OUR STORY

“Tzavta is a wonderment: a gathering of talented, engaged, energetic people, discussing the things that matter and embodying those things: frankness, fearlessness, affection, curiosity ... and celebrating the delights of the senses, especially food-as-gift. I loved my evening there so much and am still, nearly a month later, abuzz with ideas that were raised. I left with a renewed vision of the possibilities of human generosity.” 

George Saunders, 2017 Booker Prize Winner / Tzavta Salon Guest

Tzavta was born out of a passion to create a community and provide an irresistible access point to writers, artists, scientists, philosophers, researchers and adventurers.

An environment where curiosity can be awakened, ideas can form and connections made - all of which need confined space, a breath of time, comfort and intimacy. Intentionally small, Tzavta Dinner Salon guests sit at communal tables, sharing a meal inspired by the honorary guest speaker. Both the audience and speakers are asked to adhere to simple guidelines. The former - to refrain from using digital presentations and resist the temptation to give life-affirming advice;  the latter - to participate thoughtfully and ask pertinent questions. A format resulting in an intimate, distraction-free space prompting honesty, vulnerability, curiosity, and engagement. Informal, idiosyncratic and heartfelt, the salon distills the essence of human interaction - storytelling.

To date Tzavta has hosted over 60 salons (with a break for COVID), with luminaries from all over the world, collaborating with more than 20 organizations, art foundations and businesses all across Canada, North America and Europe. Attended by more than 5,000 people and, it forms an active social community and an ecosystem that fosters powerful connections and collaborations.