The Best Of brings together legendary musical artists and world-class chefs in collaboration to deliver an experience like no other, all for a meaningful purpose. Music meets cuisine to create peak life moments through an exclusive first of its kind experience model.
The Best Of California
Featuring:
Kyle & Katina Connaughton
SingleThread Farm, Restaurant and Inn
Healdsburg, CA
Kyle and Katina Connaughton, Chef and Farmer respectively, are the owners of Sonoma’s SingleThread—the highest rated California restaurant on World's 50 Best, Three Michelin Stars, Green Star, and Relais & Chateaux. Global leaders in regenerative agriculture, SingleThread is vertically integrated with their own farmland, supplying the restaurant with nearly all the produce on the menu. Kyle and Katina are stewards of the land and the community and strive to be the spirit of good change. The pair are truly the gold standard when it comes to The Best of California and will curate canapés and a 6 course tasting menu to creatively engage with our performing artists and guests.
Jason Bangerter
Toronto, ON
Vincent Morrow
Napa, CA
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Executive Chef
Langdon Hall Country House, Hotel & Spa
As an influential leader in the Canadian culinary scene, Jason’s career spans nationally and internationally, working alongside some of the world’s leading chefs. Inspired by his exceptionally high personal standards, Langdon Hall’s culinary direction excels and continues to be honoured as the only restaurant in Ontario to be awarded the AAA/CAA Five-Diamond rating.
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Master Sommelier
California Michelin Sommelier of the Year
As Wine Director at One Michelin Starred Press Napa Valley, Vincent is considered a rock star in California’s world-famous wine scene. He was the driving force behind Press’ prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award. Vincent’s pairings for The Best of California will be a celebration of the finest wines & Champagne from California, Ontario, and the world.
Christopher Sealy
Toronto, ON
Christina Li
Toronto, ON
Toronto Michelin Sommelier of the Year
Christopher is the wine director at One Michelin Starred Alo in Yorkville, where his impeccably curated list enhances the esteemed cuisine. Sealy is the 2022 Toronto Michelin Sommelier of the Year.
Water Sommelier
As Canada’s 1st Water Sommelier, Christina is dedicated to educating effective, hydrating, sustainable and quality water solutions for individuals, families and teams to better health and the environment. She believes the more we know, the more we know how to act.
The Beach Boys
Hawthorne, CA
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon, are bringing their shows to fans around the world.
Master of Ceremonies
Tony Hawk
Encinitas, CA
Tony Hawk is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of all time. He's also the most successful pro skater in history who through his technical innovations, successful equipment and apparel companies, and tireless promotional work—helped the sport of skateboarding enter the mainstream at the end of the 20th century.
Tiffany Haddish
Los Angeles, CA
The breakout star of the hit comedy Girls Trip made history by becoming the first black female comedian to host Saturday Night Live, for which she won an Emmy. With her new projects Back on the Strip and Disney’s Haunted Mansion set to premiere in summer 2023.
Lindsey Stirling
Santa Ana, CA
The Billboard chart-topping dancing violinist made Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and her memoir, The Only Pirate at the Party is a New York Times bestseller. 13 M YouTube subscribers has led to collabs with Evanescence’s Amy Lee and John Legend.
The Venue
The Canadian Film Centre
Located in Toronto, the Canadian Film Centre campus is a beautiful, historical property known as Windfields Estate. Windfields was officially designated as a heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1992. The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization and a place of learning, community and imagination for a growing network of Canadian talent in the screen industry. The CFC is a place for imagination, where creativity, knowledge and opportunity thrive.
Selected for its advocacy for art and diversity, the CFC will be adorned in sublime tablescapes, an intimate stage equipped with outstanding audio and lighting equipment, and embellished in luxurious decor to create an environment conducive to presenting The Best Of California.
Delivering intimate, amicable avenues to mingle and engage with our extraordinary talent is paramount to our lineup of experiences.
Guests have the opportunity to interact with the musical talent before or after the show in a convivial setting, and the Michelin-rated chefs and sommeliers engage with each table throughout the evening.
Experience The Best Of California
The Best Of California
Event Agenda
Day 1
3:00 pm
The Best Of California x Shangri-La Hotel
Fireside Chat
The Best Of ticket holders are invited to an exclusive Fireside Chat with Kyle & Katina, with a chance to learn more about the husband & wife team, their incredible backstory and the compelling concept that inspired SingleThread, one of the most important restaurants in the world
5:00 pm
The Best Of California x Soho House
Sip & Mingle
Following the Fireside, The Best Of California ticket holders are invited to adjacent Soho House for an exclusive wine tasting and meet & greet. Master Sommelier Vincent Morrow & Sommelier Christopher Sealy will deliver a world-class wine service to The Best Of California guests, while they sip and mingle with Kyle & Katina in the club's convivial, intimate setting
7:00 pm
Dinner
After the Sip & Mingle, The Best Of California guests may dine at one of our partner restaurants (guest’s choice, will include an additional enhancement courtesy of The Best Of)
Day 2
5:00-6:30 pm
The Best Of California Gala at The Canadian Film Center commences with cocktails, wine service, canapés and Artist Meet & Greets
6:30 pm
Master of Ceremony Tony Hawk Welcome Address.
6:45-9:45 pm
Dinner, Artist Performances and Dessert
10:30 pm
After Party at a secret location, gala guests gain exclusive access to the star-studded official Toronto International Film Festival Pre-Party
*Due to the logistical nature of presenting multiple performing artists and chefs, the agenda is subject to modification.