Posted by Greg Clow in magazines, news and media on June 15, 2008 at 9:17 am
As amazing as it might seem, shopping at farmers markets and dining on local food was considered a novelty by many people as recently as a couple of years ago. But now, Torontonians have over two dozen farmers markets to choose from, and it seems that every neighbourhood has at least one cozy café or corner bistro specialising in fresh, local and organic eats.
In the extensive cover feature of the July issue of Toronto Life, former food editor Chris Nuttall-Smith explores the local food scene with a series of profiles and shopping tips. The multi-page feature includes interviews with wheat farmer Peter Leahy; egg farmers Norine and Harlan Clark; Mark Trealout and Laura Boyd of Kawartha Ecological Growers; and cheese queen Ruth Klahsen. In the sidebars, savvy shoppers will find details on some local exotic fruits; high-end meats; locally-made wine, beer and cider; and sustainable local fish. There's also a guide to the city's farmers markets, and ten tips for virtuous eating ranging from the serious and practical (grow a garden, make preserves) to the not-so-much (keep chickens in your yard, start a distillery).
Also in this month's issue (unlinked items are not yet online):
- James Chatto suggests the best places to take visitors to give them a taste of "quintessential Toronto cuisine". While it's a laudable list, it's also somewhat predictable, including well-known spots like Via Allegro (What's that? A Toronto Life "best of" list that mentions Via Allegro? Quel surprise!), The Fifth, Canoe, Starfish, and Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar.
- David Lawrason predicts that 2007 may end up being the best Ontario vintage in a long time.
- Eric Vellend holds a BLT showdown between a fancy-pants version from Treadwell and an old school classic from Patrician Grill.
- Shaun Smith analyses the menu of chef Jeff Crump of Ancaster Old Mill, who proudly wears his influences on his sleeve.
- David Sax looks at the continuing popularity of so-called "tapas", ranging from the "genuine article" at Torito, to "creative mutations" at Nyood, Foxley and Urbano, to "flagrant misappropriations" at Waterfalls and Insomnia.
