King of the Castle

Rotisserie Fare

Maidens, Knights, Kings & Queen

Casa Loma has long been one of Toronto’s treasured attractions holding a sentinel position atop Davenport Hill. Despite all valiant attempts to rejuvenate the attraction, the location has long had the feel of a museum or private party venue, rather than a general public destination for goings on. Pegasus Hospitality has a rich record of re-invigorating Toronto’s landmarks including breathing new life into the Lakeshore’s Palais Royale: once a hot spot for many Swing Era giants, and more recently the Rolling Stones.

Pegasus, under the helm of Executive Chef Steffan Howard worked a small miracle in creating a new feel and niche for Casa Loma with their ‘Winterlicious 2011: Taste ‘n’ Tour Casa Loma Marketplace’. The castle was somewhat chilly when doors opened at 6pm with the foreboding weather outside creeping into its 1914 era structure. That chill was quickly defrosted with the breath of fresh air brought in by the guests, staff and artists. The location and menu was posh but the patrons were made to feel like family. That is a very fine line to walk but Pegasus managed to navigate it successfully.

The menu featured gourmet items such as roasted quail and Cornish hen all in medieval sauces but the richness of food served went beyond the menu and reached into the Pegasus philosophy. Most dishes and ingredients were locally sourced and organic. An appetizer array of artisan bread from local bakeries and specialty dipping infused oils whet the palate for an evening which warmed the castle and participants alike. Attention was paid even down to the level of the disposable serving ware which was environmentally sensitive bamboo and slivered woods; even the serving ware was intended to be digested well by the earth from which it came. The soups offered a wholesome choice of Kale or Squash. By the end of the evening, one felt nourished, not only well fed.

While most Winterlicious venues focus on attracting patrons to their menu, equal attention was paid by Pegasus to the venue and ambiance. Strolling musicians, and staff all bedecked in medieval garb infused the air with a joie de vivre which mingled well with the delicious wafts from the various dishes. Court jesters, knights displaying their swordsmanship and a talented young ballerina with her accompanying vocalist made for a unique feast of culture to accompany the meal. A truly rare treat was to witness the how engaged the chefs, servers and staff were: They displayed true warmth and caring; they appeared to be much more than hired help, but stakeholders in the success of the event. The quality of service continued downstairs in the wine cellar which featured wine and cheeses both being rare, unique and certain to please even the most discerning connoisseur.

Desserts featured bread pudding and, the uniquely Canadian, Maple Syrup toffee rolled right in front of your eyes using Toronto’s finest 2011 vintage snow. While enjoying the toffee and accompanying hot apple cider, guests had an opportunity to take in the Gemini Award Winning documentary: “Pellatt Newsreel: The Man Who Built Casa Loma” which details a story of a man who reached for the heights of hubris and yet regrettably crashed to earth with the cold reality of the post WWI economy. What is for certain is that Henry Pellatt had big dreams to fill Casa Loma and until recently those lonely dreams echoed eerily about the walls of Casa Loma waiting for the creative force of the Pegasus Team to finally see them realized. Pegasus Hospitality crafted an event where food was present, but nourishment was the goal. With careful attention and planning they managed not only to fill Casa Loma with people, but provided the venue renewed body and soul.

Originally Posted:

http://www.palaisroyale.ca/news/2011/02/09/winterlicious-taste-n-tour-casa-loma-marketplace/