Posted by Sheryl Kirby in beverages, caribbean, event reviews, events, spirits on October 3, 2008 at 4:35 pm

The Caribbean is known for its gorgeous beaches, laid back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. But food and drink connoisseurs might be more familiar with the other hilights of the Caribbean islands – particularly rum.

September 24th to 26th was Caribbean Week here in Toronto. Designed to promote travel and industry in the 32 Caribbean islands, the festival also featured an evening of Rum and Rhythm at the Harbourcastle Westin, where guests listened to the sounds of the Caribbean while sampling rum from the islands and culinary offerings from some of the Caribbean’s top chefs. Guests could sample a variety of rum and rum-based cocktails, and a buffet-style selection of Caribbean cuisine that included everything from salt fish to bread pudding.

We wisely filled up on some of the fabulous edible offerings first before hitting the rum and cocktail samples.

Posted by Greg Clow in events, events upcoming on October 3, 2008 at 8:48 am

The biggest thing happening in Toronto this weekend is obviously Nuit Blanche, where three big chunks of downtown will be transformed into multimedia extravaganzas of art in various forms. Aside from a few bars and restaurants staying open late, food and drink doesn't play a very big role in Nuit Blanche, but there are a couple of exhibits with an edible theme, including a heritage apple tasting at the Cookbook Store, a post-modern dinner party called "Appetite" at St. Lawrence Market, and video installation "Organiclicious!!!" at Fresh on Crawford.

More exciting to foodies, perhaps, will be next Wednesday's interview/Q&A at Isabel Bader Theatre with renowned chef Ferran Adrià (pictured). The $95 ticket price is pretty spendy, but it includes a copy of the new book "A Day at elBulli: An Insight into the Ideas, Methods and Creativity of Ferran Adrià".

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in events, events upcoming, farm to table, fruit and vegetables on September 29, 2008 at 7:39 am

We all know the phrase about comparing apples and oranges. We tell someone they’re a peach if we think they’re especially kind, and plum good is better than just plain good any day.

But what of the lowly pear? The average Canadian eats a mere 2 pounds of pears a year; they tend to be overlooked at harvest time when the other more extroverted fruit take centre stage. Yet pears are not only great eaten out of hand, they can be a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes, and make delicious wine and cider.

Posted by Greg Clow in events, events upcoming on September 26, 2008 at 7:43 am

While the weather hasn't yet gotten cold enough for people to start longing for the tropics, there are a few events happening in the next week that will give Torontonians a taste of the south.

Already underway and running until Sunday at various venues along Queen Street West is the Havana Cultura Festival, celebrating the art, music, culture, food and drink of Cuba. Today features two public events in the schedule of the Caribbean Week trade and media conference: a free Caribbean Fair at Yonge-Dundas Square, and a ticketed Rum & Rhythm party at the Westin Habour Castle. And next Wednesday is the annual Chilean Wine Festival in the Distillery District, followed by a Chilean Winemaker's Dinner at reds on Thursday.

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Posted by Greg Clow in events, events upcoming on September 19, 2008 at 7:31 am

Summer officially becomes autumn this weekend, and that means there are lots of events happening to celebrate the harvest season.

At The Stop Community Food Centre, they're holding a Good Food For All Festival, featuring free seasonal food samples, and Iron Chef competition, and entertainment for the whole family. On Sunday, Todmorden Mills is having their annual Harvest Festival, while Chateau des Charmes Winery down in Niagara-on-the-Lake is celebrating with a Harvest Feast prepared by chefs Stephen Treadwell, Tony DeLuca, and Anna and Michael Olson. And if you're heading down for that, you'll probably want to check out the Niagara Wine Festival which kicks off this weekend.

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Photos from City of Toronto Historic Museums Events website

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in event reviews, events, prepared foods, products on September 18, 2008 at 7:41 am

After the learning experience of last year’s visit to the Canadian Health Food Association’s Expo East Trade Show, we arrived this year well prepared. We didn’t follow the crowd and bring along an empty suitcase to carry home samples and info sheets, but we did show up at this massive health food trade show with empty backpacks and comfortable shoes.

Posted by Greg Clow in events, events upcoming on September 12, 2008 at 9:23 am

There's little doubt that the highlight of the coming week for most Toronto's foodies will be the 2nd annual Picnic at the Brickworks. As we noted in our preview article earlier this week, the list of chefs and purveyors participating is a veritable who's who of the local food and restaurant scene, and even the slightly higher ticket price this year didn't put a damper on ticket sales, as it's already sold out.

For those who are lucky enough to have tickets, note that information about a shuttle bus from Broadview station was posted to the event website a couple of days ago. And don't forget your umbrella!

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in SOLE food, charities, events, events upcoming, farm to table on September 8, 2008 at 7:45 am

There is just no better way to celebrate the harvest season than a picnic. In mid-September, when the days are still kissed with sun, yet there’s a certain crispness in the air, there’s time to stop and celebrate the glorious season and the delights it has created, and to thank the people who grow our food for their tireless efforts.

Guests at this year’s Picnic at the Brickworks hosted by Evergreen and Slow Food Toronto will have the opportunity to do just that this Sunday as farmers and food producers from across Ontario team up with some of Toronto’s top chefs to create a mouth-watering and memorable event featuring some of the best food our city – and province – has to offer.

Posted by Rebecca Zamon in events, events upcoming, vegetarian on September 5, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Some days, it feels as though there's hardly a way to disentangle one food trend from another - but fortunately, between locavores, flexitarians and those who staunchly eat organically grown produce, one long-held umbrella category will always welcome each of these, and it is all of these people who are welcomed to the Vegetarian Food Fair this weekend.

Now in its 24th year, the Vegetarian Food Fair has grown from granola roots to a Whole Foods-sponsored extravaganza, attracting over 125 exhibitors (80% of whom are representing food companies or restaurants) over three veg-filled days. "Vegetarians and vegans have become a really attractive market," explains Miskha Alarcon, Food Fair Coordinator and staff member at the Toronto Vegetarian Association, who put on the annual event. "This year, we're welcoming the most sponsors ever."

Posted by Greg Clow in contests, events, events upcoming on September 5, 2008 at 7:25 am

It's an East vs. West showdown this weekend, as Cabbagetown and The Junction both host their annual community street festivals. And sitting roughly in the middle, you'll find the ever-popular Vegetarian Food Fair down at Harbourfront, where even carnivores are welcome. Watch for a full preview of the VFF here on Taste T.O. later today.

Also this weekend is the second annual Black Creek Brews Fest at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Earlier this week, we gave away some regular tickets to the event, and now we have a special bonus giveaway: a pair of tickets for Saturday which not only include admission to the Brews Fest (and the rest of the Village), but also two seats at a special 3-course lunch with beer pairing being hosted by beer writer Stephen Beaumont at the Half Way House Restaurant at 1:30pm.

The contest is now closed. Thanks to all who entered.

To enter, send an email to brewsfest@tasteto.com before 11am today with "BLACK CREEK - BEAUMONT" in the Subject line and your full name in the body of the email. The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email, and their name will be on the guest list with a '+1' at the Black Creek box office on Saturday.

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Posted by Greg Clow in beer, beverages, contests, events, events upcoming on August 31, 2008 at 8:04 pm

One of the highlight craft beer events of 2007 was the inaugural Black Creek Brews Fest up at Black Creek Pioneer Village, so it's great to see that it's coming back this year even bigger and better. Taking place this coming weekend - Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th - from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM each day, the Brews Fest will once again feature some of the best craft breweries in Ontario today, while also celebrating the province's rich brewing history.

One of the few complaints that many people had about last year's event was the small number of breweries on hand, so this year, the number has been doubled from five to ten, including Black Oak, Steam Whistle, Mill Street, Neustadt and more. In addition to sampling beer, you'll also be able to learn about it, with beer and food experts including Mirella Amato, Roger Mittag, Julia Rogers and Dorothy Duncan presenting talks and workshops throughout the weekend. On Saturday, beer writer Stephen Beaumont will be hosting a lunch with beer pairings at the Half Way House Restaurant, and there will be other special demonstrations and presentations happening throughout the Village, plus live music and other entertainment for the whole family.

The ticket contest is now CLOSED. Thanks to all who entered.

Posted by Greg Clow in events, events upcoming on August 29, 2008 at 8:59 am

While there are officially still three weeks to go, most people consider Labour Day to be the last weekend of summer, and it's definitely going out with a bang - quite literally if you're unlucky enough to live in Parkdale, where we'll be spending the weekend listening to low-flying jets from the stupid fucking International Air Show at the Ex.

If you're looking to avoid the smell and taste of jet fuel exhaust, your options this weekend include the Ashkenaz Festival of Jewish Culture at Harbourfront, the Hispanic Fiesta at Mel Lastman Square, the Fiera Street Festival in Little Italy, and the monthly Pedestrian Sundays event in Kensington Market.

The full list of happenings for the next week follows below, and as always, our Events page has more information on these and many other upcoming events in Toronto and area.

Photo from Little Italy in Toronto website.

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in announcements, events, events upcoming on August 28, 2008 at 12:20 pm

When: Sunday, September 14th, 12pm - 4pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue

Slow Food Toronto and Evergreen are hosting the second annual Picnic at Evergreen Brick Works. The picnic is a festival celebrating local food producers teaming up with award-winning chefs as they work side-by-side to offer the best locally sourced produce and artisanal products, as well as wine and beer.

Organizers need over 100 volunteers to ensure the success of this event.

They are currently looking for individuals to assist with the following responsibilities:

• Volunteer Coordinators to assist with managing other volunteers – (some event management experience required)
• Welcome hosts and registration attendants to help welcome in guests.
• Silent Auction Coordinators.
• Food and beverage personal to assist with chef stations.
• Individuals to assist with the set up and tear down of the event venue.
• Individuals with CPR and/or First Aid training to assist as emergency coordinators.
• Security attendants to assist with crowd management.
• Talent coordinators and individuals with audio visual experience.
• Traffic attendants and parking sales coordinators.

All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt as well as be able to enjoy cuisine provided by farmers and chefs during the event.

If you are interested in assisting with this event, please contact Arlene Stein (Arlene.stein@utoronto.ca) by Friday, August 29th.

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in events, events upcoming, farm to table on August 27, 2008 at 7:46 am

The last week of August is always bittersweet. The smell of fall is in the air, the kids are getting ready to go back to school and Ontario produce is at its peak, with the abundance of the season available in farmers markets across the province.

For anyone who finds themselves at the Gladstone Hotel on a Wednesday night, the abundance of the season is also to be had in the ballroom café where Chef Marc Breton and his staff continue to serve up a seasonal 4-course prix fixe dinner featuring the best locally grown products that Ontario has to offer.

Posted by Sheryl Kirby in events, events upcoming on August 22, 2008 at 3:29 pm

One of the hi-lights of last year’s summer festival season for me was the AfriVillage Fest, held on Bloor Street West between Crawford Street and Ossington Avenue. At last year’s festival, local businesses from this predominantly Ethiopian neighbourhood lined the street to demonstrate bits of African culture including food, music and even fashion.

Taking place this weekend, AfriVillage Fest promises to outdo its inaugural season last year.