Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Champagne

Hotel Georgia’s New Prohibition Cocktail Lounge is Sexy Chic

A modern crystal chandelier greets you at the door as you descend the spiral staircase. At the bottom, a plush long bar, lined with tantalizing turquoise bar chairs, outlines the room. Small cluster cocktail tables with padded booths and small stools stand adjacent waiting for couples to come cuddle. And while you may be there for a casual drink, you’ll quickly wish it was for something more forbidden, like a secret rendezvous or romantic proposal.

Prohibition – the newest addition to Vancouver’s Rosewood Hotel Georgia – is everything its name implies. Dimly lit, sexy and provocative, the room recently received a modern renovation worth approximately $4 million. While new and chic, it also exudes all the style and grace of the 1920’s complete with vintage glassware, server’s outfits and bespoke cocktails made with care and expertise.

Those of us who’ve followed the remodelling and renovation of the hotel from it’s earlier days, and those of us who know it from its earlier glory days in Vancouver, will recognize that this room is yet another tribute to the hotel’s wonderful legacy and legend. For those looking for a true trip down memory lane, be sure and look at the wall in the bathroom hallway which is filled with famous faces from years gone by.

With hours of operation that extend to 2am on weekends, count on this room to become yet another sought after hot spot in the Vancouver lounge scene.

A VIP sneak peak event was held this Tuesday night complete with dancing girls, classic champagne and cocktails, caviar and a live performance by Grammy Award winner Chin Injeti. A second pre-party was held Wednesday night.

Prohibition opens to the public on Thursday Feb 12, 2015. Be sure to put it on your must-see list.

Prohibition’s Website – https://prohibitionrhg.com

https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-georgia-vancouver/dining/prohibition

February 11, 2015
Deighton Cup 2014 at Hastings Park Vancouver

It has to be one of the most colourful and fashionable events in Vancouver. Add in the bow ties, fanciful hats, champagne VIP lounge, luxury cars and horse racing and it’s easy to see why it’s also one of the hottest parties of the summer. The Deighton Cup, produced by the good folks at The Social Concierge, was held last weekend at Hastings Park. Local celebs and socialites were easy to find as they placed their bets from luxury sky suites adjacent to the track. Live music, savoury snacks, cigars and mint juleps rounded out the experience. Congrats to everyone involved.

– – –

01 – Glitter gal and stylist Crystal Carson poses with David Bentil, supplier/sponsor of luxury cars and owner of Miles End Motors.

02 – PR pros Steven Schelling and Kate MacDougall of Camber Communications work the VIP tent.

03 – Beautiful Annabella Chen, who works at West Van Florists, wore a stunning headpiece made of real flowers.

04 – They’re the men behind the magic. Social Concierge’s Jordan Kallman, left, Tyson Villeneuve with Dax Droski of Cocktails and Canapes catering.

05 – Bobbie Long, from Baracos and Brand, helped style David Hennessey who won best male costume.

06 – Prevail, (aka Kiley Hendriks) of Swollen Members music fame, poses with the beautiful Keilani Jung.

– – –

By Catherine Barr – July 26, 2014

Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper

– – –

By Catherine Barr

www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com

– – –

July 27, 2014
Real Housewives of Vancouver Season Two Premiere Party

Vancouver’s real housewives are back – for season two! This night, the glam girls gathered at the Loden Hotel in downtown Vancouver to watch the premiere episode of Real Housewives of Vancouver – Season Two with friends, family and invite only guests.

The champagne was flowing and the ladies all sparkled in fabulous bejewelled gowns and designer name accessories. New wives Ioulia Reynolds, Amanda Hansen and Robin Reichman joined returning stars Jody Claman, Mary Zilba and Ronnie Negus for a night of celebrity celebration. It was hugs and kisses all round as guests walked the red carpet.

Fashion wise, it was basic black mixed with sparkles everywhere you looked. Mary, Ronnie and Ioulia rocked the red carpet in anything-but-basic black which made them all look equally gorgeous, elegant and fetching.

West Vancouver’s flamboyant mother-daughter team of Mia and Jody Claman were big time Hollywood glam in floor length bejewelled gowns which sparkled even more than the Moet. And newcomers Robin and Amanda were extra glittery in gold and see-through hues encrusted with enough sequins and beads to make Cher jealous. Personally, I adored every single outfit and think it helped make the premiere extra special in every way.

After the reception, it was time to see the action – and reactions. Everyone turned to the televisions as nervous giggles filled the air. In the end, it was a spectacular evening that sets the stage for an even more exciting season of entertainment and fun.

Check out some of the VIP scenes that you won’t see on tv and get a behind-the-curtain glimpse of the girls as they watch themselves in action on premiere night in Vancouver.

01 – North Vancouver’s Amanda Hansen, left, and Texas born Vancouverite Robin Reichman are two of the newest wives. They’re bringing their beauty and brains to the battles of the new Real Housewives of Vancouver – Season 2 episodes.

02 – West Vancouver’s stunning Ronnie Negus and her niece Paige are both returning this season to party and play with the ladies for a whole new series of adventures.

03 – Singer Mary Zilba also returns for more Season 2 fun. Here, she toasts the hard working ladies from Lark Productions who make it all happen behind the scenes. From left: Krista Kelloway, Erin Haskett, Mary Zilba and Louise Clark

04 – Among the VIPs in attendance at the premiere night party are fashion designer Marina Shishkina and West Vancouver’s Heidi Coglon.

05 – Caterer to the stars and West Vancouver fashionista Jody Claman poses for pics on premiere night with Ioulia Reynolds, one of this season’s new wives who promises to add a little Russian rebellion to the plot.

06 – Looking dapper and handsome, West Vancouver brothers Houston, left, and Jhordan attend the premiere party in support of their mom Ronnie Negus.

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 14, 2013

By Catherine Barr

About Catherine-***

February 6, 2013
Whistler’s Cornucopia 2012 Parties, Wines and Food

For the last 10+ years now I’ve had the privilege of attending Whistler’s annual Cornucopia festival of food and wine. Not for the faint of heart, those who venture beyond Cornucopia’s serious side will find a high energy, full throttle weekend affair full of alcohol and after hours activities that go well into the wee hours of the night. So, as expected, this year’s organizers stopped at nothing to put on the glitz with a whirlwind schedule of seminars, winemaker’s dinners, ultra after-parties, and non-stop fun.

The new High Rollers gala party, held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (tix $150), was one of the biggest featuring showgirls, gaming tables, live music and more. I especially liked the entertainment which included a live band complete with horn section – a welcome change, in my opinion, from the usual non-stop, mindless boom-boom beats.

Hanging out at the wine bar felt extra chic as guests lounged on fiber optic electric furniture that changed colour every few minutes (I’ve seriously got to get me some of this). Some complaints resulted because bartenders were bound by our archaic BC Liquor laws and were only permitted to pour small tasting samples instead of full glasses. Drink tickets were issued at the door for various other bar stations, so here’s hoping maybe next year they will include some options for full wine glasses as well.

All around the room, Vegas style showgirls go-go danced on stage while dealers held down all kinds of gambling tables, including several Texas Hold ‘Em games that proved very popular with the men folk. Going “all in” here was relatively harmless though as all games were strictly funny money.

Overall, it was an extremely classy affair which was very professionally produced. Nothing seemed to get too out of hand and I really hope it will be back next year.

Next up was the Crush Grand Gala Tasting room. Held over two nights (Friday and Saturday, tix $89), this event is aptly named as crowds literally crush themselves into the Whistler Convention Centre to sample libations from over 50 different wineries. Not a great event for food, there is nonetheless interesting little sample bites from featured companies and restaurants looking to show off their newest products. Sipping always prevails over spitting, but guests here are encouraged not to over imbibe and taxi rides are always available.

Last big event of the weekend for me was the Araxi Bubbles + Oceans party in Whistler Village (tix $155). Known for their famous sushi and seafood, this restaurant sampling event never disappoints. Tons of fresh prawns, tuna, oysters and maki rolls were available for everyone. Bar and food service was stellar and, not forgetting the bubbles part, there were several different champagne and sparkling wine samples to be had.

Stealing the spotlight this night however was a 50 year James Bond special edition anniversary champagne released by none other than Bollinger. This $200 dollar stealth black bottle comes in a special spy themed canister where one must dial 007 on the locks to release the lid. Add a couple of tuxedo-clad handsome men to serve it up cold and the ladies were easily wooed over to this table with little resistance.

– By Catherine Barr

November 13, 2012