By Lory Diaz
On October 17, 2017, Roots Ice Lounge took over the CHILL Ice House at King and Bathurst Streets to celebrate the launch of their new Down Packable Jacket. Torontonicity was invited to attend the icy cool party, and put their down-feather jacket to the test in the ice bar lounge!
The Down Packable Jacket is new to the Roots family, and meets the needs of anyone wanting warm protection without having to carry a big and bulky layer. The jacket comes with a hood that fits even my large head, including my favourite top-knot bun hairstyle. Made with traceable and ethically-sourced duck down, the jacket features a ripstop shell: specially woven nylon that makes it resistant to ripping and tearing. It comes available in grey, red, blue, and black.
The ethically-sourced down feature is incredibly important, and demonstrates Roots’ commitment to responsible garment production. Each jacket has a serial number that can be entered at Track My Down. This allows you to trace the origin and quality of down used, and features reports of the down used.
The night kicked off with everyone receiving a complimentary Roots Packable Jacket, as well as Roots wool gloves and hat in their signature salt-and-pepper colouring, then entering through an industrial fridge door to the Roots Ice Lounge!
The main ice lounge space was filled with sculptures and coy private seating areas. Sculpture artists created fantastic details throughout the bar space just out of ice, including an R2D2 and C-3PO stand with which guests could get their picture taken. The bodies of both characters appeared to be made from many layers of coloured felt, and layered in a detailed technique that made them look painted from a distance. Fantastic work for any craft, art, or Star Wars fans!
The private dens had warm blankets for guests to sit on, and colourful lights, making the areas feel separate from the rest of the event space. I loved the over-sized beaded curtain made of ice that separated the two spaces!
The ice bar itself was serving up a Whiskey Sour, with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. The cinnamon gave the drink a warmer flavour, making it appropriately comforting for the cooler temperatures inside the Chill House.
Beyond the main ice bar space, the Roots team created a cabin-inspired bar with Canadiana décor. Guests were invited to sit and warm up in repurposed ski lift seats while enjoying a glass of wine, beer, or spirits with friends! There was also delicious food and treats courtesy of the Great Canadian Food Truck. Their team was serving up traditional poutines with both a beef and veg gravy option, cheese-crusted grilled cheese sandwich, and Roots beaver bites: deep fried maple bread pudding.
I went for a classic poutine made fresh by the food truck team, and enjoyed every bite of gooey melted cheese!
I noticed that while roaming between the Roots Ice Lounge and cabin space, I was quite comfortable in my packable jacket. The main difference was needing to remove my wool hat and gloves though, as those are definitely made for the colder temperatures. As someone always on the go, I’m excited to add the Roots Down Packable Jacket to my wardrobe to make sure I’m prepared for these fluctuating temperatures Toronto has been experiencing, without adding a lot of bulk to my bag. Thanks Roots!
What a cool space they create and great way to learn more about their products. Looks fun! 🙂
What a cool way to learn about their products. It gets COLD here in Boston and a good winter coat is a must.
That jacket looks to be a necessary one in cold weather and very stylish too. I love that they are socially responsible and number their garments.
I love how they did this! Those ice cube decorations look awesome and I love all the down jackets!
This looks like it would be such a fun experience! I’ve been to one ice lounge before but it was not that nice – this looks amazing
Sounds like an amazing event! I love that they have an ice bar and all that. The jackets look comfortable and I love the style as well.
What a cool event! I love that the jackets can be traced back to the source, and I’m amazed at what can be created with ice!
This looks like such a cool place. I love its décor and style. And the ice…amazing!
Ice can be so beautiful. It is an amazing way to decorate. It does make me laugh that people will go to places that feel like the normally would avoid because it is a cool thing to do.
how fun does this place look? It looks like a great night out! Thanks for sharing your experience, I will have to keep this in mind!
Ooh loving this Canadian vibe! Especially the poutine, can’t be more Canadian than that!
This looks like such a fun experience! When our oldest daughter was brand new, a Canadian friend sent her a Roots outfit. It was the cutest and got handed down to her little sister six year later. Love this brand!
This place looks crazy fun!!I would totally have a blast there with friends! Looks like it has a great Canadian vibe!
Ooooowhat a neat bar!!! When I lived I. Orlando there was a bar like this called “ice bar”. People loved it
This looks like it would be such an awesome place. I would love to check them out!
I have never seen a place like this before! It looks so incredible to be able to see their stuff.
Such a great event for the launch of this new jacket. I love the ice bar, what a great touch. Plus, the jacket looks so warm and cozy.
Looks really stylish and relaxing ! This lounge
I love the Star Wars ice sculpture. The poutine looks yummy. The down filled coats look amazing because they aren’t bulky and very light weight….and WARM! I’d love one.
I agree. These Roots jackets aren’t as bulky as others I have seen. Cheers, Lori
I love Roots! How do I get an invite to this party next year?
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