome, and that’s something I think Toronto does so well too.”

A taste of Madrid in Toronto

After the talks, we joined the group for a casual Spanish-style tapas lunch, each course paired with Madrí Excepcional served in its custom chalice. The chalice itself became a talking point at the table—a modern icon that ties together tradition and flair.

The pairings weren’t just about flavour, though the honey-brushed notes and bright finishes impressed. They were about creating moments. Between courses, we clinked glasses, traded stories, and for once, Toronto’s hospitality leaders weren’t working the room—they were enjoying it.

Serge’s stamp of approval

If Serge Ibaka’s words weren’t enough, his taste buds have also left a mark on Toronto. Just before Día Libre, we covered his curated list of go-to Spanish restaurants in the city—from La Paella in Leslieville to Tapas at Embrujo on the Danforth. Each spot earned his personal “stamp of approval” in collaboration with Madrí Excepcional. You can check out the full list here: Serge Ibaka’s go-to guide for Spanish dining in Toronto.

Hearing him speak about paella, tapas, and Toronto’s multicultural dining scene at Día Libre added even more flavour to the list—literally.

More than a beer event

From our seat inside the Ace Hotel, it was clear: this wasn’t about product placement or polished PR. Madrí Día Libre was about recognizing the soul of hospitality—the people behind the bars, kitchens, and restaurants who give this city its heartbeat.

The afternoon mirrored Madrí Excepcional’s ethos: born in Madrid’s streets, inspired by culture, and rooted in bringing people together. Just as Madrí blends old traditions with modern flair, Día Libre blended industry insights with simple pleasures: food, drink, and genuine conversation.

Living El Alma de Madrid in Toronto

Walking out into the sun after clinking our last chalice, it felt like we’d just carried a little bit of Madrid’s alma with us. The vibe was unmistakably convivial, and it reminded us that hospitality isn’t just an industry—it’s culture, it’s community, it’s connection.

And that’s exactly what Madrí Excepcional is serving in Canada.

The 411: Madri Excepcional Día Libre in Toronto

• Event: Madrí Día Libre, Ace Hotel Toronto
• Presented by: Madrí Excepcional, in collaboration with La Sagra & Molson Coors
• Hosted at: Ace Hotel Toronto, Evangeline rooftop, with bites 
• Join the conversation on Instagram: @MadriExcepcionalCanada
• Try it yourself: Madrí Excepcional is now available at select bars and restaurants across Canada

Craving that VIBE for yourself? 

Discover El Alma de Madrid at your local bar or restaurant with Madrí Excepcional. Follow @MadriExcepcionalCanada for updates and tag us @viewthevibe—we’ll cheers you back. 🍻