Shangri-La Toronto Newsletter for Q4 2024
THE BUZZ
“To be the best - loved hospitality group, pioneering new horizons and setting new benchmarks”
1 st Quarter 2025 - Volume 2, Issue 1
Table of Contents
▪ A Message from our General Manager ………..…………………………………….………………………………..……………… 4
▪ Welcome to our SLTO Family .……………………..…………………………...…………………………………………...…………. 6
▪ Colleague and Leader of Q4 2024 ……………………………………………….………….………….…………………….............. 9
▪ Colleague and Leader of Year 2024 ………………………………………….………….………….……………………................. 10
▪ Career Announcements …………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….. 11
▪ Activities of the Quarter …………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….. 13
▪ Our SLTO ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….................. 31
▪ From the Concierge Desk …………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………. 37
▪ Chef’s Corner ……..…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………… 39
▪ Quiz …………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………....... 40
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A Message from our General Manager
Dear SLTO Team,
We started this year off with a bang, celebrating the Year of the Snake and receiving our Forbes 5 Star for the 6th consecutive year! I would like to congratulate and thank you all for your dedication and help in achieving this award. We could not achieve this fantastic result without all of your hard work to ensure an unforgettable stay for our guests. I want to acknowledge all our talented leaders who recently graduated from our Junior Leaders Program and Emerging Leaders Program. Your commitment to growth is inspiring and we are incredibly proud of your achievements. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to inspire and lead with excellence! Keep shining! Our holiday party, “A Sky Full of Stars,” was an amazing celebration to acknowledge all of our stars from 2024 who continue to strive to be the best. The teams who helped put this celebration together did an outstanding job — from the décor to the food, music, and photobooth experiences, it was definitely a night to remember! The energy, laughter, and joy shared throughout the evening reflected the spirit of our incredible team. We had so many more fun events from celebrating National Popcorn Day to Valentines Day and Women’s Day. The first quarter was a great reminder of how much we’ve accomplished together and how much more we can achieve in the year ahead. Thank you once again for all your hard work and let’s have our best year yet!
Best regards, Kari Koskela
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Welcome Announcements
Welcome to our SLTO Family!
January
February
Ted Y. Culinary
Mark V. Guest Services
Yohan P. Culinary
Gaurang N. Culinary
Youl K. Culinary
Jan-Michael W. Lobby Lounge
Jessica A. Lobby Lounge
Gary C. Security
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March
Tyrique W. Health Club
Jaehyun S. Culinary
Sarah F. Housekeeping
Sarah P. Front Office
Tina C. Housekeeping
Nahee K. Lobby Lounge
Andrea E. Culinary
Lauren G. Lobby Lounge
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Colleague of Q4 2024
Leader of Q4 2024
Tyrese M. Culinary
Sultan K. Food and Beverage
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Colleague of the Year 2024
Leader of the Year 2024
Michelle N. Front Office
Adam E. Rooms
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Career Announcement
Peter C. Service Leader – Chef de Partie (Banquets)
It is with great delight that we announce the promotion of Peter Chung to Chef de Partie in Banquets effective March 16, 2025. Since joining our team in May 2024, Peter has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true leader. His willingness to adapt to the ever-changing business of banquets, as well as his vast knowledge and professionalism make Peter a great role model for his team. Over the past year he has developed his skills across various departments, assisting in Bosk, Bluemoon and Banquets whenever needed. Peter is a positive force in the kitchen and can always be counted on to ensure his team is well taken care of. His compassion and empathy for his teammates make him a true leader and a one-of-a-kind person. I have no doubt Peter will continue to grow within our team.
Please join us in congratulating Peter on this well-deserved promotion!
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Career Announcement
Michelle N. Service Leader – Income Audit and General Cashier
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Michelle Ng to the Finance department as our Income Audit and General Cashier effective March 30th, 2025. Michelle joined Shangri-La Toronto in November 2022 as a Service Associate – Front Office. Prior to that, she worked at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong in the same capacity. During her time with us, Michelle has consistently demonstrated excellence and has been recognized as a Joy Creator and Joy Delighter at multiple Moments of Joy celebrations. She was awarded Colleague of the Year 2024! Michelle has excelled in demanding, time-sensitive environments, and her strong work ethic and positive attitude make her a valuable addition to the Finance team. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys singing, and her favorite drink is Bubble Tea. Please join us in congratulating Michelle on her new role and we wish her continued success within our Shangri-La Family!
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At a glance… Activities of the Quarter
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The Forbes Star Rating system emphasizes service because the guest experience goes beyond how the surroundings look. How we make the guest feel is what they will remember the most. We are honoured to maintain our Forbes Five-Star rating for the 6 th consecutive year by continuing to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
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Our SLTO
News, Stats, Recommendations…
Futureproofing Hospitality The Shangri-La Toronto had the pleasure of hosting a property tour for students from the Toronto School of Management on Monday, March 31, 2025. The hospitality students learned more about our daily operations, which helped them better understand how the different teams collaborate within the hotel. Special thanks to Adam, David, and Sureshi for coordinating this visit and sharing our Shangri-La values with the next generation of hospitality leaders.
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Food and Beverage Statistics January & February 2025
• 295 Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea Covers
• 187 Lunar New Year Afternoon Cocktails Sold
• 1,061 Winterlicious 2025 Covers
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SLTO Baby News: Our Family is growing! Big congratulations to Anthony C. from Guest Services on the birth of his son, Keith!
Born on November 26, 2024.
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SLTO Baby News: Our Family is growing! Big congratulations to Edward L. from Front Office on the birth of his son, Edison!
Born on January 9, 2025.
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From the Concierge’s Desk Recommendations from our Concierge Team!
Fashion Art Toronto (April 27 th – April 30 th )
Take in the latest and greatest fashion trends of the season at Fashion Art Toronto —the city’s most amazing fashion week, showcasing up and coming Canadian designers, talent and artists. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, featuring over 40 classic runway shows and multimedia presentations, including performances, photography and art exhibits. Previous shows have featured Toronto-based talents like Lesley Hampton and House of Etoile. The four-day affair at Black Creek Assembly also includes a fashion- and-beauty retail pop-up shop, lounge spaces, interactive displays, and after-parties galore. New York, eat your heart out. April 27 to 30, Black Creek Assembly.
https://fashionarttoronto.ca/
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Cherry Blossoms in Toronto (Starting in May) Cherry blossoms last for approximately 2 weeks and it is a most beautiful site to see. Be sure to bring your camera and capture this unparalleled visual experience! As spring comes alive across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a mesmerizing transformation takes place. Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, painting parks and gardens in hues of pink and white, creating a stunning backdrop for unforgettable selfie moments and photographic opportunities. This May, why not go on an adventure beyond the city limits? Go above and beyond the city to explore these floral marvels and enjoy the freshness of Spring.
The Toronto Jazz Festival (Starting in June)
The Toronto Jazz Festival is an unparalleled musical event in Toronto which takes place for 10 days at the end of June. Most of the musical events are outdoors for all to take in and are located throughout various spots in the downtown core. With three decades of great events to its name, this premiere festival has imprinted itself on the city with the help of renowned stars like Miles Davis and Diana Krall. More than 2,000 musicians come together for 400 performances that truly move the entire city.
https://torontojazz.com/
https://www.gotransit.com/en/blog/go-guide-to-cherry-blossoms-in-ontario
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Chef ’s Corner Lemon Ricotta Pancakes By Executive Chef, JohnRoss Woodland
Ingredients Dry Ingredients • Flour – 428g • Sugar – 92g • Salt – 5g
Wet Ingredients • 6 Eggs • 1 Lemon (Juice) • 1 Lemon (Zest) • Milk – 472ml • Ricotta – 360g
• Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons • Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Butter – 28g • Vanilla – 10g
Instructions
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Combine all dry ingredients together and sift.
2. Combine all wet ingredients together and mix until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined (do not over mix).
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Cook on a skillet until golden brown, light and fluffy.
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Goes well with maple syrup, honey or butter!
How well do you know Shangri-La Toronto? Colleagues who submit all the correct answers will enter a draw to win a $50 gift card and a Godiva Chocolate Basket!
Please follow the link: https://forms.office.com/r/tiJbWSynrA or scan the QR Code to participate.
The last day to participate in the quiz is Friday, April 18 th .
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Have you spotted a Moment of Joy?
Nominate your fellow colleagues by scanning the QR Code.
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