TORONTO — The agave nectar was flowing as Toronto’s elite mixologists and bartenders gathered at Yorkville’s swanky Sassafrazz restaurant last night, Aug. 29, to take part in a global tequila training series.

The Tahona Society, hosted by Olmeca Tequila, was a one-day interactive seminar for bartenders to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of tequila, its flavour profiles and its bar rail versatility. What’s more, participants were also given the chance to strut their creative stuff in a no-holds-barred margarita mix-off.

After the barkeeps took part in an intensive tequila master class, a panel of four judges was given the enviable, but difficult task of sampling the many unique concoctions in the search for one ultimate winner to represent Toronto at a special Tahona Society symposium in Mexico.

TORONTO — When you’re an aspiring young chef the sage words of a respected and successful chef can be inspirational; such words can also open your eyes to the reality of the frenetic hospitality business.

With that in mind, the Culinary Theatre at George Brown College was packed with excited students last night, Sept. 27. The would-be toques were eager to hear top Toronto chef Mark McEwan talk about a career that has spanned more than three decades. In addition to running three successful restaurants (North 44, Bymark and One) and an eponymous grocery store, the 53-year-old chef also stars in the Food Network’s reality series Heat and is behind the highly touted new Canadian version of Top Chef. And, if that’s not enough to keep him busy, he’s just published a cookbook featuring 156 of his top recipes.  

TORONTO — The newly renovated Evergreen Brick Works has opened in Toronto at what's being called Canada’s first community environmental centre.

Evergreen, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting eco-friendly elements in urban areas, started to refurbish the Don Valley Brick Works eight years ago to create a new facility that will play host to both people and ideas. Environmental advocates will be welcome to use the building to discuss ecological issues, such as sustainability, urban ecology, transportation, energy and waste management.

TORONTO — Toronto restaurateur Athanasios Karamanos, owner of Carman’s Steak House, passed away last week at the age of 84.

Better known as Arthur Carman, Karamanos was born in Patras, Greece and immigrated to Canada where he worked in New Brunswick and Quebec before moving west and opening Carman’s Dining Club in 1959 in Toronto. Carman’s became a fixture in The Big Smoke for half a century, attracting celebrities who flocked for the good ambiance, steaks and smell of garlic in the air.