We’re not sure about you, but our weekend got off to a sweet start with the return of the Vancouver Aquarium’s signature annual fundraiser event, Toast to the Coast. This event always draws a large and fashionable crowd of Vancouverites looking to party the night away at the Aquarium. After a slight delay getting checked in (no biggie), it was game (and drink!) on…
Toast to the Coast brings together about 70 or 80 different BC wineries and strategically pairs each with a restaurant and team of chefs. The culinary teams work to create a signature Ocean Wise, sustainable appetizer for the affair. We made a point of venturing around the room to inspect and taste all on offer… One word: yum.
Our appetites were fueled by the tasty bits offered by The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl, YEW Restaurant + Bar, Delta Hotels & Restorts (we may have hung around their smoked salmon offerings for a little while), and tasted a few rounds of TUC Craft Kitchen’s braised pork canapés.
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In between all of this satisfying treats, we swung by the Russian Standard VIP Vodka Bar that had been set up adjacent to the beluga, dolphin and otter tanks on the outside upper deck. Guests were offered an array of cocktails, expertly mixed by the team on-hand… any chill in the air was more than warded off by a few extra shots of this premium libation.
Once back inside, we made our way past the crowd that had all but engulfed The Collective You‘s popular photography wall where you could get your mug snapped by the professionals and receive a take-home keepsake black and white portrait.
Lest we forget to mention the ample number of items the team behind this event had secured for one stellar silent auction and raffle – we clearly indulged ourselves by placing a few bets – alas, no luck (and we had our eye on a Seattle escape!) So commiserate ourselves with a glass of Niche Wine Co Rose we did, but not before ducking downstairs where delectable sweets awaited courtesy of xoxolat.
The remainder of the gala was spent hob-nobbing with the city’s pretty people, mingling our way about the sell-out soiree (we heard it maxed at 500 people). Just as the clock struck eleven, it was time to call it a night – and ditch our killer heels. Our agendas are already cleared for next year’s aquatic-minded bash – the only thing that could top this year would be if Steve Zizzou made a surprise appearance…?
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Check out more from the evenings festivities in our gallery above!
