I have to admit, I get invited to some pretty cool things. I LOVE IT! The latest adventure was a little lesson in sophisticated entertaining by Bombay Sapphire Gin courtesy of Ian Barr of Rocket XL (I want – I got loves you Ian). The group was about 40 people including familiar faces from twitter (Rannie, Sass who is oh so sassy, Jaime Woo, Andrew Louis, Suresh, Marie) and the fashion world.

The venue, 49 Nanton Avenue, the former home of Ted Rogers Sr. It was incredible to say the least. The Globe and Mail has a great slideshow from when the house went up for sale. It looks a little different with the new owners, it’s spectacular. The backyard area is the same and that pool is the most fabulous thing I’ve ever seen; non chlorinated and a lovely 80-85 degrees. Yes people, it was heated to perfection. I wanted to strip down and jump in.

Teaching the art of sophisticated entertaining was Merlin Griffiths, Master Mixologist and Bombay Sapphire Global Brand Ambassador. Merlin is English and of course, I was swooning over the accent. I’m such a sucker for accents.

Award-winning UK mixologist, Merlin Griffiths has the enviable role of global brand ambassador for Bombay Sapphire Gin travelling the world demonstrating the art of mixology and the many ways in which Bombay Sapphire can be used to create incredible cocktails.

On the food preparation side was Sebastien Centner, Senior Partner, Eatertainment.

Sebastien Centner is the Senior Partner of Eatertainment Hospitality. Eatertainment has created and continues to operate some of Toronto’s most celebrated (and celebrity-frequented) restaurants including The Bloor Street Diner and Panorama Lounge, winner of Where Magazine’s “Best Bar in Toronto” award. In 2001, Sebastien launched Eatertainment Special Events & Catering, which has grown to be one of Canada’s top event planning and catering companies and was awarded ‘Best Caterer in Canada’ by the Canadian Event Industry Association.

Sebastien and Merlin brought us into the huge kitchen and created drinks and food. Merlin provided some drop dead simple recipes for drinks. Sebastien prepared some great party foods and included some presentation tricks to make visually appealing. There were samples of the food and drinks passed around to all to enjoy.

Bombay Sapphire has a YouTube page that has recipes by another Mater Mixologist who alas isn’t my fav Merlin. There is also a Bombay Sapphire Facebook page. I’ve been a Bombay Sapphire drinker for awhile now, ha ha, back in the Gin and Juice days.

View the slideshow for all the images.