The sun gods shone down on Montreal two weeks ago as thousands of people from all over the world took to the streets of the city to celebrate the Canadian Grand Prix. The world-class event infuses Montreal with an energy that comes only from celebrating in style with the world watching.
Our Grand Prix weekend started on Monday of all days with a dinner at Zibo’s downtown location. They had thrown together a special Grand Prix feast that overflowed with delicious steaks, lobster, grilled veggies and much more. Visitors to city who took in this limited time offer were treated to something both special and surprising.
You can have Grand Prix without popping a bottle of champagne or six! The bubbly started pouring freely starting at the Ritz-Carleton’s annual beach party last Wednesday were we sipped on Ruinart just outside the iconic hotel’s sidewalk terrasse. The launch featured some of the hottest cars on the planet parked for our drool-worth pleasure. Following the event, we headed upstairs to the hotel’s pool and rooftop terrasse where former Canadian Grand Prix champ, Daniel Ricciardo in collaboration with Orlebar Brown launched a line of men’s swimwear at a guest-list only event.
That same night, Montreal came out dressed to impress at Bar George for Dressed to Kill’s 10 anniversary party. The Montreal-based magazine was celebrated by one of the craziest crowds of the entire week. Bar George was standing room only, making rubbing elbows with the exclusive fashion clad celebrity guests that much easier.
On Thursday we headed out to the Peel Paddock for another night of bubbly inspired pleasure. Chandon held court near a mini race track where we sipped on the sparkling wine under the intense heat of a beautiful late spring day. We soaked up the sun and the massive crowds that extended from Réné-Levesques Boulevard all the way up to de Maisonneuve, while pilots from several racing teams joined us for the fun.
Friday is usually the busiest night for me but this year I did something a little different. I chose Le Meridien Hotel as my only stop for the night. This event has become one of my absolute favorites of the entire week. The event is far from low key but it’s the first event of the weekend that feels like things are about to rev up to full speed ahead. It’s a 5a7 not to be missed!
For Grand Prix party hoppers, Saturday is our Christmas. It’s nonstop fun from noon onward. This year’s highlights featured the third annual Pit Stop at the W Montreal where we celebrated a heat wave like only Montreal can. This has become the ultimate get-ready afternoon in the city and the fun keeps piling up year after year. Where else can you enjoy a Maison Privée haircut while sipping on Whiskey, bubbly or maybe even a little FIJI water (for hydration sake)! The afternoon party continued at New City Gas with Moet City and then it was time to go home and get changed for the main events.
This year I returned to Le Richmond where they never disappoint. They put 120% into their four-day long party planning and it’s a red carpet extravaganza that you have to see to believe. A few years ago when Le Richmond started this, no one could have predicted that it would become this big, this fast. I love this party, it’s always loads of fun and I’m always glad that I get to see it for myself.
My last Grand Prix stop this year was one of my favorites of the entire week. Mercedes-Benz threw an amazing bash at L’Arsenal in Griffintown; a party that you had to see to believe. The enormous crowd was treated to amazing live music, great food and plenty of wine to go around. A fashionable crowd gathered to celebrate together for a truly unforgettable night. I could never have predicted that this would be the party that surprised me the most but it did and I was truly impressed. After doing this for years, it’s great to see that I can be as wowed as I was by Mercedes Benz!
Now it’s time to enjoy the warm summer weather! The party got started with Grand Prix but Montrealer’s have no trouble carrying on the festivities for the next few months! Enjoy!
Image credits: Le Richmond, W Montreal, Mercedes-Benz, Orlebar Brown
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