The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals (CAFP), Toronto Branch, is pleased to announce their 35th Annual Top Management Night was a resounding success. The gala was held on February 2nd at the beautiful Old Mill and Spa, in west end Toronto. The event attracted 240 industry executives from all facets of the industry, who enjoyed an evening of networking, insightful discussion, and a fabulous 5 course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Tim Dunhill.

The evening started with the CAFP host reception. Guests were entertained by the stories and experiences of Darryl Sittler, NHL alumnus, former Toronto Maple Leaf Captain, who signed autographs and talked about his passion, hockey. During the reception, guests were able to view and bid on an array of items that were part of the Silent Auction.

The evening dinner featured local suppliers and novelty items, consistent with the ideals of the Association. During the dinner, the branch awarded three house awards to deserving individuals. Rudi Fischbacher, Culinary Management Program Head was named Educator of the Year, Delta Hotels and Resorts was named Champion of Education and Training, Corporate Sector, and Judy Marcolin, of ARAMARK Canada, was named the Pathways to Foodservice recipient.

Other awards presented during the evening included the Hans Bueschkens Memorial Award, presented by Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, to Pizza Pizza Limited. Colleen Isherwood, of the Ontario Restaurant News presented the Newsmaker of the Year award to John Walker, George Brown College, and Restaurateur of the Year to Keith Froggett, of Scaramouche Restaurant.

The keynote speaker of the evening, two time Gemini award winner Evan Solomon, broadcaster with the CBC, enthralled the audience with his take on food issues past and present, and spoke to the need for sustainability as we move forward.

The CAFP would like to acknowledge the sponsors of the event, who really made this event possible. ARAMARK Canada, partner sponsor; Kraft Foodservice and Thomson Terminals Limited took on Gold Level sponsorships, Andrew Peller Limited, whose wines we enjoyed with the dinner, silver sponsor; and the following companies who took on Bronze Sponsorships: Campbell Company of Canada Limited, Dana Hospitality, Dr. Oetker, Foodservice Consultants Society International; Lamb Weston, Marsan Foods Limited, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, and Sara Lee Canada.

Event supporters, who helped us shape our dinner, included ACE Bakery, Sheridan Specialties, Macgregor’s Meats and Seafood, Ninutik, Longo Food Service Equipment, and Designing Trendz Inc. We would like to thank all of our guests this year, and extend a warm invitation to Top Management Night 36. Watch for details in the very new future.