Taste of Danforth = Volume, Value and Variety
Posted by Irene Ng in event reviews, events, events upcoming on August 11, 2007 at 8:41 am
Our cub reporter Irene Ng braved the crowd last night at Taste of the Danforth to bring our readers this quick review. Taste of the Danforth runs today from noon until midnight and tomorrow from noon until 8pm.
I braced myself for the immense crowds that would be pouring onto the Danforth on the first night of this popular Toronto food fest. My hungry posse and I were definitely impressed by the variety of cuisines available and the large portions. There were many souvlaki and gyros vendors, but we were most impressed with the tandoori chicken ciabatta from Magic Oven, and the beef quesadillas and churros that were not too doughy from The Willow, a tex-mex grill. Other highlights included fried calamari from Mezes that is not rubbery, with tasty tzatziki on the side, and the fried honey balls, loukoumades for dessert at Cafe Frappe and Athens Pastries Pies. The prices were also reasonable, as I could not find anything for over five bucks.
It seems as if the festival wants to reach and please every consumer’s palate by expanding beyond the restaurants on the strip, as there were stands serving the grilled corn, baked yams and lemonade that would usually be found at a ribfest or the CNE. As this was just the first day of the festival, the vendors still appeared very eager to serve the masses. Hopefully they will have the energy to keep up the momentum! The quality of the food was impressive for the most part, considering the large amounts needed to be prepped and the fast turnover rate.
In the end, is it worth going? Yes, and definitely as a group in order to savour foods from all across the ethnic board. If one can brave the crowds and the long line-ups, this is something worth moseying into Greektown for this weekend.
August 11th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Sounds like a good experience. Last time i went was 2 years ago midday on a Saturday. It got a bit too busy and hot. Seems like late afternoons is a better time to go. I might have to give it a try again, sounds very yummy.
August 12th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I’ve been in Toronto for 20 years and still haven’t checked that out yet.
Maybe next year …
August 13th, 2007 at 9:28 am
I didn’t think it was worth it. Sure, the food was cheap and you can “savour foods from all across the ethnic board” but you can get the same food year-round without the crowds, line ups or street garbage. Beyond the regular Danforth fare, who goes to the Taste of the Danforth for grilled corn, baked yams and lemonade?
August 13th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Well some people enjoy the crowds and the party atmosphere. But i realized, Friday night is the best time to go. Saturday is a bit much. Things are never perfect when an event tries to be everything to everyone, but lets you experience something different. Walking around on the Danforth with no traffic can be rather nice though.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I know this isn’t the best way to experience the Danforth’s food, but hey, I was pleasantly surprised. As I have been two years ago and was unimpressed, this time around I honestly did have a good time, and I didn’t experience anything really negative, other than the crowd getting bigger as I moved further eastward, and corporate sponsorship vehicles for things non-Greek (which I ignored).
It definitely isn’t for everybody, but it does promote the neighbourhood to those that have never been.