Ba Ba Luu Halloween Sunday

Entering a virtual haunted cave, getting by skeletons, jack o' lanterns, scarecrows, tombstones and taking in a spooky mural, Ba Ba Lúu outdid themselves this year - hosting one of Toronto's best Halloween parties and surprising everyone with their new Live Sunday.

Taking advantage of their $38.00 prix fixe Halloween special, we arrived around 8:15pm and took seats, close to what turned out later to be stage right.

As we were savouring the rich Pumpkin Soup - garnished with Leek Fritz, a trio began warming up. A quick chat with Keyboardist Sean Bellabiti revealed they were the back-up band for sultry torch singer Shantall.

Yes, Latin Vibes' production coordinator Shantall also sings a mix of Hispanic and English Funk, Jazz and Latin. Shantall also said that Gisel Della Chiara was in the house - disguised as Austen Powers' moll possibly?

Bassist Lee Hutchinson and Conga Player JJ rounded off the accompanyment as the first set started about 9:00pm. Having heard Sean's magic fingers at Lula Lounge Saturday night, a musical treat was on its way.

As we enjoyed the Organic Salad with garden fresh mixed greens accented with almonds, Shantall serenaded the diners and the early party-goers. Surprise ruled the moment as this crowd, which normally dances to everything, stood transfixed. Taking in the music, but not sure whether to distract the performance by dancing.

The very easy going Shantall connected with the folks and when she said, "Dance," the flood gates opened and the floor began to fill with couples moving to live music sung in Spanish and in English.

As the mains arrived, Lomo Saltados all around, decisions decisions - dance or eat, dance or eat. Both were irresistable. Taking both, we had a few bites of tender Beef Strip Loin sauted with tomatoes, onions, and potato battonets along with jasmine rice and we took a few steps on the dance floor.

Ending promptly at 10:00pm, Shantall finished her first set with a promise to return in an hour. Turning things over to DJ Julio, all inhibitions the crowd had disappeared, the floor filled and stayed that way the entire night.

French Maids, Playboy Bunnies, Zorro, Mimes, Monsters, Angels, Devils, Cat Woman, Geishas, a Male Nun, Witches, Vampires, the Our Gang Buckwheat and other assorted spirits made appearances. A certain Mike Hunt, MD also made the rounds along with the medical staff tending the bar.

Finishing off the meal with dessert, a maple flavoured Pumpkin Crafoudty Pie with a scoop of Beetlejuice inspired Ice Cream and a heavenly Guava Crème Brûlée left the palate looking for more.

Ba Ba Lúu is the best kept dining secret in Toronto. Superbly prepared and served with panache and imagination, their dining experience is one of the best in Yorkville.

With a packed house, Shantall's second set flew by, leaving people looking for more!

Olga probably had the best birthday party of her life as DJ Julio announced her B-Day.

Gisel Della Chiara graciously emceed the Costume Contest. After much applause and cheering for the Nun, Ricky Ricardo's Father, the Lion King, the Playboy Bunnies - all of them, a Policeman, and Elvira, first prize went to the male nun.

Slipping out early in the morning, visions of ghosts, spirits and a spooky skyline danced in our heads. What will next year bring?