Shangri-La Toronto Newsletter for Q2 2024
THE BUZZ
“To be the best - loved hospitality group, pioneering new horizons and setting new benchmarks”
2 nd Quarter 2024 - Volume 1, Issue 2
Table of Contents
▪ A Message from our General Manager ………..…………………………………….………………………………..……………… 4
▪ Welcome to our SLTO Family .……………………..…………………………...…………………………………………...…………. 6
▪ Colleague and Leader of Q1 2024 ……………………………………………….………….………….……………………............... 9
▪ Congratulations …....…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………….. 10
▪ Activities of the Quarter …………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….. 18
▪ Voice of Change ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….................. 30
▪ From the Concierge Desk …………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………. 32
▪ Recipe from Chef …………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………... 34
▪ FYI …………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….......... 36
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A Message from our General Manager
Dear SLTO Family,
As the second quarter of 2024 comes to an end, I wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone for continuously delivering exceptional hospitality from the heart! In Q2, we saw many spectacular achievements, both individually and collectively. From a Spring Baking Champion to having the highest Room Cleanliness scores in the region, our SLTO Family has shown a true compete-to-win attitude. The important relaunch of our Voice of Change committee will ensure that our commitment to our guests and colleagues are the top priority! Furthermore, Shangri-La Toronto was recognized as the Industry Partner of the Year for our partnership with George Brown College co-op programs. Thank you everyone for nurturing our future generation of hospitality leaders by providing impactful learning experiences. I would also like to highlight the successful launch of our bosk X Veuve Clicquot Summer Patio in May. The F&B and Culinary teams in collaboration with Sales, Events, and Marketing put together a wonderful launch party for our industry partners. Finally, I wanted to recognize our care for the local community. Colleagues at SLTO went the extra mile in assisting multiple charitable organizations such as SickKids, Covenant House, and the Canadian Blood Services. Your genuine care and generosity is very much appreciated. Thank you again for all your hard work and let us enjoy this beautiful weather in the upcoming summer season!
Best Regards!
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Kari Koskela
Welcome Announcements
Welcome to our SLTO Family!
April
May
Jisoo L. Culinary June
Peter C. Culinary
Fiona L. Lobby Lounge
Marvin M. Security
Dave G. Security
Marvin F. Lobby Lounge
Nayansha K. Housekeeping
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Welcome to the SLTO Family!
Dave G. Director of Security
Dave joined us on June 10, 2024, from the Fairmont Royal York where he held the title of Assistant Director of Security & Emergency Management. He is a well-regarded security professional within the hospitality industry with experience communicating with people from all walks of life in a professional yet warm manner. Dave has over 18+ years of experience in security working with hospitality brands such as the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. He attended Durham College where he studied Fire Science and Firefighting. Dave coached swimming and helped develop an Olympian who competed in the London 2012 Olympics. He has lived the Baywatch life through his 20s (Toronto Beaches) and has his name enshrined in the Leuty Lifeguard Station.
We welcome Dave to the SLTO Family!
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Colleague of Q1 2024
Leader of Q1 2024
Frederic B. Housekeeping
Troy C. Culinary
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Career Announcement
Davis X. Payroll and Benefits Manager
It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Davis Xu to Payroll and Benefits Manager, Toronto & Vancouver effective May 26th, 2024. Davis has over 10 years of accounting experience and over 5 years with the Shangri-La brand. He will be going back to his roots having worked Service Leader – Payroll and Benefits at SLV in 2014. He has shown an excellent proficiency in Accounting Systems in his previous role as Cost Control Supervisor and currently as our General Accountant. Davis has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from York University and a master’s degree in financial accounting from the University of Alberta.
In his free time, Davis enjoys getting Chong Quing Hot Pot and watching movies like Wandering Earth 2.
Please join us in congratulating Davis on his promotion and continue to support him as he takes on this new challenge.
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Career Announcement
Debi O. Assistant Manager, Engineering Administration
It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Debi Ortega to Assistant Manager, Engineering Administration effective June 9th, 2024.
Debi joined Shangri-la, Toronto in July 2014 as a Service Associate in Stewarding. Since then, she has worked as an In Room Dining Server and Health Club Attendant. Debi became our Engineering Coordinator in November 2022 to support the engineering team in an administrative capacity. She has done an excellent job in helping to ensure that our hotel is in excellent condition for our guests and colleagues!
Debi is enthusiastic, driven, and well-organized. In her free time, Debi enjoys boxing training with her husband on the weekends.
Please join us in congratulating Debi on her promotion and continue to support her as she takes on this expanded role!
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Industry Partner of the Year Award On Wednesday, April 24 th Shangri-La Toronto was recognized as Industry Partner of the Year for our partnership with the George Brown College Co-op program! A big thank you to Chef JR and Chef Troy for being instrumental in ensuring these students receive an introduction to the culinary world and imparting their knowledge and expertise to the next generation!
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Futureproofing Hospitality The Shangri-La Toronto had the pleasure of hosting a property tour and Q&A for students from George Brown College and the Future Hospitality Society on Monday, June 17, 2024. Our leaders shared their experiences in various hospitality fields providing valuable guidance to the aspiring hospitality students. We were also given the opportunity to learn from the students by hearing their own stories and what we ourselves can improve upon to support the future of our industry! Special thanks to Adam for coordinating this visit and sharing our Shangri-La values with our local community.
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Introducing your Spring Baking Champion... Steven!
Steven Tran, our Pastry Chef, is this years Food Network’s Spring Baking Champ!
Steven competed against 11 other contestants to showcase his skills as a Pastry Chef. His victory not only highlights his exceptional talent and dedication but also brings immense pride to our hotel. Our heartfelt congratulations to him for this remarkable achievement.
We asked Steven to share more about his experience on the show. See what he had to say below:
What made you sign up for the show?
I had been contacted to do the show for a couple of years, but I didn’t feel like it suited what I normally do, however, COVID-19 changed my perspective and I decided to say yes on a whim and just have fun.
What was it like to compete on TV?
It was a very daunting experience to do something on national TV for everyone to bare witness to. I knew I had to properly represent myself so the pressure was on.
Did you expect to do so well?
I think I expected to at least make it past the first week. Like any competition though you never know what will happen, just hope that your skills will pull you through.
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Can you share any memorable moments or interactions you had with the judges or fellow contestants?
How did you feel when you were announced as the winner?
I think overwhelmed is an understatement. There was a mix of emotions, tired, excited, happy, relieved. Overall, it was an amazing experience and the build up to that moment was surreal. I don’t really remember a lot of it until I rewatched it on TV. It really reminded me of why I do what I do and why I love my job.
I didn’t expect to make friends on the show because it’s a competition, but I ended up becoming friends with all of the contestants and some friendships that will endure past the show. One of the most memorable experiences was doing the team challenge with my friend Anna because we had such a good time, it reflected in the results.
What was the most rewarding part of participating in the baking show?
What was your favourite challenge on the show?
Meeting everyone on the show from the contestants, to the judges, the crew members behind the scenes who were the nicest people. It was also surreal to be on the food network too, I used to be obsessed as a kid and would force my family to watch with me. To see myself on the food network also was so cool.
My Favourite challenge on the show was actually the challenge where we had to create a dessert using carrots (but not make a Carrot Cake). It was the one I was the most comfortable doing as I created a plated dessert which ended up being one of my favourite things I created on the show. I also won that challenge which was a plus.
Now that you've won, do you have any new baking projects or goals you're eager to pursue? Will you compete again?
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
I am going to relax for the summer, I don’t have anything specifically in mind just maybe look forward to booking a long vacation abroad next year. I would compete again in a heartbeat. I am a competitor at heart, would be even better if I can be a judge.
The most difficult challenge was just being away from home and my comfort zone and being put in a situation every week where we did not know what to expect. The unknown creates a lot of anxiety especially for Pastry Chefs who are accustomed to planning ahead.
What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was just the behind-the-scenes moments we shared as contestants going out for dinner together and hanging out as friends, outside of the stress of competition. It was so much fun hanging out with people you share common interests with.
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SLTO Baby News: Our Family is growing!
Big congratulations to Francis P. from Stewarding on the birth of his son, Elijah!
Born on May 20, 2024
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Food and Beverage Statistics April & May 2024
• 1,633 Bee-Loved Spring Afternoon Tea Covers
• 745 Bee-Loved Spring Cocktails Sold
• 168 Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Covers
• 31 Make-A- Wish Kid’s Afternoon Tea Covers
Congratulations Tara for being our wine selling winner of the month!
She sold 61 bottles in the month of May!
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At a glance… Activities of the Quarter
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Thank you to all our colleagues who came out to support the SickKids Volleyball Tournament on June 8 at Ashbridge's Bay. This year our SLTO Purple Dragons won 4 games and displayed our belief of #CompeteToWin! Proceeds collected from this tournament are donated to fund research for children's cancer. Thank you for making a difference in our community!
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VOICE OF CHANGE RELAUNCH OF
MISSION To facilitate improvement, and create growth, making a positive difference within the workplace. Our commitment to creating positive impact on our environment, our community and our colleagues will be the essence of our financial success, and we will strive to enlighten our global community through the actions of our family.
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WHO: Chaired by Michelle Beattie (Area Director of Human Resources) Hourly colleague representatives from the following operational departments (no salaried leaders or managers): WHAT: Our colleague relations committee that is dedicated to fostering improvement, driving growth, and making a positive impact within our workplace and beyond!
WHEN: Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Our first meeting was held on Tuesday, June 25th
WHERE: Shang Academy (2nd Floor)
Joydeep D. Banquets
Colin O. Lobby Lounge
Alan L. Engineering
Marlon S. Guest Services
Kim K. Health Club
Rohit A. IRD
Tyrese M. Culinary
Keelin J. Reservations
Sofia T. Concierge
Phiona I. Stewarding
Frederic B. Housekeeping
Michelle N. Front Office
Neil S. Security
Myton G. Receiving
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July – The Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 5 th – July 28 th ) The Beaches International Jazz Festival is a month-long music festival held each year in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto in July. It's now one of Canada's largest free jazz festivals with nearly 1,000,000 attendees, throughout its month-long span. The Festival takes place across a number of venues; stage concerts are held in several different parks within the area and also along a two kilometer stretch of the Beach main street during StreetFest - Queen Street East. Every year, the Festival brings in internationally acclaimed jazz performers while also showcasing local talent, including "new generation" jazz musicians. The Festival now hires around 1000 artists per annum, including 50 bands for its "StreetFest" event along Queen Street East. The Festival offers concerts at various locations: the Woodbine Park Main Stage, Jimmie Simpson Park Main Stage and Big Band Stage. The Festival holds a Workshop and Lecture Series which varies each year and is programmed to appeal to both professional musicians and to the general jazz loving public. From the Concierge’s Desk Recommendations from our Concierge Team
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August – Toronto Caribbean Carnival (August 1 st – August 4 th ) Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and heritage of the Caribbean through various art exhibits, culinary delights, and craft markets showcasing unique Caribbean creations. Whether indulging in mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, exploring the diverse cultural displays, or simply soaking up the infectious atmosphere, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival promises an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean culture and unity. September – Toronto International Film Festival (September 5 th – September 15 th ) The Toronto International Film Festival returns for its 49th edition – 11 days of Canadian and international cinema; special events and talks with some of the biggest names in film; and TIFF's Industry Conference: a place to connect with film professionals and explore the art and business of cinema.
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Chicken and Coconut Lime Soup By Executive Chef JohnRoss Woodland
Ingredients For Base
• 500 grams onions sliced thin on mandoline • 30 grams galangal sliced on mandoline • 75 grams red curry paste • 96 grams butter • 3 kilograms chicken stock For Sachet • 1 gram kaffir Lime leaves • 30 grams cilantro stems and roots • 18 grams garlic • 4 grams red thai chilies smashed • 170 grans lemongrass, smashed • 513 grams chicken wings or carcass For Final Stage • 3325 grams coconut milk • 25 grams salt • 353 grams lime juice (fresh squeezed) • 375 grams fish sauce
Instructions
1. Sweat onions, galangal and red curry in butter slowly until translucent, (20mins).
2. Add sachet and chicken stock and simmer for 40 mins. Chill and reserve
3. To finish add 3325 G soup base and Final Stage ingredients and incorporate evenly.
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Have you spotted a Moment of Joy?
Nominate your fellow colleagues by scanning the QR Code.
2024 Core Learning Refresher Practice Aids
WHO : •
All FULL-TIME colleagues only.
WHAT: • 12 Mandatory Core Learning Programs (CLPs) – see list below • Colleagues are automatically enrolled into their respective courses on Shangri-La Academy under MY LEARNING
WHERE: •
Shangri-La Academy
Colleagues who have NOT completed the courses in 2023 • Are required to complete the full online course • Colleagues will have TWO attempts to achieve a score of 100% on the 10-question assessment for the course to be marked complete Colleagues who HAVE completed their courses in 2023 • Should complete the attached Practice Quizzes prior to attempting the refresher assessment • After practicing with the quizzes, colleagues are required to complete the 10 question assessment in ONE attempt with a score of 100% • If they fail the 1 attempt (anything less than 100%), the colleague will be required to complete the full online course again (the content will open automatically).
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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!
Please follow the link: https://forms.office.com/r/bcruFfeBj6 or scan the QR Code to participate.
The last day to participate in the quiz is Friday, July 19 th .
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CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION
1. Visit www.theex.com 2. Click on “Corporate Sales” located at the bottom of the page. 3. Click on “Corporate Login” under Group or Promo Code section. 4. Complete transaction. 5. Print tickets at your own printer or present on mobile device. Follow the Steps Below HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS: SAVE UP TO 44% on CNE Tickets Until August 15 for maximum savings! August 16- September 2, 2024
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