Stunning New Arcadian Launches at The Bay's Queen Street Flagship Store in Downtown Toronto

Iconic Toronto Venue Revealed After Year-long Transformation

TORONTO, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Bay continues its evolution as a world-class department store with the re-launch of the historic Arcadian Court.  Now known as Arcadian, this reinvented space boasts historic charm and modern sophistication in two distinct venues - the revitalized Arcadian Court and the new Arcadian Loft - and is set to be one of Toronto's most sought after venues.  A collaborative effort with foodservice partner Oliver & Bonacini, the grand Arcadian Court has been restored to its art deco glory featuring modern new amenities, while a flexible contemporary space has also been created in Arcadian Loft.  Together, these two spaces form a unique complex which will meet the needs of any event or occasion.

"It is extremely exciting to see Arcadian transformed in such a historical yet future-forward manner," says Bonnie Brooks, President, The Hudson's Bay Company.  "Given the history associated with The Hudson's Bay Company, we are passionate about historical preservation.  The Arcadian is a Toronto landmark, and we are thrilled with the results of this significant restoration and rebuild. It is our pleasure to unveil it to the community and look forward to building on its legacy while creating more memories for generations to come."

"Already in high demand - Arcadian Court is fully booked for Saturday weddings for the next two years," says Peter Oliver, Partner, Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants.  "And with the addition of the Arcadian Loft, this event complex now has the versatility and capacity to host large scale events ranging from galas, weddings and fashion shows to corporate events and conferences.  With Arcadian, we are entering into an exciting new age in event services in Toronto."
                                                                                                                                           
The New Arcadian Court -- Old World Grace With a Fresh Take
Originally opened in 1929, the Arcadian Court has a deep and rich history as a Toronto institution.  It has hosted many monumental events including Toronto's first auto show; the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's first radio broadcasts; performances by entertainment legends such as Liberace; and Sotheby's first auction outside of Britain, to name just a few.

The renovations carried out by architecture firm DeSignum Design and CMA Construction Group have stripped back layers of walls and flooring that have been added over the years, reclaiming approximately five feet around the perimeter, and opened up eight of the 16 grand arches in the mezzanine that were closed off in past renovations and restored the squared off arches along with adding four feet to the remaining eight.  The Court is now a revitalized 8086 square foot gem, featuring improved acoustics, beautiful chandeliers that are a deconstructed take on the original Lalique crystal chandeliers and an opened-up mezzanine spans offering a 360° view.  The lavish space can now accommodate approximately 700 people.

Arcadian Loft - Fresh, Urban Space With Spectacular Views
On its own, or in conjunction with the Court, Arcadian Loft provides a customizable space like no other in the city of Toronto.  Arcadian Loft now occupies the space formally known as the City View Café or Panoramic Room.  The 6773 square foot venue can be booked as a whole or can be divided to up to five rooms to fit specific event needs.  Each room features state-of-the-art technology including drop down screens, AV amenities and integrated sound dampening/absorbing materials.

The 'loft-like' décor features include open concrete ceilings, a reclaimed grey washed brick accent wall, oversized metal warehouse doors and its most stunning feature -- spectacular views of Old and New City Hall through a 200 lineal foot glass wall.

Arcadian Serves For Any Occasion
Featuring a skilled team of O&B Chefs, the new Arcadian menu package was created by Oliver & Bonacini Corporate Events Chef Jamie Meireles in collaboration with Corporate Executive Chef Anthony Walsh.  Guests of Arcadian should expect fine dining fare and a grand departure from typical banquet hall cuisine.

Chef Jamie Meireles began his career apprenticing at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel after attending George Brown College Chef's School.  He has worked in many notable venues includling: Michael Caines at The Royal Clarence; the two-Michelin-starred Relais & Chateaux Inn, Gidleigh Park; Rosewater Room; W New York Hotel.
                                                                                                               
In 2008 he joined the Oliver & Bonacini team for the re-launch of the Toronto Board of Trade facility and later in 2010 Jamie launched Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox. With his wide-ranging experience and passion for modern food rooted in the classics, Chef Meireles is set to make any dining occasion at Arcadian an unforgettable experience.

The fresh and extensive menu offers many options for buffet or plated breakfasts, themed meals such as: Health Smart, Got Milk?, Fuel Up, Sweet Seductions, buffet or plated lunches, plated dinners, food stations, creative canapés and hors d'oeuvres.

Choice dishes include: the famous Arcadian Court Chicken Pot Pie, roasted prime rib, Qualicum beach scallop ceviche, maple pork belly and kimchi in a steamed bun, and mini beef and Yorkshire pudding sandwiches.

In tribute to the venue's culinary heritage, Chef Meireles has created an Arcadian Afternoon Tea menu featuring finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and clotted cream, as well as a collection of "Yesteryear Lunches" paying homage to Arcadian meals served circa 1930, 1960 and 1980.  One of his favourite dishes is the Banana Parfait with coconut, as featured on Arcadian Court's original 1929 menu.

In February 2011, The Bay announced it had entered into an historic partnership with Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants and Compass Group Canada to transform its foodservice and restaurant offerings.  The launch of the new Arcadian is the latest step in this bold, progressive evolution.

Arcadian is now open for bookings, and for more information on its many services, please visit www.oliverbonacini.com.
                                                                                                                                           
About The Bay
Hudson's Bay Company was incorporated in 1670 by a British royal charter under King Charles II.  With an unrivalled 341-year history in Canada, Hudson's Bay Company is renowned for its historical role in the development of the nation.  Today, The Bay is Canada's leading department store and has established a reputation for quality, service, and more than ever, for style.  A world-class department store, The Bay offers well edited assortments of exclusive and popular fashion, beauty, home and accessory designers and brands.  The stores are continually evolving to provide customers with new and exclusive merchandise, as well as customized services to set The Bay apart from any other retailer in Canada.  The Bay operates 91 stores in 8 provinces across Canada as well as www.thebay.com, the company's online store.

About Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants
Oliver & Bonacini is recognized as one of Canada's leading fine dining restaurant companies, operating 12 unique and innovative restaurants in Ontario.  Operations include à la carte dining, quick service, catering, group dining and special events.  Unique concept restaurants include Canoe, Jump, Auberge du Pommier, Biff's Bistro, Luma, O&B Canteen and Bannock.  The company also operates a midrange casual dining concept, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, with locations in Toronto, Blue Mountain, Oakville and Waterloo.  The company's private dining and events division, Oliver & Bonacini Events, manages a number of large scale event facilities, including Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox, City Ballroom at Toronto Board of Trade and Windermere House on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka.  Oliver & Bonacini credits its success to the development of a strong corporate culture, where excellence of food quality and service are valued above all else. 

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