Here's what's cooking around town today...
Previewing the Gold Medal Plates event that takes place this weekend, and sizing up the participants. Chef David Lee of Nota Bene will be representing Toronto, having won the local competition that took place last week. Incidentally, we're wondering what exactly a food writer has to do to get a media pass to the Toronto GMP event. While it seems a few local food writers were hand-picked to attend, we talked to one writer from a major publication who admitted to sneaking in because they weren't offered a media pass. You'd think organizers would want any coverage they can get for something that raises money for charity. [Globe and Mail]
The people who live and shop in Kensington Market don't much like change, so the new faces and new products at Sanagan's (once Max and Sons) butcher shop might take some getting used to. But it sounds as if the proprietor is winning them all over, one customer at a time. [Toronto Star]
While the street food sandwich concept is not new (the zappi or zippie sandwich is a Polish street food tradition), selling them in Toronto (land of heinous street food legislative red tape), out of a portable kitchen, is. Taking over the spot of a former fruit stand at Dundas and Bloor, the owner hopes to revolutionize Toronto street food vending. [BlogTO]
I can't be the only person disappointed that the online version of this story about rats in the dining room of a Queen West restaurant doesn't actually include the photos referenced in the text. I'm picturing little rats with napkins tied around their necks enjoying a glass of red wine, or maybe relaxing on a chair languorously, sated from their meal. [Toronto Sun]
Waiting in line for concerts at Lee's Palace (not to mention the post-concert hungries), just got tastier, as the old painted facade has been removed and a Big Fat Burrito location is installed in the former lobby. Fans of the artwork, do not worry; the artist Runt (who is responsible for the two previous graffiti-style pieces on the building) will be creating new artwork on the new facade in the spring. Damn, I hope the BFB location is open in time for the El Vez concert in a few weeks. [Torontoist]
Five Guys come to Canada - President Obama's favourite burger joint plans an expansion from the US into Canada, starting with a location in Alberta. [National Post: The Appetizer]
Whip it good... learn how to properly whip egg whites. Or just enjoy the clip of DEVO on "Fridays". (And yes, I saw them last night and they were f'ing awesome!) [The Cottage Feast]
The new location of Le Papillion on the Park is now open. [Compendium Daily]
david lee is the best chef in canada except for my dog