Supporting The Arts Community

April 15, 2011

Here at Bistro Tournesol, we recently had the distinct honour of being nominated for  "The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Small Business Partnership Award"  by our dear friends at The Tarragon Theatre. Below are excerpts from the nomination letter sent by Jennifer Watson, Director of Development, Tarragon Theatre to the nomination committee at The Globe and Mail.

Dear Committee,

It is my great pleasure to nominate Bistro Tournesol for The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Small Business Partnership Award. Now in it's 17th year, Tournesol has been a staple for Tarragon goers since it was first owned by Martha VanReet and Yves Robert and became even more of a mainstay when Mel, Philip and Craig took over the restaurant seven years ago. 

"Dinner and a play" are a natural pairing. Having a good restaurant located nearby is essential and one that caters to the theatre crowd makes it a pleasure. Tournesol is the first restaurant I recommend when a patron or a board member is looking to grab a meal before a show. Tournesol caters to the Tarragon crowd warmly, efficiently and subtly; from the very layout of their business, to their generosity in their support of Tarragon throughout the season. When I spoke to (recently retired General Manager) Mallory Gilbert of the nomination, she had this to say:

            "  Bistro Tournesol has been a favourite of our audience for as long as it's been in the neighbourhood. The original owners became our friends and when they decided to move to France, the 3 men who had worked with them took it over, much to our delight. Their menu is excellent, their hospitality is genuine and they have been generous supporters of our silent auctions. They are the next best thing to having a restaurant in the theatre. "

Financially, they contribute significantly, especially given their size. As Mallory indicated above, they have contributed to our annual silent auction right from the beginning. They typically donate two gift certificates to each year's fundraiser, and are always willing to donate another one should something else come up throughout the year. They have also been very generous in supporting the "Tarragon Talks" which are pre-show events for our higher level members, corporate sponsors and foundation supporters. And usually do two per season. This involves donating enough food for over fifty people just before their dinner rush begins at 6pm. The quality of the food they supply to us is always of the highest quality, and their lemon tarts are to die for!

It is the little things they do so well that makes the difference. They take the time to know the Tarragon. They know our staff, our schedules, our shows and our general admission seating policy. The experience our patrons have at Tournesol puts them in the right frame of mind to enjoy an evening of theatre.....

Beyond their support of Tarragon, the owners of Bistro Tournesol have been repeat supporters of fundraisers for Nightwood Theatre, The Paprika Festival, The Toronto Consort, Tafelmusik, The Toronto Jewish Film Festival and Gallery Stratford. Their support of arts organizations extend well beyond 'just around the corner'.

There have been local restaurants in this neighbourhood since Tarragon Theatre started forty years ago...however, the partnership we have enjoyed with Tournesol over the past 17 years is unique in their awareness and support of us and of audience members. For many of our patrons, going to Bistro Tournesol has become part of the act of going to the Tarragon.

Thank you and the Business for the Arts Award for considering Bistro Tournesol for your Small Business Partnership Award and for giving us the opportunity to recognize this great partnership.

Best regards,

Jennifer Watson, Director of Development, Tarragon Theatre