Ritz Montreal + Décarie Motors = the fundamental formula for a flawless fête

Montreal Faces

For the fiftieth anniversary of F1’s Grand Prix du Canada, Hotel Ritz-Carlton and Décarie Motors, in collaboration with Aston Martin, staged an epic Friday night ‘partay’. Aston Martin’s exquisitely crafted DB11 dazzled VIPs on the red carpet, who half-expected 007 himself to emerge! Stars abounded, as throngs of Sherbrooke Street onlookers couldn’t decide between selfies with sleek wheels and sizzling hot rods, or celebrity shots. Among those photographed were the Jacksons – as in Jermaine, Tito, Marlon & Jackie, Red Bull Racing’s F1 team principal, Christian Horner and numerous local personalities.

Olympic freestyle Gold Medalist Alexandre Bilodeau
Photo: Eric Myre

Danielle Caron & retired HAB Yvon Lambert
Photo George Pimentel

The soirée’s tropical theme permeated throughout: stunning décor juxtaposed against a kaleidoscopic backdrop of brilliant Brazilian motifs lit up the Ritz’s Palm Court entrance to its Oval Room, outdoor terrasse and mezzanine-level lounges. Music and entertainment thrilled 500 plus partygoers, including Décarie Motors CEO Joel Segal & GM Cheryl Blas, Arlene & Ritz-Carlton GM/CEO Andrew Torriani, Ritz PR maven Katia Piccolino, F1 Grand Prix du Canada president, François Dumontier, McGill University management professor Karl Moore, Habs GM Marc Bergevin along with former players Réjean Houle, Yvon Lambert and Patrice Brisebois.

Ritz-Carlton PR/sponsorship
director, Katia Piccolino
Photo: George Pimentel

Rythme FM’s Mitsou Gélinas Photo: George Pimentel

Revelers dined on a truly dizzying display of delectable dishes from Ritz executive chef Johnny Porte. In addition to Macchi’s mouth watering hot buffet, the midnight surprise of designer poutine satiated every palate. Dessert proved equally popular, with pastries aplenty, choco fondue dip-it-yourself fruit pops, plus the dangerously decadent Le Cheesecake pop-up bar. InBalance was “InSynch” with event planner Maddy K’s theme, boasting a brimming buffet of bountiful fruit which was literally, good enough to eat.

Sweet Armani swag was distributed to parting guests and ladies eagerly swapped stilettos for snuggly Ritz slippers just in time for the ride home. This party with a purpose proved to be the winner of Grand Prix weekend, as a portion of proceeds will benefit a worthy cause: the Jewish General Hospital’s Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Sponsors included Décarie Motors Inc, Aston Martin, JPMorgan Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card, Armani, CHUBB, Moët & Chandon, Wines of PGI Epanomi, Romeo Gin, PUR Vodka, Macchi, Holt Renfrew, Ogilvy, YUL Condos, Vitesse Transport and Condos Aquablu.

Red Bull racing machine
Photo: Eric Myre

The Ritz-Carlton was F1-Central during the Canadian Grand Prix
Photo: Eric Myre

Décarie Motors displayed Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage S
Photo: Dom Gouin