We Were There: The Bond Affair Dinner Series

We told you it was going to be a good party. The rain couldn’t ruin the spirits of the dapper and fabulous guests on Friday evening as they filed into the historic Bata Shoe Museum on Friday night for the Bond Affair Dinner Series. After all, it doesn’t get much more notable than the exclusive event. The Bond Affair Dinner Series treats an intimate crowd to a black-tie, fine culinary experience in a secret location that is revealed only two days before the event (you heard it here first, by the way).

After success in the US, the exclusive fundraising dinner series, planned every few months, is meant to capture and celebrate the spirit of the host city through food with unique locations such as a museum, conservatory, historical location, golf club, art gallery, estates and 5-star restaurants. The Bata Shoe Museum offered a fitting fusion of fashion and culture and the Aston Martin parked outside assured guests that they had indeed arrived.

Hosted by CBC news anchor Dwight Drummond, who was accompanied by his stunning wife, the event drew some of Toronto’s most connected social, fashion and lifestyle influencers. In a refreshing change from most charity events, there were also quite a few unfamiliar faces. The evening began with a cocktail reception that featured live painting by one of our favourites, JessGo, and an assortment of her beloved, attention grabbing art throughout the venue that were up for bids. There was also a tempting silent auction.

Another highlight included a live jazz band and a spoken word poet who wowed the initially skeptical crowd with her words. In very Bond-esque style, there was a Glenlivet station and a booth from Toronto bespoke spot Ellis Esq, where guests were educated on the current trends and insights on that perfect suit.

The Bond Affair Dinner Series is more than just a swanky party. The initiative partners with charitable organizations that aim to reduce extreme poverty, raise awareness and provide outreach and education programs. All proceeds from the Toronto event will benefit Literature for Life. The charity helps marginalized young moms develop a practice of reading in order to access opportunities and achieve economic stability for themselves and the next generation.

 A four-course plated and pairing dinner menu followed the cocktail reception, where much to the enjoyment of fashion-loving females, each table was dressed with a selection of fabulous footwear as centerpieces. An added bonus? Guests were able to mix culture with cocktails as they explored the good, bad, fabulous and painful-looking footwear housed within the walls of the museum.

Do not miss out on the next; stay tuned to the event Facebook page for upcoming events. 

#LYNL