Radio Royal York

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards have come to North America for the first time in its 11 year history.

In 2007, IIFA launched the concept of a ‘green carpet,’ replacing the traditional red carpet as a symbol of its crusade against global warming. The same green carpet will be seen at IIFA events this year and The Fairmont Royal York Hotel will be no exception beginning Wednesday, June 22nd and running through to the closing of the festivities on Sunday, June 26, 2011.

The Fairmont Royal York is one of three hotels to share host billing and preparations as the city welcomes international delegates, fans and cinema royalty to Toronto. Canada has an Asian population of over 960,000, with 550,000 Indians living in the Greater Toronto Area. This gives Indian Cinema a huge audience in Canada.

Watch a video of Bollywood actor, Anil Kapoor, who was part of the IIFA Awards announcement at The Fairmont Royal York back in January.

The hotel expects a very busy weekend as it prepares to host local fans and cater to this emerging tourism market. The hotel has planned for: enhanced dining options, 50 meeting and catering functions, 50 new authentic South Asian menu items, a local vendors’ showcase, the hotel’s first-ever South Asian Wedding Show and a themed cocktail program for its bars.

The Fairmont Royal York’s IIFA highlights include:

* York’s Deli turns into the Delhi Deli with new menu items inspired by everything from tangy Bombay street snacks to home style curries with distinctive flavours and authentic recipes using the finest and freshest ingredients the Delhi deli way – items such as Chai, samosas, pakoras and more are on the menu.

* Authentic Indian cuisine will be available through In Room Dining 24 hours of the day

* Pop-up shops showcasing the wares and services of local South Asian merchants will operate from the Avenues Level of the hotel beginning June 21st through to June 26th from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

* The hotel’s first South Asian Wedding Show will be held in The Ballroom on Wednesday, June 22nd from 12:00 p.m. through to 8:00 p.m. Indian weddings, symbolized by a whole host of rites and rituals, traditions, pomp and festivity, and hundreds of small customs passed down from generation to generation, can find proper expression at The Fairmont Royal York. Brides, grooms and family members are all welcome to tour an open house line-up of vendors including: Arora Wedding & Event Planning; Linen & Mandap – Design 2 Decor; Photographer – Katha Images; DJ – Neil Vaid; Henna – Fresh Inc. Mendhi; Cake – The Caketress; sitar and tabla by Ram and custom invitations by Sanjh Savera. For further information please call: 416-860-4536.

* Five mocktails ($10) and cocktails ($14) have been formulated to encourage the celebration of IIFA from the Library Bar. Libations range from the distinguished Raj Kapoor martini of Victoria Gin and Polar Ice Vodka; to the Fairmont Jaipur Pink Mojito made with or without rum and muddled rooftop mint;  a playful Filmi Fizz of tropical flavours paired with Lambs Navy Rum and finally the Kashmir featuring saffron, vodka, mixed with the sweet juices of oranges and mangoes.

Library Bar Reservations may be made by calling: 416-860-5004.

For general food and beverage information please contact: 416-860-5050 or email: festive@fairmont.com