Though the the show has come and gone, we can look back at IDS 2013 with continued awe. Each year, the Interior Design Show – the mecca for interior designers, DIYers, and those who simply geek out to creativity – at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre sets the annual precedent for trade shows in the city. Name me one that presents itself on such a scale as this as I am befuddled to draw another name. And no… auto shows don’t do it for me.

Last Thursday we headed to the Opening Night Party, wherein media, VIPs, and general public intermingle throughout the expanse that is the trade show floor. Sitting next to grandiose installations of the latest trends in the design industry are makeshift bars sampling wines and spirits and beers, food stands offering some of the best one-bites in the city, and the jovial center stage with DJs.

We were there to see the vibe, and to try the food, naturally. Unfortunately, Nicki and I have a tendency to bump into friends and colleagues and search for the hooch before we get down to business. We missed sampling Little Anthony’s and VOLOS‘ and BQM Burger‘s hors d’oeuvres as they’d ran through their stock in no time… though I maintain people must have been going back for more than one bite as we hit them up but an hour and a half into the night. Just sayin’…

We did get to sample the deliciousness that is Hot Bunzz – the Elk and the Brazilian Beef were both outstanding – and some of Triple A Bar‘s brisket before a taco by Gourmet Gringos (whose truck was on the showroom floor). More would’ve been on the menu had we not gotten distracted by sinks, cabinets, fireplaces, wine racks, lighting installations, decor, flatware, etc.

The Interior Design Show is by far one of my favourite Toronto events, and the Opening Night Party specifically ranks significantly higher on my list than many of the society-style parties we attend. There’s life in it, and it breathes life into the Toronto scene…