Closing the Deal: Where To Have A Business Meeting

Toronto’s high-powered and high-profile female executives share go-to spots for their most important business meetings

By Brittney McKee
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Senior executives agree there is no better way to build relationships with clients, partners and colleagues than sharing conversation over a meal together. With jam-packed schedules, professional women still find time to sit at the table with business partners. Some opt for lunch meetings so they can be home for bath time with the babies, while others spend breakfast, lunch and dinner entertaining clients. Although there is no lack of choice when it comes to locations to dine in Toronto, we learned that many women prefer the cozy, quieter ambiance of restaurants a little off the grid, as opposed to the bustle of Bay Street. Here are the top spots our Women of Influence love to visit.

SOHO HOUSE: Located on 192 Adelaide Street West in a vintage building dating back to the 1900s, Soho House is the perfect cozy lounge to entertain clients. Individuals working in creative industries especially will appreciate the unique art collection and internationallyflavoured menus. With locations in New York, Miami, London and Berlin – Soho can be a home away from home. But, there is one caveat: you need to be a member to pass through the front doors. “I love the convenience of the Soho House because it’s so close to my office, and it feels familiar no matter which city I am in,” says Natasha Koifman, President, NKPR and Soho ‘Every House’ member. sohohousetoronto.com

REDS WINE TAVERN: Conveniently situated in the centre of the corporate world, First Canadian Place, at 77 Adelaide Street West, REDS’ claim to fame is its expansive wine offering – 49 wines by the glass alone. Guests like Sherry Cooper Ph.D., President of Sherry Cooper Associates and former Chief Economist at BMO, can expect an upscale social atmosphere, perfect for talking business and enjoying yourself at the same time. Upstairs in a booth at REDS is Cooper’s favorite spot for lunch: “They know me, it’s private and convenient, and the food is great.” redswinetavern.com

ONE: This sophisticated Yorkville hangout is located in the Hazelton Hotel at 116 Yorkville Avenue. ONE specializes in business meetings, offering a private room equipped with AV for special presentations for up to 16 guests at once. Lisa Tant, Vice President, Fashion Editor at Holt Renfrew loves this trendy spot because “it tends to be quiet and features nice roomy booths.” Also, the elegant décor and celebrity-level menu makes guests feel like they are on the “A List.” one.mcewangroup.ca

CAFÉ BOULUD: This bright, loft-like restaurant, located on the corner of Yorkville Avenue and Bay Street in the Four Seasons Hotel is a favorite among female executives like Lisa Heidman, Senior Client Partner, North American Director, Bedford Legal at The Bedford Consulting Group. According to Heidman, “Café Boulud is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner [because] I can actually hear myself think and carry on a meaningful conversation there.” fourseasons.com

DEQ: This outdoor urban oasis, nestled in Toronto’s downtown core at 181 Wellington Street West in the Ritz Carlton, dazzles with breathtaking views of the CN Tower and skyline. Now that the weather is heating up, locals like Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice President of English Services at CBC, flock to DEQ’s expansive patio and open-air fire pit. Stewart enjoys its relaxed atmosphere mixed with first class service and food when entertaining her VIPs. ritzcarlton.com

Where do you take your top clients? Tell us on LinkedIn or @WomenOfInflnce.