Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Category: Hotels

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
River Rock Resort Celebrates 10 Years in Vancouver

It’s a month long party out in Richmond as the River Rock Casino Resort holds their Diamond Celebration and 10 year anniversary party. A special VIP evening was held last week as dignitaries, politicians and invited guests were treated to a glamorous evening at the conference centre. The birthday theme included gourmet food and extra special party items like hot dogs, cotton candy and a full ice cream sundae station. There was also a special tribute to the many artists that have performed at the resort since its opening and a cheque presentation to the City of Richmond in the amount of $30,000. After, guests were invited to stay to see the legendary Justin Hayward, lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the Moody Blues. I still can’t stop thinking about his haunting rendition of “Knights in White Satin”. The party continues at the resort until June 30 with ongoing live music, shows, food specials, hotel packages and more.

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01 – Rod N. Baker, president and CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, seen here with , welcomes VIPs and dignitaries to the celebration night.

02 – Susan Dolinski, left, vice president of communications at British Columbia Lottery Corporation chats with media manager Sonja Mandic of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

03 – Great Canadian Gaming’s senior vice president of operations Peter Goudron, left, with Hastings Racecourse general manager Darren MacDonald.

04 – Raj Mutti, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver general manager, with Tanya Ruskowski, assistant to the president.

05 – Making the welcome speeches and more is Chuck Keeling, vice president, stakeholder relations and responsible gaming at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

06 – Fraser Downs general manager Ken Stratton attends the event with guests Weatie Rosenlehner, left, and Dolores Prasad.

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By Catherine Barr – June 13, 2014

Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper

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By Catherine Barr

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

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June 23, 2014
Canadian Sommelier Association BC Launch at Hawksworth Vancouver

Champagne was flowing and glasses were clinking at the celebration launch of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) in British Columbia. President Michelle Bouffard welcomed guests to the private room at Hawksworth Restaurant (in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia) and introduced the BC association and its board members. Wine experts alike agree that the new association will help bring big opportunities to the province and members are happy to now be affiliated with the prestigious Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) which is based in Paris. Members of the BC CAPS chapter will now also be eligible to compete in the Best Sommelier of the World Competition – as well as pouring you your favourite wines at all of Vancouver’s best world-class restaurants.

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01 – Sebastien LeGoff, international relations for CAPS and Cactus Club wine director, toasts with MW Barb Phillip, who is a CAPS VP and also a buyer with the British Columbia Liquor Control and Licensing Board.

02 – Board member Mark Taylor, seen here with movie hair stylist Danna Rutherford, is in charge of CAPS events here in British Columbia.

03 – Alison Scholefield, left, of Haywire/OK Crush Pad chats with wine expert Leeann Froese of Town Hall brands.

04 – Sommelier Nessa van Bergen, of the Bon Vivant Group, cuddles up to husband/chef Dino Renaerts.

05 – With a toast to the future, CAPS president and WineGals owner Michelle Bouffard welcomes guests.

06 – Hawksworth GM Chad Clark, left, helps ensure a perfect event with chef David Hawksworth.

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By Catherine Barr – April 15, 2014

Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper

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By Catherine Barr

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

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April 16, 2014
Vancouver’s Opus Hotel Summer Street Party

The 10th Annual Opus Bar Street Party kicked things into high gear recently as Vancouver’s hipsters, and a few from the North Shore, hit the see-and-be-seen circuit to shake things up in the sun. Venice Beach Heat was the theme as the hotel closed down the streets outside to hold the mega party crowd. Sponsored by Caya, the event included cocktails and live performances. The big ending was a chic fashion show and the chance to socialize with the Real Housewives of Vancouver.

01 – Darren Parkman, left, of Travel Guys fame joins radio personality Joe Leary and photographer Paul Duchart for a cold Corona or two.

02 – Event host Fiona Forbes and friend Michele Gradin join the festivities in the street.

03 – Real Housewives of Vancouver stars Ronnie Negus, left, from West Vancouver and friend Mary Zilba are among the VIPs in attendance.

04 – Telus’s Kenn Hamlin, left, joins Opus owner John Evans as the live performance stars on the stage.

05 – Caya representatives Trevor Tiede and Lara White are on hand at the sponsor booth.

By Catherine Barr – August 10, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper (Black Press)

August 12, 2012
Tanya Slingsby Art / Pinnacle Hotel / Eastside Marios

A new hotel, a new restaurant and a new art opening help wrap up the month of March and a busy Easter weekend filled with activities. First, it was a special private party to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new East Side Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Lonsdale Quay. Food and festivities helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Next, it was an Easter visit to the new Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale which features a fabulous chic ultra lounge/restaurant and some of the best view banquet space on the North Shore. And, to wrap up the month, artist Tanya Slingsby’s hosted many North Shore guests at the opening of her “Arcana” art exhibit at her east side atelier.

01 – Artist Tanya Slingsby’s “Arcana” creation are well worth a visit to her atelier.

02 – Pinnacle Hotel’s group sales manager Christie McJannet and executive chef Brian Fodor take pride in their new property and in new menus which feature fresh dungeness crab.

03 – Checking in guests with a warm welcome are Pinnacle Hotel’s Mallory Watt and guests services manager Brendan Stonestreet who both hail from the North Shore.

04 – Choosing colourful Easter flowers are just one of the many talents of Pinnacle Hotel conference services manager Norma Bogart whose banquet rooms feature views to die for.

05 – Outlook sales manager Greg Laviolette, left, is welcomed by East Side Mario’s owners Antonio Simoes and owner/GM Raj Khaira to the VIP opening party.

06 – Lions Gate Hospital Foundation’s Rebecca James, left, and Joanne McLellan express their gratitude to East Side Mario’s Jennifer Domansky for their opening night donation.

07 – In attendance at the opening of the Slingsby art preview are West Vancouver’s John and Anne Green, left, North Van artist Miriam Aroeste and guest Ian Tootill.

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By Catherine Barr – April 5, 2010

Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on April 8, 2010

April 5, 2010