Monday 23 September 2013

One martini, two martini...

Another member and I were chatting about the Club's popular weekly Thursday martini night, where  between 5-7 pm you and your guests only pay $5 per martini. The other member wondered out loud about the actual value of our $5 martini because he believed the martinis were smaller. That surprised me, because I always found the martinis to be excellent, and plenty large and powerful.

So I checked in with our bartender, Al, for the straight goods. 


It turns out that the other member was right - the $5.00 martinis are served in a smaller glass. But it also turns out that I am right - the "smaller glass" holds a 2.5 oz martini. 

Remember everywhere else a standard bar shot or martini is only 1.5 oz, so on Thursday nights at the Club you are getting an extra ounce and we still only charge $5.

By the way, the rest of the week the standard size for our normal price ($10.00) martinis is 3.5 oz. 

I guess that's where the saying "one martini, two martini, three martini, floor" comes from!

Kamal Hassan

Chair
Communications Committee 

Thursday 19 September 2013

Film Night - "Our Man In Tehran"

The National Club's Cinephile society hosted a very special showing of "Our Man In Tehran" last night following its debut at TIFF.

A sold out crowd of over a hundred members and guests mingled with movie producers Drew Taylor and Larry Weinstein. After dinner the movie was shown, followed by a panel discussion by the co-producers, with moderator Thom Ernst - Former Host/Producer of Saturday Night at the Movies, Friday Morning Syndicated Radio Film Reviewer at CBC/Radio-Canada. Also on the panel was journalist and eyewitness to the Iranian revolution Carole Jerome for her unique perspective.

Thanks to all of them and to Chair of the National Club's Cinephile Society Karen Gilmour for bringing this outstanding event to the Club.

Next movie: Join us on Halloween night for Vincent Price and Diana Rigg in "Theatre of Blood".


National Club President Stephen Lautens, movie critic Thom Ernst, journalist Carole Jerome, Cinephile Society Chair Karen Gilmore and movie producer (and former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher) Drew Taylor

Dinner and cocktails before the movie

A full house


National Club Cinephile Society Chair Karen Gilmore

"Our Man In Tehran" producers Larry Weinstein and Drew Taylor

After movie panel discussion moderated by Thom Ernst with the producers and CBC journalist Carole Jerome

Friday 13 September 2013

Rooftop Patio Progress Photos

The view along Bay Street

Dear National Club Members,

I was up on the rooftop this week to inspect the progress with the construction. I am happy to say we're on schedule for a late October opening.

The wiring and plumbing is going in now, and as soon as that is done we will see very quick changes. The stairs have also been installed leading up from the 4th floor, and so access from inside the building is much easier.

Something I didn't appreciate until now is how good the view will be from the deck at the front of our roof along Bay Street. Another thing that is hard to visualize is how large the whole space will be at about 3,000 square feet.

I'll post more pictures as the project moves quickly to completion.

Best regards,

Stephen

Stephen Lautens
President
The National Club

The East Deck looking towards the pavilion

Part of the enclosed bar area

Another view of the bar area


Wednesday 11 September 2013

Wine Night Tonight - The Wines of South Africa

There is still time to sign up for our wine tasting tonight - only $25 to re-introduce yourself to some of the many fine boutique wines of South Africa, led by Shawn Rowlands, owner of the Gradwell Wine Agency.

To book, contact the front desk at (416) 364-3247.


Thursday 5 September 2013

Movie Night Exclusive - "Our Man In Tehran" - Sept. 18th

The Toronto Star reviews "Our Man In Tehran", a documentary that will have its world premiere at TIFF Bell Lightbox on Sept. 12 and will be shown at The National Club in an exclusive private screening on Sept. 18th on our high-tech big screen. 

 Co-directors Drew Taylor and Larry Weinstien will be at our exclusive National Club screening of "Our Man In Tehran" to participate in a Q&A after the film.

Members should make sure they get your tickets (which includes a light dinner and wine) by contacting The National Club front desk.

Tuesday 3 September 2013

A Little Incentive For Our Members' Friends & Colleagues


Dear National Club Member,

As a National Club member you will have (or will shortly) receive details of a new incentive program for introducing your friends and colleagues to the many benefits of National Club membership.

Let's just say that there's something in it for both you and any new Resident Member you introduce to the Club.

There has never been a better time to be a member or join The National Club with the busy fall schedule of events coming and the nearing completion of our spectacular rooftop patio.

Details of this unique offer are available in the "Members Section" of the National Club website, but hurry - this special new member incentive is only being offered for a limited time.

Please contact our General Manager Bill Morari for details or a membership package.

Best regards,

Stephen Lautens
President

P.S. - The Club is now back to regular opening hours.