Elite Holiday Party at Madeleines

Vivek says that elites love to complain about the cold. I don’t think that’s true. It’s not like I’m going to mention that my jeans froze to my skin as I exited Dupont station. Or that the 7 min walk felt like 48 min in minus «freezing-​my-​assets-​off» weather. I’m not even going to say that I think it was all a ruse to have Elites understand how commoners fare in everyday weather situations. I wonder what made him think that about Elites?
Madeleines was awesome from cinnamon toast sweetness to sugary coffee goodness. And those were just the delectable drinks. It’s a bro & sis establishment and it really shows. They were genuinely happy to have us there & serve us. Having that kind of service instantly makes for a good night. I almost felt bad for Dustin, trying to keep up with the drink orders. It takes a lot to keep up with Elites and he did a pretty good job. They had so many delicious desserts, it took everything in me to act Elite and not have strands of drool coming out of my mouth.
The cookie decorating was perfect. It was the perfect mix of inane conversation wtih dirty cookie messages. Shari, I think you need to give naughty baking classes!
The awesomeness of our C.M. shows for this being such a 5-​star night. It’s not just about getting free food & drink courtesy of Unilocal.It’s about being around people that don’t make you gag and want to leave your house in minus 39 degree weather.
It was cold.

It’s 4:30 am, my heart is pounding, and I’ve been laying here for a while waiting for sleep to come. It eludes me. Was it the energizing folks of Unilocal’s finest, or the lime favoured icing that graced several decaled cookies, possibly, but more likely it was the three Illy espresso martinis I sipped while making the rounds at yet another astonishing Elite party.
Madeline’s was the choice café that served up one of the best holiday parties I’ve been to in a long time. They’ve perfectly matched savoury and sweet in their eclectic shop, and it was a delightful place for a night of something a little less ordinary.
While drinking is the common theme for most elite parties, cookie decorating is not, and quite frankly I think such crafty endeavours should grace more of our stellar parties. Who knew that Shari M was such a skilled artisan at naughty gingerbread decorating. Who knew that sprinkles and icing could bring so much joy when coupled with spiked hot cocoa, welcoming hosts and bar that just kept on giving. Madeline’s did, and they have stumbled upon a burgeoning market of sweets and holiday activities that sets them apart from the norm.
The shop was the perfect fit for the 60 or so of us who showed up, the only truly crowed position was that of the bar (as usual), and while Dustin could «shake, shake, shake, shake-​uh-​shshake it» he was the lone shaker and so it took a little convincing and waiting to make sure that you had enough to drink. Shockingly (not) I spent most of the night drink in hand, so I have nothing to complain about.
It was nice to see so many new faces, mixed in with the old ones, I meet a new treasure every event. So thanks all for making this holiday a rousing success. Oh and you too Mr Viv.
Bottom line… Damn you best little martini-​gingerbread-​loveliness bake shop for making this night literally last and last. I’ll sleep tomorrow!

I’m finally able to write this review after coming down from combined sugar/​dairy-​fat/​tasty drink/​fabulous people high.
A Unilocal Elite party is probably the best excuse to finally check out the delightful Madeleines. If milling around waiting for drinks wasn’t enough of a reason to start chatting, then the cookie decorating craft table was just the ticket. Props to the staff at Madeleines for keeping things flowing. Best drink was the one Dustin invented towards the end of the night — a cold coffee and Bailey’s mix with sugar rimmed glass. Oh, I guess you can add caffeine-​high to the list above.
Awesome job again Vivek!

Great to have an activity at a Unilocal Elite event — decorating gingerbread cookies! And such a fancy schmancy location!
It was great to see the shop owner so into the event — the boxing up of the cookies was great. Lots of delicious treats available (sweet and savoury). I didn’t try the featured drinks because I’d had enough sugar from eating the cookies — but they did look interesting…

More good times with the TO Unilocal Elite crew! Even my cold, black Scroogey McScroogestein heart grew two sizes thanks to the Holiday Party at Madeleines. The desserts were tasty, and I especially enjoyed the Bailey’s Hot Chocolate on such a chilly night. (I agree with Elaine, though, that cidery cinnamony drink would be best warm.) I’m totally hitting up Madelines again soon, though — I wanted to try everything I saw!
Best yet, I got to catch up with my Unilocal bishes I haven’t seen in ages, and meet a few great new ones, too. Thanks to Madeleines and Vivek (not to mention Vivek’s sexy Movember Mustachio) for a great night!

Ihadsomuchfun!
As it was a no plus-​one event (which I kinda love), I trudged in the cold to Madeline’s alone. Coming upon the place was like finding an oasis! I was immediately informed of all the goodies that were in store such as the sweet table, the cookie decorating upstairs, the bar’s specialty drinks. So I grabbed a brownie for the road, put away my coat and got cooking!
It was nice to see some savoury things on the dessert table too! There were plenty of flavour combos which I enjoyed and happily stuffed my face with. Hey, talking and eating is hard! I don’t have the most varied taste for drinks and these were quite unique but I found a match with the Cinnamon Toast.
Honestly, it was such a great time. I feel like I got to know plenty of Unilocalers, old and new, stalked and unstalked. Something about that atmosphere just made it very welcoming to go up to someone and introduce oneself. Maybe it was the lighting? I don’t know but it worked and I can’t wait to go back and see all you peeps again!

Nice little party in a cozy little shop right around the corner from my house. This marks the first time I walked to an Elite Event. Definitely a nice feeling to have Unilocal in my hood.
Location was a little cramped but never felt uncomfortable. I like the idea of festive drinks, though a little too much coffee/​cream/​sugar for multiple consumption. And even though the poor guy was making them as quickly as he could it did take an awfully long time to get a drink in my hands.
Anyway, the holiday vibe was the best aspect of the event. Going upstairs and seeing happy Unilocalers decorate gingerbread was a nice touch. And when I first got to the event that dreamy woman who worked there gave me the lowdown on all the things I could do while there. She even hooked me up with the backyard for my «nasty habit.»
I’d like to go back to Madeleines soon to pick up some treats for Christmas time. Plus they have Pop Shoppe soda! I’m sold.

Thank you Madeleine’s, Unilocal and fellow Unilocalers! What a wonderful time celebrating Christmas, meeting everyone, and indulging in sweets, snacks and booze in one of the cutest shops ever.
Lined wall to wall with cookies and things, the baked goods and other extravagances at Madeleine’s were both gorgeous eye candy and killer for the sweet tooth. Walking into the shop, I felt like I was getting a warm hug, which was soon further enhanced by a pleasant cinnamon-​y glow from the contents of a martini glass.
The gingerbread workshop was definitely a neat idea for a holiday party and provided ample opportunity to rest my tired feet and roaring conversation. A wonderful way to end the day.

I had a flippin’ good time!
I started with the Cookie Decorating Table … realized that I shouldn’t go into professional cookie decorating, but it was fun regardless. Once packed into our take away boxes, the lovelies at Madeleines wrapped the box with festive ribbon. The Unilocal pin was a cute little touch.
The drinks were fantabulous. I didn’t care too much for the cinnamon inspired cocktail, but I was in love with the hot chocolate with substantial amounts of Bailey’s. I might even try making it tonight at home.
As always, it was nice to meet Unilocal folk. It’s nice when you meet someone new as well.
Look forward to the next Unilocal Elite event.
Muchos gracias to Vivek for organizing a kick arse party.

My first Unilocal Elite Event. Wow, where do I begin?
For the newly crowned Elites out there, receiving the bright and shinny new badge is only the first step to Unilocal Eliteness. To experience a full-​fledged Elite, you must attend one of the Unilocal Elite Events.
It was awesome to rub elbows with veteran Unilocalers and see their personalities in action. You folks were a hoot to watch!
The star of this show, without a doubt, was Vivek. Looking smashing in a vivid red Unilocal track jacket, our well-​loved CM was super cool in person.
Madeleines was the perfect place for the holiday party. I loved the joyful and festive ambiance. Sweets, sweets everywhere, (under watchful eyes of my Unilocal mama) it was easy to feel like a kid in a candy store and difficult to keep my hands off the «goodies». My favorites were Pumpkin bites and Hot Chocolate with Bailey. I would grab a gallon or two of Winter Warm Up, if they sell that puppy.
Delightful to meet and mingle with other Unilocalers (you know who you are).
Let’s do this again!

I had a blast!
It was nice to see so many familiar faces in such a festive and cozy setting! The venue was not too crowded for the number of attendees, and there was a good amount of choice as far as food and drinks were concerned. I have to give props to Vivek because Madeleine’s is just the kind of venue I have been looking for in Toronto!
As far as the party was concerned, Madeleines really captured that warm holiday feeling that puts a big smile on your (my) face. This probably has something to do with the fact that it is a family run establishment, and all involved are pretty passionate and good at what they do. I still can’t believe how Dustin was so upbeat and personable at the end of manning the bar for two hours non stop! The drinks were professionally made and pretty interesting for me since it is not the kind of thing I typically go for! My favourite though was definitely the off-​menu Illy espresso/​rum mix that came at the end!
From the food, I really enjoyed the spicy salami Quiche, and the little tarts and brownies! I’m generally not a big fan of Meringue but I did enjoy the white one! Finally whoever had the idea for the gingerbread cookie decoration and boxing is simply brilliant! A both fun and funny activity to partake in with your fellow Unilocalers!
Big props to Vivek and all those who helped organize the event. Props also to Devan for what he was hiding in his bag; I’m pretty sure everyone who saw it at the after party was impressed ;) hahaha.
Shout-​outs also to all the ‘new’ and old Unilocalers I met last night, and a final props to Lauren for not punching anyone! (+0.5 stars!)

What a brilliant idea to have an Elite Event at Madeleines! Just love this small and more intimate settings!
Just love the idea of making us trying to decorate holidays theme gingerbread cookies! Now I find out I am better at eating gingerbread cookies then decorating them.
Love the Hot Chocolate and Bailey drink. it makes me warm and fuzzy and cuddly especially when a nice Unilocaler got that for me to warm me up or shut me up?
Thanks for all you beautiful and good looking Unilocalers made this another successful events! It has been fun meeting all of you news and old ones.
Thanks Vivek (bright red holiday colour jacket is so awesome!) and Madeleines for hosting this successful Holiday Party!
Happy Holidays to all!

Gingerbread cookies are the perfect delivery system for piped icing, which is really what we’re after if we’re being honest, right? And how! What a great way to start the holiday season — with the cool kids instead of the usual awkward corporate events!
I really enjoyed the setting and having the opportunity to meet a few new Unilocalers and catch up with some friends. Madeleines is such a cozy little place; I’ve never been anywhere like it and I plan to return! Thanks Vivek and the Unilocalers who made this party SWEET: p

First event ever.
Baileys Hot chocolate.
Decorating gingerbread cookies.
Delicious finger foods.
Kickass people.
Warm & Festive Atmosphere.
I’ve said it all!
Loved it.
Thanks Vivek (:

Lots of fun to see everyone + meet some new peoples.
The sweets were in high rotation and drinks took some time to get — might have been good to have some quick grab beers or something for those who don’t care as much about sugar rimmed martini glasses as much as getting shit-​faced. I wasn’t getting SF, so that was OK.
FYI
Getting drunk at Unilocal Elite events is like … 10000x better. Sobriety is for losers.
Vivek looked really great in his red zip-​up Unilocal shirt.

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I’m dreaming of a Unilocal Christmas,
A room full of Elites with sweets to go,
Sipping on Baileys and hot chocolate all night,
Unilocal kicking off the holiday season right!
Tonight’s event was loads of fun!
A big thank you to Vivek, the Unilocal team, and Madeleine’s for hosting such a great party!
Gingerbread decorating was a blast! What a great idea! I would totally host a girls event or a kid’s event there (if I knew any kids).
I sampled all the decadent desserts, the striped brownies were my favorite.
The savory pastries were flaky and light, great for snacking on in-​between brownie tastings.
I am definitely adding Madeleine’s to my list of fun dessert places in the city. I will be back for Cherry pie!
And yes, Vivek’s red Unilocal jumper was awesome!
~*~*~ Happy Holiday’s everyone!!! ~*~*~ =)

What a fantastic venue for a party! Great times, great people! I also loved decorating the cookies and having them to take home!
Music would have been good, and I wish the apple cider drink was hot… other than that. Awesome!

My first elite event and I loved it! You Unilocalers really do bounce off the internet and come off as awesome people! We don’t even need to introduce ourselves, conversations just spark be it something that is overheard or a comment on the food or the drinks. And that’s where the venue comes in to play. I thought the size was just right for the amount of people although I do wish I spent some more time upstairs working on my box of gingerbread cookies!
Dustin who was working the bar was such a friendly presence despite the fact he had to make the same 3 drinks all night long, I really hope he was tipped sufficiently! The waitress (can’t recall her name) was also very friendly and did not shy away from making quick conversation whenever possible. I would certainly hope to see them when I go visit in the future!
The drinks were much appreciated, I wish I tried the hot chocolate and baileys minus the whip cream, the cider drink was a little weird for me since I’m not a lover of cider, but I thought the coffee drink was enjoyable (I heard that people were on the fence about it), but it had a stronger coffee taste which I prefer to a stronger alcoholic taste. The food was delicious, wouldn’t give it 5 stars but definitely at least a 4 star rating!
Congrats Vivek on yet another great event and Unilocal events are fantastic because of the people I meet, certainly an exciting and diverse array of you guys that make all the events 5 stars regardless of location and free food and booze!!!

Great evening of catching up with all my fav Unilocal elite chicas and hombres.
Madeleines was a perfect choice for a festive party, the atmosphere was very Christmas-​y. Big props to Vivek for organizing such a unique event.
Decorating gingerbread was a lot of fun. Eating the icing was even better. (I even brought home a tube of the stuff in my purse, delicious)
The food was abundant, well assorted and beautiful presented. Meringes were tasty but I didn’t try much else (too much pre-​party tofu).
Drinks were swanky and potent. The coffee & rum one was nice; can’t go wrong with a sugar rimmed glass. Very small sips required. An extra bartender or some quicker drink options would have been fab.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to punch anyone tonight (–0.5 stars) Also, I was really disappointed that there was no music. I was really hoping to hear Mariah Carey — All I want for Christmas is You!!! (–0.5 stars)
Apologies to people I missed out on catching up with properly! (Mike, Wayne, Tong, Jennifer, Tanya, Chad!) Too many people, too few minutes to mingle!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS UnilocalERS!