iQ Venues combines high-touch service with historic spaces to create unrivaled events

As anyone who’s worked with us or read our blogs already knows, the team here at Kiss the Cook Catering is always on the look-out for amazing new venues where we can serve up our chefs’ deliciousness, but in a setting that provides the perfect complement to our clients’ carefully-crafted events.

We’ve profiled spaces such as The Henley Room, Heintzman House and The Jam Factory in past venue spotlights, and they’re still venues that we absolutely love. But now we have another space that needs to be added to the favourites list—actually three—but more on that in a moment.

We were recently asked to bring our brand of culinary magic to a celebration opening iQ Venues’ new King York Terrace at 150 King St. West in downtown Toronto. As one of iQ’s preferred caterers, we served up one our favorite autumn dishes: sweet potato gnocchi with braised short ribs and orange gremolata.

For vegetarians, we paired the gnocchi with the most amazing herb mushroom medley. Judging by the reaction of the many guests on hand, our food was a huge hit. So, too, was the venue, run by one of the most dynamic companies in the city.

We’ve come to appreciate the creative approach and attention to detail that the iQ Venues team brings to every event they host. This is a company that’s all about creating remarkable experiences with their unique spaces—and I think it’s fair to say that our two companies are very much in sync when it comes to staging events that our guests will never forget. We can’t wait to work with iQ in the months and years ahead to create even more unforgettable moments, combining our signature food stations and seasonal menus with the allure of their distinctive venues, working together to put smiles on our guests’ faces along the way.

What’s truly interesting is how iQ has worked to build such an impressive portfolio of one-of-a-kind venues across the city. In addition to King York Terrace, the company has been reimagining heritage spaces such as its Dineen Lounge at 140 Yonge St., and The Vault at 250 University Ave—turning them into some of the hottest, must-book event venues in Toronto. While we began debating which of these amazing rooms to profile, we quickly decided it was a better idea to bring you the story of all three, and explain why they’re a great choice for your next event:

King York Terrace

Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, this 5,000 sq. ft. indoor and outdoor meeting and event space is an ideal location for everything from corporate launches to VIP parties.

The massive outdoor terrace will undoubtedly make this a popular draw in the summer months. Imagine entertaining guests amid a forest of skyscrapers and with a stunning Toronto sunset in the background? We think iQ probably had this scene in mind when they gave the thumbs up and added the venue to their portfolio. Back inside, the lounge area is no less impressive.

With expansive windows offering amazing views of the city skyline any time of year, the 2,000 sq. ft. space can hold 220 people for social or corporate parties, and features a range of amenities including valet parking, an on-site A/V technician, WiFi, a flexible lighting system, a fully-equipped bar, and more. And they even offer customized catering options through partnerships with firms such as Kiss the Cook. It’s the perfect venue to impress, relax or let loose, right in the heart of the city.

The Dineen Lounge

For years we wondered what would come of the dilapidated Dineen Building at Yonge and Temperance Streets. Constructed in 1897 and designed by local architect F. H. Herbert, the wedge-shaped structure was unloved for years before being transformed with a massive renovation in 2012. We’re absolutely thrilled this architectural treasure was restored to its former glory and is now a downtown hotspot featuring a chic coffee shop and trendy restaurants.

It’s also home to iQ’s Dineen Lounge, an intimate 1,300 sq. ft. space featuring exposed stone and brick, concrete floors and reclaimed wood, elements that create a unique sense of warmth and add wonderful heritage flourishes to a modern room. It’s worth visiting for the architecture alone, but also to see what iQ has created with this amazing example of an adaptive reuse of a once-thriving retail space. The Dineen Lounge features lounge seating, a 28-foot bar perfect for mixing and mingling, surround sound and four 60” television screens integrated into a floating media wall. The space can hold up to 60 people, making it an ideal venue for office get-togethers, client-appreciation parties and small-scale celebrations.

With the right mix of tantalizing food, interesting people and exciting cocktails, this is a can’t-miss choice for your next event.

The Vault   

Ever partied in a bank vault that once housed millions of dollars worth of gold and bullion reserves? Here’s your chance.

The Vault is located at 250 University, the former home of the Bank of Canada in Toronto. This subterranean hotspot features the original three-foot bank vault door that now opens onto a 4,500 sq. ft., open-concept event room that iQ bills as one of the most unique in the city. Their description couldn’t be more correct.

The Vault’s exposed concrete columns, custom iron design elements and tufted leather couches are a throwback to the late-1950s, when the building first took its place among the high-profile structures dotting University Avenue. The Vault also features a fully-equipped bar and kitchen and catering prep room (which we love!), a six-hole putting green (so fun!) and a surround sound system and four 70” television screens integrated into a floating media wall (so cool!). It can play host to a maximum of 250 people, making it a good fit for corporate gatherings, holiday parties or social get-togethers.

Whichever iQ venue fits your event vision, you can rest assured that their team will do what it takes to make the gathering a full-fledged success. We only work with venues we can trust, and we can wholeheartedly vouch for the professionalism and commitment to service excellence that the iQ team brings to the table.

Great people, great food and great spaces. What’s not to love?

Fia Pagnello

Contact us now to book your next event at an iQ Venues space!