I was recently invited by the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Pearson International Airport to spend a night showcasing their property. My sister picked me up at work on Friday night and 30 minutes later we found ourselves lounging in a King Bed Suite which would be ours for the night. There was a delightful card and welcome basket full of fresh fruit and Perrier waiting for me on the coffee table. We quickly changed out of our work clothes and did a little primping of our winter weathered hair.
We were seated at the hotel’s La Brasserie Restaurant at 7pm. Chef Tony Fernandes originally from Mumbai has won 40 medals from culinary competitions worldwide including a Silver medal from 2010 Culinary World Cup competition in Luxembourg. He is the Director of the Escoffier Society of Toronto and most importantly was part of a team recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the Biggest Bowl of Biryani in the World. Needless to say I would be ordering his Butter Chicken.
Dinner at La Brasserie
Sauvignon Blanc, Appleby Lane, New Zealand
Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini, California
Vine Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella
Spinach, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Fettuccine with Lobster and Baby Shrimp
80z Filet Mignon with Béarnaise
Butter Chicken with Kachumber, Rice and Nan
Lemon and Lime Cheesecake
Chocolate Lovers Mousse
After dinner I was feeling a bit exhausted from a long work week and my stomach was fantastically full. We hopped on the elevator and headed back to our room where I took a quick nap to digest and restore. We headed down to the Rendezvous Piano Bar at 9:30pm. The hotel recently debuted its new resident performer, Juno and CCMA award nominee Rhonda Silver. A professional pianist, vocalist and songwriter she has performed with the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Shania Twain, Anne Murray and Kenny Rogers. We sat at the bar and ordered a few signature cocktails. The room filled with cutesy couples dancing in front of Rhonda’s Grand Piano. I couldn’t help but smile. I was trying to guess where each of these couples were off to. I assumed they would be leaving in the early morning for unforgettable sun filled adventures in Bali or Bangkok.
After a few drinks we headed back to our room and jumped into our pyjamas. Before dozing off to sleep we watched Moneyball on our big comfy King sized bed. In the morning I ordered room service. We packed our things and had a quick shower while we waited for breakfast to arrive.
Room Service: Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel Toronto
Orange and Grapefruit Juice
Cappuccino
Two Scrambled Eggs, country potatoes, bacon, toast and preserves
Classic Eggs Benedict, country potatoes, toast and preserves
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, butter and maple syrup
After breakfast we checked out of our room and the hotel sent me back to my apartment in a taxi. As we sped along the highway I reflected on my experience. The Crowne Plaza is an excellent hotel to spend the night if you have an early flight to catch or are enjoying a nearby conference or convention. La Brasserie restaurant features a well prepared and diverse menu, Rhonda Silver’s performances at the Rendevous Piano Bar provide late night entertainment and room service breakfast has never been so convenient. Just make sure to book yourself in a King Bed Suite, you’ll need the room to relax. You deserve it!
