Table for 10 set for dinner inside the Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

One of the highlights of last Friday's 'Singular Event' was a fund-raising dinner to mark the opening of the Michael Lee Chin Crystal at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada. Some 500 special guests paid big bucks to mingle and feel proud of the magnificent structure that now graces Bloor Street and Avenue Road. The four main tables for 10, comprised lead donor Mr. Lee Chin's family, friends and business associates from Canada and Jamaica.

Dinner was the prelude to a night of non-stop parties on the museum's five new floors and one of several functions held throughout last weekend. The Lee Chin Crystal opened at the ROM in Toronto, Canada, on June 1.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the spanking new Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court led to dinner in the Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery. There was no jostling to find assigned seats as ushers held numbers suspended high above each table - these were triangular shaped and at ends of long white poles. They disappeared as soon as all were seated and pre-dinner entertainment began.

Entertainment

One native Indian drummer and two brightly costumed dancers proclaimed a special prayer beneath spikes of pale yellow catelaya orchids and strands of crystal circles hung from the ceiling. The first course was served while world-renowned throat singer, Tanya Tagaq, shimmering in silver, intrigued guests with her unique vocal talent.

First course was an attractive arrangement of fresh peas, four ways: minted pea soup, smashed peas with crispy duck prosciutto; garden pea salad with salt cod bomba and poached lobster pea tendrils and pea oil. Each held its distinct taste while producing a pleasing effect to the eye.

Next came Cumbre Farms filet of beef with crispy leeks in Zinfandel reduction, organic spinach with golden beets and creamy truffled potato puree - the latter served tableside. There was assent all around the room - this was the most tender and perfect beef many had had in a very long time, and kudos went to the team, led by executive chef Tim McLaughlin, Restaurant Associates, New York. He was ably assisted by catering chef, Cesar Guinto, Restaurant Associates, ROM.

Liquid libations

Sweet and Champagne included Almond Jacquonde with chocolate truffle mousse. Of course, liquid libations flowed throughout the night and pastry teams busied themselves serving strawberries dipped in hot chocolate and a host of other goodies and nibbles.

Mr. Lee Chin and several others used the opportunity to mingle at tables, greeting almost everyone present. There were many photo opportunities too - including a most gracious former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney who obliged Food with a smile before starting his second course.

Then came the Champagne toasts: to boldness (the architect, Daniel Libeskind, for his design); to generosity (Michael Lee Chin for his lead gift of CDN$30 million); to leadership (Hillary Weston, who chairs the ROM Foundation), and the final toast to vision (of William Thorsell's transformation of the ROM into the city's centre for renaissance).

An innovatively-sectioned plate with fresh peas four ways clockwise: minted pea soup, smashed peas with crispy duck prosciutto, garden pea salad with salt cod bomba and poached lobster with pea tendrils and pea oil. - photos by barbara ellington

Almond Jacquonde with chocolate truffle mousse.

The oh so divine Cumbrae Farms filet of beef with crispy leeks, organic spinach with golden beets and creamy truffled potato puree on the side.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was among dignitaries at the opening of the Michael Lee Chin Crystal at the ROM and graciously accommodated Food with a pre-dinner photo.