Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Joe Fortes

Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala 2013 with Colin James – Part Two

In years past, Brian Jessel has welcomed names like Jay Leno and CeeLo Green. No wonder his annual BMW Cabriolet Gala is one of Vancouver’s most sought after and entertaining fundraisers.

This year marked the 8th annual event and, as expected, all of this city’s best dressed were on hand to enjoy an evening of celebration and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Posh live and silent auction items tempted supporters to bid their best as go-go dancers and sexy ladies on swings helped add to the decor. Extra special this year was an sultry VIP lounge complete with sleek black lounging couches and a fabulous front row seat for all the upcoming action on stage.

Leading Vancouver restaurants, like Joe Fortes and Hy’s Restaurant, supplied the canapes as guests sipped on everything from Belvedere Vodka to Tavi tequila. Sweet Soul Burlesque dancers then got everyone warmed up with their “cheeky” and flirty performance before Rosette took to the stage to sing her latest hits. The night ended with headliner Colin James rocking out to a filled VIP audience that was more than happy to kick up their heels to all of his biggest hits.

01 – He’s the man of the hour and more. Seen here with the beautiful Lisa Calder, Brian Jessel welcomes friends and guests to his 8th annual gala.

02 – They’re no strangers to the car biz. Dueck Auto Group’s Greg Keith, centre, attends the gala with friends Tyson Motz, left, and Brad Telford.

03 – Blo Blow Dry Bar’s brand officer Hilary Chan-Kent cuddles up to her main man, Chris Johal, CEO of iWood Lumber Products, as guests get ready for the big show.

04 – She’s stunning and elegant and carries her crown like a pro. Camille Munro, Miss World Canada 2013 has a busy year ahead of her.

05 – They’re ready to “Thai” one on. Desmond and Peachy Chen are the proprietors and owners of Vancouver’s delicious Thai House and Pink Elephant Thai restaurants.

06 – Models, actors and dancers Pierson Hayes, left, and Jonathan Kol are always shaking it sexy on stage. This night they are part of Rosette’s famously fabulous entourage.

07 – Joe Fortes’ executive chef Wayne Sych serves up some seriously succulent seafood with assistant Corra-Rose Sitnam.

08 – Dressed in sparkle and glamour from head to toe are guests Carmen Telford, left, Courtney Keith and Jessica Falle.

– – –

By Catherine Barr

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

– – –

Vancouver Sun Edition of Cat’s meow

June 27, 2013
Colin James and Rosette headline BMW Cabriolet Gala 2013

It’s where the stylish go to see and be seen. The annual Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala is one of this city’s most prominent fundraisers and it’s well known for high fashion, fast cars, beautiful people and celebrity entertainment. As always, many North Shore faces were among the crowd on this 8th anniversary contributing as both sponsors and supporters. Burlesque dancers and go-go girls helped warm up the room before the live auction. Fabulous food, supplied by many of Vancouver’s leading restaurants, was served during the reception which also included a silent auction. Then it was time to clear the stage for up-and-coming singer Rosette who was followed by headlining musician Colin James. All funds raised go to support the Canadian Cancer Society.

– –

01 – In the past he’s hosted Jay Leno, CeeLo Green and more. Congratulations to Brian Jessel on putting together another famously successful Cabriolet Gala year.

02 – He’s a hockey scout and she’s been seen on The Real Housewives of Vancouver. BJ and Lisa MacDonald socialze with friends during the cocktail reception.

03 – North Vancouver’s Franco Luongo cuddles up to Allison Nourse, left, and Luba Sasowski as guests get ready to bid on live auction items.

04 – Always generous, gala sponsors Paul and Devina Zalesky, of AllWest insurance fame, are caught dancing to the rockin’ tune of headliner Colin James.

05 – Mike and Leslie Rogers sample some of the goodies offered by Joe Fortes, Hy’s Restaurant and more during the pre-show reception.

06 – West Vancouver’s Lionel Lorence is introduced to PR power gal Diana Zoppa as guests begin to arrive for the big show.

– – –

By Catherine Barr – Jun 15, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jun 27, 2013

– – –

June 24, 2013
West Van Library Mallet Masters, Roxy Anniversary and Goldfish Summer Splash

As we say goodbye to June, it’s time for a look back at several great summer events. First up, the West Vancouver Library Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament was held at Ambleside Greens Golf Course where mulligans are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. Dressed in Hampton’s whites, teams took to the field to pound it out for glory and charity. Next, it was sexy swimwear by Anna Kosturova and art by Tiko Kerr at Bud and Dottie Kanke’s fashionable Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown. Entitled “Summer Splash”, all funds raised to go support the Vancouver Native Health Society. Lastly, West Vancouver’s Ron Orr rolled out the red carpet at his Roxy nightclub for “Rockshow” a live heavy metal hair band night celebrating the establishment’s 22nd anniversary.

01 – The benevolent Bud Kanke, left, owner Goldifsh and Joe Fortes, teams up with the legendary Umberto Menghi to donate a dinner to die for at the Summer Splash event.

02 – Organizer Andrea Maglajlija greets guests to the Summer Splash event at Golfish with artist Tiko Kerr.

03 – Former West Vancouver mayor Mark Sager and his talented team made it all the way to the finals of the West Van Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament.

04 – West Vancouver’s Ron and Val Orr walk the red carpet amid mohawks and mullets at the 22nd Anniversary “Rockshow” party at their Roxy nightclub.

05 – West Vancouver Library Foundation coordinator Diana Matrick, left, and event chair Nicole Brown rally the teams for the big finals of the Mallet Master Croquet Tournament.

06 – There were big cheers for the gang from Saltaire restaurant who generously served up “Pearfect” pear flavoured martinis for the Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament cocktail hour.

07 – They’re the best in the biz. Event planners and PR gals extraordinaire Tammy Preast, left, and Sharon Chan-Knight made sure everything went off without a hitch at Mallet Master Croquet.

08 – West Vancouver mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones and her teammates took home the trophy for first place at the Mallet Masters Croquet (now how many mulligans was that again?)

– –

By Catherine Barr – June 17 and 18, 2010

As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on July 1, 2010

June 27, 2010
Night at the Aquarium and Goldfish Bikinis

A look back at last month proves that summer really did arrive in grand style. Lots of local patio parties, a chic bikini fashion show and a grand gala at the Vancouver Aquarium were all on the schedule and gave us lots to talk about.

01 – The boys of Crave Beachside in West Van welcome VIP guests to the restaurant’s new patio during their summer party. From left: manager Brooke Parker, sous chef Mike Earland, executive chef Mook and Andrew Chalmers.

02 – Goldfish (and Joe Fortes) owner Bud Kanke and wife Dotty celebrated with local celebs at the restaurant’s Summer Splash party and fashion show.

03 – Anna Kosturova swimwear models were the toast of the town at the Goldfish Summer Splash fundraiser.

04 – West Vancouver’s Deanna Palkowski, left, and swimwear fashion designer Anna Kosturova get things organized for the fashion show at Goldfish Summer Splash.

05 – Handi restaurant manager Amar Amroke, right, welcomes Ashok Das, Consul General of India, and his wife Dr. Erika Das to their West Vancouver summer patio celebration.

06 – C Restaurant’s executive chef Robert Clark plays with a stuffed baby beluga in honour of the birth of the real deal at the Night at the Aquarium gala.

07 – Dr. John Nightingale, President of the Vancouver Aquarium, shows off some Olympic paraphernalia during the Night at the Aquarium gala fundraiser.

08 – Oceanwise Sushi anyone? West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi chef Alex Kamizako, left, along with Karen and Nobu Ochi, serve up delicious sample plates at the Night at the Aquarium.

Published in the North Shore Outlook on July 2, 2009

June 29, 2009