You will be transported to another time the second you pass through the gates of the Distillery District in Toronto. The air of historic romance is palpable with the cobblestone roads, red brick buildings and pathways into the past – and forms the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Given that there are six restaurants, and 14 acres of space, weddings and events here can be as large as 3,000 or as intimate as 10 people in any given space.
Rather than limiting itself to times gone by, this special place prefers to juxtapose its food with a very modern flair. “Food is the most important thing!,” says Jason Rosso, chef and Director of Operations. Stonehouse Catering handles some of Toronto’s largest events; and weddings here, are at the top of the list. Rosso shares that each and every wedding receives special attention to detail and that this facility can meet any budget and party size with good value for exceptional food.
Some of the more unique feats include transforming 10,000 square feet into a giant art gallery, a complete Alice in Wonderland themed wedding with edible dirt and all, and a complete wedding that looked like Stanley Kubrick had a Clockwork Orange themed event. There have also been countless times they have recreated Babcia’s (Polish grandmother) recipe for a pastry that has been at every family wedding since Mieszko founded Poland.
It’s not uncommon here for many ethnicities to want meals with flavours that swing toward not only their own culture, but also their own palate. Rosso says that he has often met with the same couple on several occassions to match a familiar family recipe with what the Distillery can produce in quantities. They won’t stop until everyone is satisfied and that taste is exactly right.
Regardless of the wedding’s size, here’s an insider’s tip. Rosso and his team always make sure to set aside a private space for the bride and groom. This bridal room, set for two, is a private oasis between the wedding and reception that is vigilantly guarded so the newlyweds can take a moment.
“They can do whatever they want in there”, says Rosso with a wink. But his intention is to make sure that the guests of honour actually have a moment for a meal. He has seen far too many couples get through the night on champagne and an empty stomach. And, like the Jewish mother that he has, can’t bear to let the people under his care go hungry.
The architecture of this outstanding and delicious area of Toronto sets the tone with its cobblestones and gas lamps that flicker peacefully at night. Ladies be warned, though, cobbles and spike heels do not get along! Wedges are recommended to help you dance away your special night steeped in history and accompanied by fine food.
