The spectacular 2009 Aperitif a la Francaise event was held at Le Cordon Bleu this past Friday and was indeed the hottest event in Ottawa this spring! If you've missed it, here is a sneak peek of the amazing party and collaboration that showcases the best in French culture, food and wine. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute also features the 5-diamond Signatures restaurant which we will have to come back for!  This was the perfect venue with a beautiful building, rooms and property that was transformed to host this event.

We were the papparazzi photographers that caught some of these famous guests that arrived.  Thanks to everyone for working it in front of our cameras!  It was so much fun to meet all of you that showed us your style and flair! :)

Getting ready for the show! Behind the scenes with stylist, Alison Hughes of HUSH clothes, and talented make-up artists and hair stylists from Holtz Spa. This room was buzzing with excitement as the models got dolled up for the runway. What an amazing group!
 

Cointreaupolitan, anyone?  These girls kept the drinks flowing all night long! For a delicious drink, check out this recipe.

Guests also received spa-inspired appetizers while pampered with hand treatments from Christine and her team from Holtz Spa.

The culinary treats were exquisite and prepared by the talented chefs at Le Cordon Bleu.  Not only were they amazing to eat, but a treat to the eyes too! Of course, we had to capture lots of the food that made this event so fabulous!
 

The event could not be the same without my favourite modiste and milliner, Madeleine of Chapeux de Madeleine (bottom right photo).  I just adore these hats on the girls and each one is so well suited and instantly makes a statement. LOVE it!
 

In the big tent, the evening entertainment began with a performance by French rapper, Najib Le Noble.

A sneak peek at parisian fashion show featuring some of the beautiful dresses from Boutique Agathe de St. Amour in Gatineau, Quebec. We'll be sharing more images from the fashion show next week, so stay tuned!
 

Some of the people that helped to make this fabulous event happen!
 

The French Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Francois Delattre, pictured here with Samantha Moonsammy of Starfish Events, Pamela Balkalian of Le Cordon Bleu, Guy St Cyr of Voyage Guertin, Jean Sebastien Malouin, and Fouzia Dine of the French Embassy.
 

And of course, what evening would be complete without some deep grooves and dancing.
 

Sponsors:
Ambassade De France Au Canada
Bacardi Canada
Ogier
Remy Pannier
La Roche Bobois
Kronenbourg 1664
Les Chapeaux De Madeleine
Boutique Agathe De St Amour
Hush Clothes
Holtz Spa
Fleurs signees Joel Marc Frappier
Voyages Guertin
Cointreaupolitan  

Special thanks to Samantha and Pamela for asking us to be a part of this celebration!  We are honoured to capture this worldwide exploration and sharing of French food culture.  It was amazing to see this part of Ottawa come alive for this event, which is what this city needs more of! The Aperitif a la Francaise has infused excitement in Ottawa, and has certainly brought out the potential of what this city is really is about: community, people, art, fine food and definitely a place that loves an excuse for a good party!

A HUGE thanks to Mr Andre Cointreau President and CEO of Cordon Bleu International, Sopexa Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisherie for making this successful event possible.

Looking forward to next year's event!

Much love,
Mary (& Sam)

This Friday June 5th, Le Cordon Bleu is hosting the Aperitif a la Francaise event under the patronage of the French Ambassador to Canada.  You are cordially invited! 

We will be there along with Samantha and her team from Starfish events, whom sent us this invitation to pass along!  More information on what this worldwide event is about can be found here. Come and join us or check back for photos from the event coming soon...

This is the hottest event this spring! Celebrate under the stars with culinary treats by Le Cordon Bleu; a Parisian Fashion Show; DJ and a glamorous atmosphere inspired by the terraces along the Promenade de la Croisette at Cannes and an all-chocolate buffet and cocktails to deliciously round off the evening.  The event begins at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.  Also, for each ticket sold, $10 will be donated to the For the Love of the Bloom event in support of breast cancer research. What could be better!

Hope some of you could join us at this fun event.
We'd love to see you there!

Love,
Mary (& Sam)

While nearing the end of their 28 Days of Lust-Haves and Lipstick event featuring prizes, fashion, food, activities and fun seminars at the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, last weekend's Frugalista Fashionista was definitely amazing! 

Here are some photos from the event that people will be remembering and talking about for sure :)  Entertainment was provided by Amanada Rheaume and DJ Karyen dished up some great grooves! 
   

The event was pulled together by Greta Bloskie, Marketing Director at Billings Bridge, as well as, Samantha Moonsammy and her fantastic team at Starfish Events.  Stylist Alison Hughes (along with Angie Russell of Hush) put on a fabulous fashion seminar! We were thrilled to work with these awesome ladies and all the wonderful people that were a part of this crazy fun day.

The Rideau Valley Roller Girls made a guest appearance and turned heads while serving up coffee shots and treats from the candy bar -- what could be more fun!

Live on location was the girls from HOT 89.9 FM hamming it up in our photo booth!

More action in our photo booth as hundreds of people came by to experience dressing as a star and getting themselves on the cover of a magazine.  It was exciting to be a part of such a big event and the best was seeing all the smiles from people all over the community! Thanks to all the beautiful people we've met, talked with and for allowing us to capture you as you are. 

Samantha also took this photo of us: is there anything this girl does not do! :)

Thanks so much to Greta, Samantha and Aaron Deane for being so much fun to work with.  You guys did an incredible job! We are so grateful to be invited to be a part this community event which brought so many smiles to so many people.

Love,
Mary ( & Sam)