http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2008, David Zaltzman David Zaltzman en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080704-090321
In an exclusive partnership, Pantages Hotel Toronto is putting guests in the driver’s seat with a complimentary one-year membership to Zipcar, the world’s largest car sharing company (a $85.00 value. Nearly unheard of in populated North American cities such as Toronto complete access to a car, for as little as one hour at a time.

Our Guests will have to apply online and membership is approved provided that you have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. After that they can pick up their digital keycard to their Zipcar located at the hotel.

While membership is free for one year, guests will still have to pay Zipcar rates which start at $9.50 and include fuel, insurance and reserved parking spaces.

Zipcar is a proven, holistic transportation program that enhances mobility for business and personal travel resulting in tangible environmental change. Every Zipcar on the road replaces 15 cars! With locations all across North America and England this benefit is one you can take on the road!

We see Zipcar as the perfect match to our forward thinking hotel and in the know clientele. It was important to us to provide a Hybrid in order to reflect our hotel’s green image and social conscience. Offering alternative transportation as a guest amenity provides a sustainable green option while rewarding our guests.

So put yourself in the driver’s seat with this offer…It is just one other way you can take your experience at our dynamic hotel back to your home.

David ]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080704-090321 David Zaltzman Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:03:21 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080704-090321 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080702-120329
This honour was bestowed on only a half dozen establishments within Toronto and we could not be more proud.

At Pantages Martini Bar and Lounge we present food and drink in a sophisticated yet fun atmosphere to deliver the ultimate culinary experience. Being in the centre of Toronto, we LOVE Ontario! A mix of over 100 cultures gives Ontario its dynamic flair. We are proud to showcase only fresh, high quality food grown and produced in Ontario. Local freshness allows us to concentrate on hormone and pesticide free products, cooked on premises and made to order.

VQA stands for Vintners Quality Alliance. When you see VQA on a label of Ontario Wine, you know you are purchasing a wine that has been produced with 100 per cent Ontario-grown grapes. The VQA label also means that it has been tested by an independent tasting panel. There are strict rules and regulations governing the use of VQA.

There are many scientific laboratory tests, quality checks and authenticity controls but in the end, if a wine has VQA on the Label, you can be certain it represents the essence of Ontario!

Location. Location. Location.

Wine-producing grapes only grow in two geographical belts around the globe – one just north of the equator, and one a little bit south of it. These are the only areas with the right mixture of sun, rain and temperature. Ontario's wine regions are right in the middle of the northern grape-growing belt – between 41° and 44° north.

You may find it hard to believe, but that puts southern Ontario just south of the famous Bordeaux Region in France, and parallel with northern California wine regions.

To grow the perfect grape you need a long, warm summer and a dry, sunny autumn. The grapes need to ripen slowly so they can develop a good balance between acids and sugars. A well-ripened grape produces wines with a nice mixture of sweetness and acidity.

Ontario is considered a "cool climate region" – which means at harvest time grapes are blessed with more concentrated flavours and balanced acidity which makes them wonderfully food friendly. That is why cooler climate wines typically have a livelier flavour than those from hotter climates.

The Ontario Wine Region also has a unique mesooclimate that protects and nurtures our vines throughout the coldest winters – it's called the "lake effect". Basically, Lakes Erie and Ontario act as "hot water bottles" moderating the climate by storing up heat during the summer months and releasing it in the winter to warm up the air temperature over the vineyards. This means our precious vines are protected from frosts in the spring and benefit from an extended growing season in the fall.

We have covered the Ontario region and have included what we believe are the top 36 wines. All are fantastic value and true hidden gems. All 36 are available are available by the glass, so feel free to take flight while enjoying one of the best designed bars in Toronto!

We truly hope you appreciate our great Award Winning Local Flavour!

I would like to thank the Director of Operation, Andrew Van Buskirk and our Director of Art, Food and Beverage, Michael Kaye.

See you at the bar!

David








]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080702-120329 David Zaltzman Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:03:29 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080702-120329 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080625-162134 The Martini Bar at the Pantages Hotel has opened the week with celebrating the start of Pride week. The event “PRIDE WITH LOVE” “LOVE IS PINK” was in association with Veuve Cliquot featuring its Rose Champagne in honor of unveiling Karim Rashid Love Seat designed exclusively for Veuve Cliquot Rose.

As guests were arriving into the Martini Bar they were offered a glass of Champagne and a selection of appetizers prepared by Chef Derek Kennedy. Michael Kaye our Creative Director of Food and Beverage hosted the evening with a guest list of over one hundred guests. As part of the event the Pantages Martini Bar has donated 10 percent of its sales to ACT (Aids Committee Toronto) and Jason from Control over Destiny was selling his exclusive design of Pride Jewellery with all proceeds going to ACT as well.

This event has defiantly opened the doors to a new home for many people to come enjoy great music, friendly staff and the best martinis in town.

I would personally like to thank all the guests who made this a great event for a great cause. I would also like to thank Michael Kaye our Creative Director of Food and Beverage for the party and great atmosphere.

popup=false] ]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080625-162134 David Zaltzman Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:21:34 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080625-162134 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080611-094019
I am humbled this week in sharing with you the achievement of the Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre being awarded the 2008 Consumer’s Choice Award for Business Excellence.

What makes this award extra special is that it is not awarded by writers or an associations but it has been awarded to our hotel by YOU the consumers! We appreciate each and every guest and understand that in this economy value for price paid and exceptional service are simply expected. We take it for granted each and every day that you deserve nothing less and hope to surpass your every expectation and leave you fulfilled and with complete JOY!

I joined the Pantages Team at the prestigious Consumers’ Choice Gala, which will be broadcast soon on TV, in accepting our award. The event was led by Global T.V.’s Bill Coulter and 680 News Radio’s Gloria Martin and our team was honoured amongst Toronto’s foremost business leaders, politicians and ministers.

Of course in true Pantages style we didn’t let the award or the gala go to our heads and we always know how to balance work with play! It was a fun and fantastic evening to recognize the whole operational team of the Pantages Team led by Andrew Van Buskirk, Director of Operations (seen on stage with me accepting the award).

It was a proud moment and especially remarkable as it was the second year in a row the Pantages has won this award! They say the people have spoken!

To that we simply reply ~ Thank You….Again.



]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080611-094019 David Zaltzman Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:40:19 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080611-094019 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080523-142613
We are very excited that our good friend Enza Anderson will be honoured as this year’s Parade Grand Marshall. Come by Pantages Martini Bar and Lounge on Saturday May 31st and wish Enza all the best of luck during the “Gear Up to Saturday” hosted by the one and only Supermodel!

Last year members of the Pantages Suites Hotel and Spa proudly marched in the world’s best Pride Parade unified as one within the community, displaying the wonder and heritage of our culture shining within all the colours of the rainbow.

In the centre of it all, Pantages Suites Hotel & Spa is steps away from the village, parade and biggest parties of the celebration. Upscale yet relaxed and easy going, we welcome all in unified acceptance!

It’s about your Pride! Friends and families it’s about our time together!

Celebrate with us!




]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080523-142613 David Zaltzman Fri, 23 May 2008 18:26:13 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080523-142613 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080515-070855
Hi folks

So much more than accommodation, Pantages Hotel Toronto City Center provides a calm and tranquil environment sure to soothe the mind, body and soul. In the heart of the hotel lies our famous Martini Bar and Lounge, with the live and electronica entertainment and such a perfect gathering place for friends and colleagues, this space can transform into wonderful diversion from the stresses of the day.



We are very proud of our relationship with our performers and if you have not yet done so, we highly recommend you experience Robert Scott and The Great Bob Scott (every Friday), Brooke Nicholls, DJ Danny T, Two time Juno nominated and one time Grammy nominated Belinda Bailey and our newest addition to the line up straight from her staring role in We Will Rock You, Erica Peck.



Our After Work Social provides the perfect Thursday night venue and our Legacy events have been a great success for meeting people and networking.



Although I must remain discrete, many famous faces have enjoy libations and even joined in with our performers for very memorable evenings. So whether you want to enjoy a romantic cocktail with your loved one, a small gathering of colleagues or friends, the Martini Bar and Lounge is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s scenes to be seen.



Thank you to all my team at the Pantages Hotel Toronto City Center , led by Andrew Van Buskirk, the hotel director of operation and to Michael Kay our art, food and beverage director.



So until the next time…..enjoy!



David

















]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080515-070855 David Zaltzman Thu, 15 May 2008 11:08:55 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080515-070855 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080331-111625

Hi all,

Sorry it's been a little while since I've updated this. It's been very busy at both hotels and I guess that's a good thing!
But I will endeavour to update this blog regularly every week.

In today's blog, I want to talk about the new and exciting changes at our Martini Bar. Where to begin? Well, I guess first is the menu and drinks list. Our excellent Executive Chef Derek Kennedy (who I've raved about before in this blog) has come up with an interesting yet approachable menu. On the menu sure to be favourites: Crispy Duck Wontons, Freshly house-made Guacamole, a take on the kiddie fave, Tater Tots with a very grown-up smoked ham and whipped potato, and of the definite faves so far, mini-Berkshire Pork Sandwiches. As for our signature cocktails and martinis...our house specialty martini that we call The Pantini, is always a great thirst-quencher, but quickly on its heels is our delicious Raspberry Mojito. Of course you can be like James Bond and have a classic martini--shaken, not stirred of course.

Ok, so that alone should want to make you run and try it out.

But if that wasn't enough, we have some AMAZING specialty nights that have become very popular and they've only just begun:

"M3" Mondays - $5 Martinis, Mojitos & Mac & Cheese, with LIVE DJ

"After Work Social" Thursdays - $2 Mini Burgers & $5 Red Stripe, with LIVE DJ

"Jazz-Out" Fridays - $10 Premium Purple Haze Martinis, with LIVE PERFORMANCES by Robert Scott and Bob Scott

"Soundscape" Saturdays - $10 Premium Pantini Martinis, with LIVE DJ

Come check out all the great changes and drop us a line here to let us know what you think!

Until next time...

David]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080331-111625 David Zaltzman Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:16:25 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080331-111625 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080226-112829

There's a story about our Lifestyle Specialist (concierge) going out in a rainstorm to get fresh coconut juice for one of our guests...

And then there's the story about one of our housekeepers noticing a birthday card in a guest's room while cleaning and quickly notified our kitchen, which resulted in the guest receiving a delicious - and unexpected birthday cake from us...

The thing is, these are not just "stories". It's everyday life at The Pantages Hotel. And a huge reason why we recently received our highest Guest Satisfaction Survey results in the high 90s!

What's a Guest Satisfaction Survey? It's a survey that our guests fill out through an independent third-party company, after they've stayed with us. Things like cleanliness of the room, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, etc. are judged.

Is there room for improvement? Of course. We are always striving to be the best.

But what my team and I here at The Pantages firmly believe is that if you take care of the guest - if you really live the hospitality that's in all of your marketing, then it will shine through.

A big thank you therefore to all the wonderful, genuinely dedicated staff at The Pantages. Each and every department that comes into contact with our guest has an impact--from our sales department, to our valet, to our front desk, to our housekeeping staff. You are true superstars and without you, there would be no personality to our brand.

If you have yet to experience our truly unique and personalized service here at The Pantages, try us the next time you are in need of accommodations in Toronto. And drop me a line to let me know about your experience.

We look forward to meeting you...

Best,
David]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080226-112829 David Zaltzman Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:28:29 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080226-112829 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080211-142514

We’re in the week of love…Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And I believe we’re offering some of the best packages in the city to woo your loved one!

From an extensive list of romantic packages (check out our website www.pantageshotel.com for more specific info and to make reservations), featuring chocolate covered strawberries, fresh rose petals, couples massages, and long stemmed roses for your pillow to red, white (even non-alcoholic) wines and champagnes…and did I mention the endless supply of rose petals inviting you to your exceptional suite and bed?

Our Martini Bar and Lounge has become the perfect place to propose to your one and only, and we’ve been bombarded with phone calls from nervous grooms looking for that inspired and memorable way to pop the question. As some of you regulars will know, the Martini Bar only hosts top notch performers…however we have made some exceptions recently to allow a few grooms to play our Yamaha Grand piano to woo their fiancée! Their talents have ranged from the good, the bad, to downright ugly...but to date, it has always resulted in a YES! Proving once again it’s the thought that counts!!

One proposing groom-to-be actually stopped by in advance to drop off his engagement ring and asked us to create a dessert around it! Our staff are quite good at keeping track of multiple martini orders…but ALSO having to take care and guard a 2 karat diamond ring is a whole other matter! Jessica took great care of the symbol and our amazing Executive Chef, Derek Kennedy created a delicious and culinary masterpiece to surround it…now that’s one expensive order!

One of my greatest memories was watching one of our housekeepers help set the room for a nice, but extremely nervous young man. Lily was assisting him in placing all of his special tokens to set the perfect scene…reassuring him “don’t worry…she’ll say yes!!! Lily of course was right, and the two have decided to make The Pantages Suites Hotel & Spa their hotel of choice for their wedding night.

So give us a call and we will put your nerves to rest! We speak and translate the language of love… Whether you are looking for a memorable night or the memory of a lifetime, our amazing team at Pantages Suites Hotel and Spa will set cupid’s stage for you…



Best,
David
]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080211-142514 David Zaltzman Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:25:14 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080211-142514 http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080123-183005


Hi Folks
I am about to complete my two weeks at Cornell University and head back to my family, to the Pantages, and to the Cosmopolitan in Toronto. I was so lucky that I could spend this time here without having to worry about the hotel's operations or sales. I know I have the best executive team backing me up who do what ever it takes to successfully deal with every challenge that arises. Actually, I find it very beneficial for every manager to try and handle issues directly that usually would have come through the General Manager's desk.

This is a great opportunity to thank my team members back in the two hotels in Toronto for allowing me to graduate this program without being worried on a daily basis.

Below, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to some of my colleagues I've had the pleasure to meet here at Cornell. They are some of the best and brightest General Managers from successful hotels and resorts from 23 countries including Greece, Switzerland, U.S., Costa Rica, Monaco, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, China, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, Canada and many more.

Take care and I am looking forward to coming back to Toronto.

Yours

David






]]> http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080123-183005 David Zaltzman Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:30:05 GMT http://www.pantageshotel.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080123-183005