A review of the Golden Jubilee Room and Wescadia
As you may be aware we are starting a new triennium in the Senate. For this three year term for new and continuing Senate members, we have been doing a lot of preparation. Along with the typical logistics that come along with the beginning of the new cycle – orientation, Senate standing committee assignment, etc., – came the Welcome Reception for the new and continuing members. Immediately following the first Senate meeting of the new term on September 17th, a welcome reception was held to allow members to mingle, eat and drink. The reception took place in the Golden Jubilee room located on the fourth floor of the IKBLC and was catered by Wescadia. If you have been up to the fourth floor of IKBLC you know that the space provides gorgeous views, an open floor plan and John Nutter’s stunning 57 panel starfire glass chandelier. The space is large enough to accommodate 250 attendants, and for our smaller group of about 50 it gave us room to breathe. Working with the booking coordinator Kristen Wong was a real pleasure; she gave advice on the room arrangement and helped to coordinate a game plan for the day. I really couldn’t speak more highly of her kindness and willingness to assist. 
The catering done by Wescadia was impeccable, from the delicious food to the friendly and helpful staff we were accommodated beyond belief. Working with Wescadia’s Robert Eye was a breeze and he truly made our event special, putting time and detail into everything.The Scallop BLTs (my personal favorite) and the cheese, fruit and vegetable platters were waiting for guests upon arrival. After arrival they were hand served one creative and delicious hors d’oeuvres after another wonderfully presented on single spoons or delicate crostini.The Quinotto with asparagus brulée was rich and flavourful; the Braised Pork Belly with parsnip puree and apple essence was a thing of beauty, delicately cooked, sweet and savory perfection; while I would skip the dipping sauce on the West Coast Crab Cakes with avocado & cilantro, the cakes themselves were crunchy, loaded with crab and packed with a ton of West Coast flavor. Wescadia provides an accomplished selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan options to please any dietary restriction and every palette. We opted for a just wine and non-alcoholic beverages, with which no one was disappointed. The red was a great compliment to Petit Filet Mignon but also paired perfectly with the Wild Mushroom & Chèvre Arancini; and the white was crisp and unobtrusive. 