I had the interesting pleasure of photographing an event that happened at an Italian restaurant on Yonge Street the other day. Grano, as they called it, has been open for 23 years now, and is still going strong. With its homey and welcoming decor, this was a restaurant that made you want to stay and drink until the wee hours of the morning.

My job was simple. Photograph the guests mingoling as they arrived, and enjoying themselves. Once the guest of the evening arrived, I would focus my attention to her. Cecilia Bertoli, the opera singer had performed two shows earlier that evening and was scheduled to have dinner at this Rolex sponsored event.

After photographing the event for the evening, I was set to make my way out. However, a gracious guest at the gathering offered a glass to me. How could I not accept her offer? After all, she was insisting I drink a glass all evening long. She gave me a white, and that was only the beginning.

The Charles Barker Stratus was semi-dry, and not too fruity. Very nice flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed. As I drank merrily, dinner was served. I decided to stay just so I can finish the glass, however, the kind owner of the restaurant insisted that I stay and have a bite. And so I did.

I sat at the bar, away from the party table, where I was in good company with Ronaldo, the owner of this fine establishment. The appetizer was shrimp and scallop in garlic sauce. Both so plump, juicy, and oh so good, it was a great start. Mind you, at this point, I was already stuffed beyond belief since I had already eaten dinner prior to coming to this event. Another glass of fine white wine was kindly poured as Ronalod recognized my empty glass.

The next course was gnocchi in truffle sauce. So subtle, soft, and, flavourful. I loved every morsel of it. The truffle sauce was not overly strong that it went down smoothly. At this point, I could not eat anything else. I was seriously stuffed and had to kindly refuse the main course and dessert that was to come next. I believe the main was veal of some sort, and dessert, your traditional gelato.

I noticed the authentic gelato at the front of the restaurant as you entered, as the pistachio colour was a muddy gray/green mixture, the mango, lemon, chocolate, and cappuccino flavours all looked so good it really hurt me to pass this opportunity up.

I mingled with the owner as we talked about Japan, coffee, and Italy. I felt as if we were both in good company. As I stood from the bar, he thanked me for “sharing the bar with him” that evening.

I have to say, it’s been a while since I ate some good Italian fare, and boy was this a good staring point. If you ever get a chance, make your way to Grano, 1935 Yonge Street, just a few blocks north of the Davisville subway station.