By: Shehrezad Bawany, FW Writer

On Thursday Oct 30, 2008, Flourish
hosted their Second Annual Reena
Foundation wine tasting, gourmet food,
and art event. The Reena Foundation is a
non-profit agency that is dedicated to the
betterment of individuals with disabilities.
Held in the Manyata Courtyard at Hazelton
Lanes, this elegant location was the ideal
“meeting place” (Manyata in Kiswahili)
for eighteen wine vendors to display their
choices from all around the world.

Mazel Wines provided an exquisite
selection of world-class award winning wines
that happen to be kosher. As always, an
eco-friendly wine display stole the spotlight
with their durable bottles and innovative
packaging. Phantom Chef whipped up a
creamy risotto that seemed to compliment
the entire selection of wine. Very hard
to miss (and even harder to resist!) were
strategically placed tables decorated with
endless amounts of cheese in every sinful
form.

Guests raised their glasses to a
captivating performance by the very talented,
indie sensation, Bunmi Adeouye. Equally
inspiring, and slightly frightening, was the
‘Sabering Champagne’ sword performance
by Master Sommelier Doris Bradley from
360 Restaurant, who skillfully cut the top
of a champagne bottle with a sword. Heart
Chocolate provided a decadent display with
samples of their chocolate, which is literally
good for the heart. I was, personally, very
amused to find out whom, or rather which
wine, I’m “dating” with Billy’s Best Bottles
and the interactive Wine Dating Game. If
you wanted to be in the spotlight, stylists
from Fiorio were ready to transform your
hair in seconds.

Amongst all the lively discussions and
performances, a silent auction took place
with an array of art pieces, wine baskets,
and hotel stays. Scotiabank provided the
eco-friendly gift bag that was filled with
everything from complimentary magazine
subscriptions to wine tasting events. This
exquisite evening was a perfect blend of
wine, art and a good cause.