Redefining the concept of dining in the open air, Night It Up 2009 may challenge the inner gourmand in more ways than one. The most sought after item is the stinky tofu which is worth the wait if only for a friend's reaction to its pungent odor.
With all the talk about farmers markets around the city, there's one type of market that gets me salivating more than the rest: Toronto's Night Market. Run by Power Unit Youth Organization, Markham's Metro Square and New Century Plaza (3636 Steeles Avenue East) will be transformed into a small representative of popular Taiwanese Night Markets, a.k.a. a snack-lovers paradise. Open to the public, Night It Up 2009 will be held from 7pm-1am on July 10th and from 1pm-1am on July 11th, and will feature various vendors along with live entertainment. The best part, admission is free. From fryer to grill, made to order drinks to slowly braised offal, here are just some of the wild, crazy, and incredibly delicious things you might encounter at this year's event.
Fresh grilled meats include sticky moist pork jerky and sliced Taiwanese-style sausages.
Grilled lamb skewers were my best find at the Night Market. Meaty MSG laden sticks of smokey gamey glory.
My favourite market items: curried fried fish balls and braised gizzards that are topped with a spicy mustard sauce.
Nothing satisfies quite like ikayaki (fresh grilled dried squid). Served plain or spicy (better) its chewy fishiness is addictive.
Fresh grilled takoyaki - balls of pancake batter surrounding a piece of octopus, topped with Kewpie mayo and bonito flakes.
But the most popular booths are the ones selling stinky/smelly tofu - fermented blocks of bean curd that's fried and served with a chilli sauce. Rain or shine, the line ups stretch for an entire block.
A spicy Malaysian curry-influenced roti is also available for vegetarians and those seeking something a little more substantial.
Finish up with some deep "fried" ice cream, bubble tea or taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle filled with red bean paste).
Renée Suen is a graduate student at the University of Toronto, specializing in cardiovascular sciences. She has an insatiable appetite and loves to snack... a lot. Many of tasty experiences can be found on her food-tography-filled Flickr site.
thanks for the head's up instead of reviewing the event after it has passed.
I just got home from Night It Up and it was awesome (my first time). I ate stinky tofu for the first time in my life... and enjoyed it, despite the horrid stink. I especially loved the Malaysian murtabak and watermelon juice.
I'm so glad I read this Taste T.O. blog entry because that's what made me decide to go! No regrets. Great event!