Zark

I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4Born and raised here in Toronto, grew up in Scarborough (a.k.a. the hood). Left school and Scarlem to chase the bright lights of the big city. I’ve worked in the night life scene since I was 18, started from the bottom and worked my way up and up. Did a 2 year bartending stint in South Beach in 98 & 99, moved back and started promoting weekly events. One weekly event turned to five and ZRF (www.zrf.info) was born.Opened Blowfish Restaurant +Sake Bar (www.blowfisherestaurant.com) in 2003, felt that Toronto badly needed a sexy NYC / MIA style Asian restaurant / lounge. Blowfish has been named one of the top restaurants in the city and is notorious for having the best sushi in Toronto.Opened Century Room (www.centuryroom.com) with ZRF partner Ralf Madi, long time friend and former Guv bartender Vito Tomasicchio and my younger brother Tarus in 2004. Century Room has helped turn King Street West into a nightlife destination with our 4 weekly events pulling in the A-Listers and downtown scenesters.I joined forces with my best friend Antonio Tadrissi in 2005 to create Hammam Spa (www.hammamspa.ca). Together we’ve experienced some amazing spa concepts along our travels and knew that Toronto was ready for something a bit more progressive and cutting edge. Hammam Spa has elements of Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East infused in the design and service concept. Hammam has already been named one of the top spas in the country and has been featured in both local and international publications.Once again in 2005 Antonio and I teamed up and I joined his company Prototype Design Lab (www.pdlab.ca). Our unique design / build company has collaborated with Karim Rashid, IDS 2006, BMW, KPMB; Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, Toyota Canada, Janet Rosenberg & Associates, NYC District School Board.A spin off of PD Lab is a furniture line that we are developing called Caprice (www.capriceliving.com). We will be retailing (on-line) many of the custom pieces that we have already created for our venues and clients offering them customization of our pieces.In 2006 I opened Doku 15 (www.doku15.com) at the Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel (www.cosmotoronto.com) with Chef G.Q. Pan (Blowfish) and Antonio Tadrissi. This resto-lounge offers the best of both worlds; elegant, chic restaurant and hip vibrant lounge. Doku 15 offers a Trans-Asian menu offering the best from Thailand, Japan and Chinese cultural dishesMy latest venture is something that I’ve wanted to create for a very long time. Atelier (www.ateliertoronto.com) is an intimate private club with only 250 invited members. Antonio and I along with Michael King and John Tsoumaris have created a space that is unlike anything else in the city. I’ll be posting some venue pics soon.Enough about work!!! On a personal note, I’m passionate about; traveling, music (all kinds), reading inspiring books, working out, snowboarding, food and of course shopping!!!I try and make time to enjoy these personal experiences as much as possible. With my hectic schedule being so demanding, it’s absolutely necessary that I still try and have fun and maintain the balance between work / play.In 2007 I’m going to be re-launching www.zarkinc.com. For now I’m going to use this site to promote my various businesses, events and social happenings.Check my various blogs as I keep you posted as to what’s hot and happening in my life. I love to share fun experiences with friends so please do feel free to hit me up anytime you want to tag along.Hope to see you soon,Z..