C5’s Culinary Celebration of Mexico

Due to high demand, a second evening of Chef Corbin cooking with guest chef Jose Hadad has been added

On Saturday, March 31, 2012, c5’s Chef Corbin welcomes Jose Hadad, Chef⁄Owner of Frida Restaurant for a second night of celebrating Mexico in a decidedly culinary fashion. Reservations for a first evening, taking place one night earlier, quickly sold out and both chefs have gladly agreed to reprise their delicious menu. Together, they will create and cook, taking guests on a gastronomic journey of all things Mexican. Occurring from 6:00 to 10:00 PM*, this inspired dinner of authentic fare and drink will feature a three course meal, preceded by inventive hors d’oeuvres and the signature cocktails for which c5 Restaurant & Lounge is renowned. The cost of the delicious salute to Mexico is $65.00 per person. Guests have the opportunity to complement their meal with optional wine pairings, at an additional cost.

Celebrated guitarist Jorge Lopez will entertain throughout the evening, and diners can also expect to meet and greet Chef Corbin and Jose Hadad as they make their way around the room to say hola to their guests!

*last order into the kitchen

About Corbin Tomaszeski, Executive Chef, Royal Ontario Museum

One of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Corbin Tomaszeski has over 20 years experience in some of the country’s finest restaurants. From 1997 to 2011, he served as Executive Chef at Holt Renfrew in both Edmonton and Toronto. Chef Corbin can also be seen as a host and food expert on television shows Dinner Party Wars, Restaurant Makeover, and Crash My Kitchen on Food Network and HGTV Canada.

About Jose Hadad, Chef⁄Owner, Frida Restaurant

After graduating from George Brown College’s culinary program, Jose Hadad worked for some of Toronto’s top chefs including Mark McEwan and Michael Stadtländer. He formed his company Mad Mexican in 2005 and, in 2008, opened Frida Restaurant and Wine Bar on Eglinton Avenue West. Named for the spirited painter Frida Kahlo, whose personality and artistic expression continue to inspire Hadad, the restaurant’s menu offers a focused, elegant take on Mexican fare. Restaurant critics have lauded Frida as one of the city’s most authentic options when seeking something beyond mere Mexican street eats. Authentic artisanal- made small-batch, hand-made chunky guacamole, roasted tomatillo avocado salsa, salsa verde, salsa roja (made with dried morita chiles), and bite-sized corn nacho chips are just some of Frida’s offerings.

About Jorge Lopez

A proud son of Mexico City, Jorge Lopez has spent his life studying and mastering the guitar. He inherited his love of the classical guitar from his father Gustavo Lopez, a student and assistant of Andrés Segovia, one of the most acclaimed guitarists of all time. Jorge gave his first public performance at the age of 11 and, during his lengthy career, has performed for numerous luminaries. Since making Toronto his home, Jorge has founded several musical groups, becoming a fixture on the city’s vibrant music scene.

About c5 Restaurant Lounge

Located at the pinnacle of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the ROM’s unique dining destination provides superlative gastronomic experiences and a sophisticated lounge environment. Executive Chef Corbin Tomaszeski’s five-star menu is expertly paired with selections from an international and regional wine list. C5 represents a partnership between the ROM and Restaurant Associates, a division of Compass Group Canada. For more information on c5, visit www.c5restaurant.ca and for more information on Restaurant Associates, visit www.restaurantassociates.com.

About Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

The exhibition vibrantly brings to life the Classic Period (250 – 900 CE) of this ancient Mesoamerican culture. Nearly 250 artifacts, augmented by engaging ROM-produced audio-video installations, illuminate the relationships between the Maya ruling class and the rest of its society. The objects also reveal numerous aspects of Maya culture, which, until the end of the 19th century, had been shrouded in mystery. A timely look at what the Maya thought would occur in 2012 is among the exhibition’s themes. Most of the objects have never before been seen in Canada. Many, some only recently excavated, are recognized as among the most significant archaeological finds of the Maya civilization.