March 2003 - Nr. 3
Grand Austrian Ball
Even though the Austrian Ambassador to Canada, Dr. Wendelin Ettmeyer, could not attend the ball that he was the patron of, it did come off fabulously. Having moved back the annual event of the Canadian Austrian Society to the Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto to accommodate bigger crowds was a good move, appreciated by many. The concert Hall was comfortably full without being packed and left a great dance floor, another reason for the move. It must be said, as though it is not obvious, the Austrians love to dance and get together over good food and wine.
But
before the delectable dinner Herbert Wolf, this year again the master of
ceremonies, welcomed everyone and introduced the head table guests: Dr. Karl
Schmidt, Austrian Consul and Trade Commissioner, and Mrs Schmidt, who later
drew the grand door prize of tickets to Vienna and 3 day Hotel stay; Mr.
Pierre Riem, Consul General of Switzerland and Mrs. Riem; Mr. Don McWilliam,
Canada’s
Manager for Austrian Airlines, and Mrs McWilliams; Ms. Christine Meyer,
President of the Canadian Austrian Society of Toronto and charming hostess,
and Mr. Douglas Woolley, Q.C.
This was the 30th consecutive year the Austrian Society has been holding this ball and of course everyone thought it to be the best ever.
The champagne reception at the beginning, before table seating took place, allowed friends to locate each other. It set the mood for an evening of Viennese charm and entertainment, good food and drink, and as mentioned, dancing.
On
the festively decorated tables with unusually attractive centre pieces,
taken home by one lucky winner at each table, was served a four course
dinner of considerable quality. An Atlantic Seafood Antipasto tantalized the
pallet and was almost too generously portioned. A rich tasting mushroom
bisque readied the guest for the main course consisting of a succulent
Peppersteak marinated in Merlot with a gathering of spring vegetables.
The dessert was a Drambuie chocolate fantasy with fruit flavoured sorbet. The accompanying coffee was delicious and the chocolate covered orange peels, an Austrian tradition, topped it off at the finish. Throughout dinner the brilliant Emperor Quartet was playing old time favourites, still allowing for friendly and often witty conversation.
After
that the tried and true and very experienced Matt Lebar Band took over for
everyone’s dancing pleasure and everyone did dance through the band’s
considerable repertoire all night long. There was also a nice mixing and
mingling of people, admiring of terrific wardrobe and telling of stories
before the grand prize was drawn.
Couples and Dancers
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The
Austrian Airline tickets and 3 day Dorint Biedermeier Hotel stay went to
Hans Kaufmann, who recently turned 91 years young. He was all smiles after
the winning the ticket had been drawn by Mrs. Schmidt, and Mr. McWilliam
presented the airline tickets to him. Past president of the association John
Raschke made announcements, and Mr. Douglas Wolley, just to make sure
everything was in total order, verified the winning ticket.
More prizes were drawn in an anteroom to the Concert Hall, more dancing took place and the traditional midnight goulash soup was served in the reception area. Deliciously pampered the happy guests, -who also took home a table favour by Goebel, Canada, - drove home to the first flakes of snow that changed our Toronto again into a winter wonderland by morning.
The 30th Ball of the Canadian Austrian Society was a resounding success.
SFR.
