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A Saturday Night Suggestion

By on March 2, 2011

I receive requests on a weekly basis from people asking me for suggestions for hot-spots on Friday/Saturday evenings. This may have something to do with my former “party girl” ways. To be honest, if I am going to venture out to a club I prefer it to be during an evening throughout the week for an “industry night” event. It is very rare you will find me in a club on a Friday or Saturday evening unless it is for a Birthday or I am playing host to friends from out of town. For the past year or so I have chosen to stay home with a bottle of wine and a movie on the weekends. I wind down from the week and prepare myself for the upcoming one. However, lately I have been interested in finding a more subtle ‘lounge’ type of atmosphere and I wouldn’t mind being able to refer someone to a nice place once in a while when asked.

One evening I was out and stopped by Ultra Lounge on a Friday to say hello to a few friends who host the evening there and for a couple of cocktails of course. Ultra is a great spot on a Friday with a good-looking crowd and great music – I have had my fair share of Ultra Fridays and I’ve always had a great time. However, as I said I am currently in a “lounge” phase. A friend of mine that I was accompanied by that particular evening suggested we relocate to a quieter atmosphere where we can sit down, order some drinks and actually have a conversation. I agreed. We left Ultra and to my surprise, we ended up at the Intercontinental hotel. I was slightly puzzled as I hadn’t heard anything about this place. Nevertheless, I am an open minded individual and always willing to try something new at least once. The lounge inside of the hotel is called “Proof Vodka Bar”. This bar is tasteful and intimate – the large comfy couches in the lounge area are the perfect place to chill with a Bellini after a long week.

After observing the crowd, I came to the conclusion that the majority of people are mature twenty and thirty something’s. Everyone is ‘à la mode’. Baggy pants, hats, bulky shoes and thick gold chains won’t fit in here. The DJ filled the room with eclectic sounds that consisted of top 40, R&B and house. There isn’t a cover charge and they are open on Friday and Saturday evenings until 2am.

A few weeks ago I was asked to suggest a lounge that would be ideal to host a Birthday party. I automatically remember my quick, yet refreshing experience at Proof Lounge and suggest that my friend check it out. He went the following Saturday and was impressed. He met with the manager and the reservations for the Saturday after that were placed. This brought me much excitement as I was going to have the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the ambiance this time.

Saturday came and off to Proof Lounge the girls and I went. I found out that when booking a table you are offered a selection of cold and hot h’ordeurves to choose from. I found this to be a very nice touch. However, on this particular evening the host had a bit of miscommunication with the Birthday boy so their menu of h’ordeurves was not available. Being as accommodating as they are, my friend was offered platters from the regular menu to choose from and bite sized h’ordeurves that would be prepared just for him. The food was very impressive. A mixture of fresh sea, land and cheese platters were chosen and were absolutely divine. And of course, chocolate dipped strawberries for the ladies as well. The presentation itself deserved a five star rating.

If you’re looking for a place that is trendy and stylish, with good music played by a live DJ, and great food – Proof Lounge in the Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville has officially been added to my ‘suggestions’ list. The service is great and they are very accommodating and attentive. The drinks range from $11-13 (a tad on the expensive side) and offer a very creative menu consisting of some of the best martinis, Bellini’s and Mojitos this city has to offer. Potato chips are made on site and served to each table throughout the night. Might I add, they are absolutely delicious. They come out warm and are a pleasant treat to the taste buds.

The service was on point, the music was great, and the guests seem to be having a fabulous time. The Birthday boy was beyond satisfied which in turn assured that I made a first-class suggestion.

Proof Vodka Bar features a selection of vodkas from around the world and an excellent cocktail menu. Proof Bar’s in interior is elegant and sleep – the windows open up onto Bloor Street West and make for the perfect addition to Yorkville’s entertainment scene. Proof Vodka Bar is also a great meeting place for after work happy hour – be sure to try it out alongside their notable menu!

Located on Bloor street, also known as Canada’s version of 5th Avenue – the Toronto hotel is right in the heart of the fashionable and exclusive neighbourhood of Yorkville. Since it is a boutique hotel it “redefines luxury standards with sleek, crisp, yet warm and invitingly designed interiors, a uniquely personal touch to service and an approachable elegance.” The hotel is surrounded by five star restaurants, chic boutiques, one-of-a-kind art galleries, as well as the University of Toronto and major museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum right across the street. If you’re visiting the city a stay here ensures you will have plenty to do within a 5km radius.

Cheers!

xoxo

 

About Natasha Nicole

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