Following an intimate and hugely successful date in January with Canadian musician Jann Arden and Chef Ron McKinlay (Canoe), The ICONS Series returned to the Granary in Elora for their second sold-out night this past weekend.
This event is an intimate and acoustic moment perfectly curated to highlight outstanding talent across many creative fields in Canada. Coming together this cold, snowy night were legendary Canadian performers Broken Social Scene, Chef Patrick Kriss with his Michelin-starred restaurant Alo, and Netflix’s cocktail darling Frankie Solarik.
Presented by globally recognized Canadian jewellery designer Kat Florence, these nights are high luxury with small-town charm. This event is also timed perfectly with the Elora Village of Lights festival. It includes a popup market, free movies, skating and a spectacular nightly display of over 100,000 lights.
The Stay
I was extremely fortunate to be given accommodations at the newly opened Kat Florence Hotel in Elora. This restored gem in the heart of the little town maintained the rich history of the charming stone building while going all out on modernistic details. With only 4 suites and an off-site cottage, each room is perfectly designed to be both luxurious and extremely comfortable.
From check-in to check-out, the experience is truly seamless. This hotel takes pride in offering personalized service and ensuring privacy for its guests. Notably, there is no lobby to navigate; instead, a pre-arrival virtual check-in process alerts the porter and valet to prepare for your visit. Access codes are provided ahead of your stay, enhancing security and convenience. The staff is committed to maintaining high service standards while remaining inconspicuous, ensuring a discreet and hands-off approach.
Our room, The Sapphire Suite, was nothing short of bliss. Beyond the entrance, at any given step throughout the room, it is hard to pinpoint a single focal point; whether it is the glass fireplace, stone walls, massive king bed with more pillows you could ever need or the truly refined attention to details. It is a suite made for the perfect mini vacation prior to the evening ahead.
The Event
The event’s close proximity to the hotel made it easier for us to don our fanciest frocks and highest heels on that chilly February evening. Hosted in the Granary Building at Elora Mill, the event team truly went all out. Candles, fresh flowers, and lush greenery adorned every corner, crafting an intimate atmosphere amidst the bustling crowd. While the decor was stunning, it was the talent on display that really drew everyone in.
The Cocktails
Frankie Solarik of Netflix and BarChef fame kicked off the performances of the night with several stunning creations. The highlight of the night is an interactive concoction of cyro-poached apricot meringues with Brandy, Madeira, Scotch and more gave guests the opportunity to literally blow smoke out of their mouths and noses. As well, for a less involved option guests could have a black truffle and coconut rum libation. In addition, those not partaking in alcohol a delicious Ginger and Thyme mocktail. Throughout the night guests also were offered gorgeous wines from Niagara darling Pearl Morrisette.
The Icons….The Food
Chef Patrick Kriss did not hesitate to bring the Michelin star of Alo to his tasting menu for the evening. Each plate was expertly curated to build a story on each guest’s palate. First, the Hamachi was light and subtly highlighted with a bright and fresh chive oil. The next dish a ricotta mushroom tortellini, was rich and savory with lots of black truffle and cream. The pasta was delicate and perfectly cooked. The striploin was tender and rare served with a rustic potato pave and crisp refreshing broccolini and king oyster mushrooms.
Eventually, there was dessert. And there couldn’t be just one. The beautifully plated chocolate mousse paired with a mango puree was both creamy and tart; the perfect end to the main tasting menu. But those with a sweet tooth were quickly rewarded with a tiered tea tray of even more delectable sweets; lemon and chocolate tarts, passionfruit caramels and raspberry pate de fruit.
The Icons….The Music
Not long after the final tray of treats was delivered the final portion of the program began.
The unique Baroque pop sound of the famed Canadian indie alt band and music collective was the perfect choice to finish off this intimate evening. Sharing anecdotes and inviting other musician friends to the stage, Broken Social Scene hypnotized guests with their eclectic acoustic performance. Whether it was the musical lull and souls full of fine food and drinks or the community aspect in the room, it was evident on everyone’s faces that we were all bearing witness to something spectacular.
Fortunately for you, The ICONS Series isn’t quite over. This one-of-a-kind event has one finale show left to be announced for 2025. Given the previous two experiences, this one will surely be the event of the year.
Many thanks to the team at Kat Florence Hotel and the ICONS Series for the opportunity for Auburn Lane to attend. Follow @theiconsarecoming for news and details on upcoming events.