Events
Festivals, dinners, tastings, lectures - there are always lots of food & drink events happening in Toronto, and this page is our attempt to list them all. If you know of an event that we don’t have listed, please let us know.
Last update: Thursday, May 8th, 2008
Beer, Wine and Spirit Tastings & Dinners
Charity Events
Community & Cultural Events
Conferences & Symposiums
Dinners, Luncheons, Teas & Tastings
Food & Drink Festivals
Lectures, Presentations, Courses & Exhibits
Trade & Consumer Shows
Out-Of-Town Events
Beer, Wine and Spirit Tastings & Dinners
Monday, April 28 - Saturday, May 10, 2008
Santé in the City: Decade of Decadence
various locations
various times & prices
Uncork exciting new pleasures at Santé in the City, where our most exquisite eateries pay tribute to Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival’s tenth anniversary. Many of Toronto’s top restaurants, bars and bistros will play host to Santé’s many international guests and offer wine lovers an exclusive preview of the vintages guaranteed to create a buzz at this year’s festival.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Santé Down Under
Hart House, University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
$50
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. Santé has traveled down under to import the best of traditional and cosmopolitan Australia to Toronto for one spectacular evening of music and great food complemented with extraordinary wines. Australian cuisine is breaking free from its Mediterranean and Asian influences to create a gourmet menu infused with the spice-like qualities of local plant life. Santé Down Under brings these new dishes alive with 18 wineries selected specially for the evening. Whether you are planning a trip to Australia or just fancy relaxing with something bold, tasteful and different, Santé Down Under is your one chance to explore today’s Australia and experience a fresh look on some old favourites.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Elevate Your Senses: How to Taste Like a Pro
LCBO Summerhill, 10 Scrivener Square
12:00 noon to 1:30 PM
$30
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. Your sense of sight, taste and smell are put to the test as one of the LCBO’s expert wine consultants guides you through a selection of fine wines, highlighting qualities, noting subtle differences and recommending when best to drink.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Grate Expectations: Cheese & Wine, A Heavenly Combo
Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road
12:00 noon to 1:30 PM
$40
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. What makes the pairing of wine and cheese so heavenly? It depends on what wine you put with which cheese. Edward Finstein, the Wine Doctor and Kathy Guidi, president of Artisan Cheese Marketing demonstrate how easy it is to take the perfect pair to new heights. Canadian cheeses have been carefully matched with several outstanding Santé wines. Learning has never been so much fun…. or so tasty.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Aussie Sensations: Wines of Australia
Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
$35
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. Canada is the third largest importer of Australian wines in the world. So there is a lot of product to choose from. John Szabo, Canada’s only Master Sommelier, has recently returned from the Wine Regions of Australia to present this Santé exclusive. John has selected some of his favourite Wines of Australia to accompany us on this virtual tour. Pour another glass and be entertained by insights on the wine, its origin and engaging stories from Oz.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Red & White Goes Green: Intro to Enviro-wines
Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
$40
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. From organic grapes to environmentally friendly packaging, the world of wine is taking on a refreshing green hue. But what does that mean to the quality of wine? In this groundbreaking seminar, Tony Aspler, seasoned wine writer, critic and newest Member of the Order of Canada, has assembled a green ribbon panel of winemakers who will introduce you to the best in enviro-wines and show how the wine industry can help save the planet without sacrificing taste.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Stars & Sips: Wines of California
Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
$35
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. After decades of exploring the growing regions of America’s Golden State there is probably no greater authority on California wines than Toronto Life’s David Lawrason. Join David at Wines of California as he uncorks some of his Pacific Coast favourites and shares the stories behind every glass.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Good and Good For You: Wine and Chocolate
Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
$35
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. Most of us love wine, and who doesn’t adore chocolate. But wine and chocolate together? Unrepentant chocoholic Steve Thurlow will let you in on the secret to enjoying these two sensual pleasures simultaneously, while Dr. David Homer will demonstrate how something so decadent can also be good for you.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Celebrating the 10th on the 10th
Hazelton Lanes, 55 Avenue Road
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
$85
Part of Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival. Bon Appétit, America’s favourite food and entertaining magazine is arriving in Canada to toast Santé’s tenth anniversary in style. Cat Cora, Bon Appétit’s executive chef and only female American Iron Chef is promising a menu to melt the heart of even the most discriminating epicurean. Joining Chef Cora for this grand finale will be Toronto Celebrity Chefs: Corbin Tomaszeski of Holt’s Café and Food Network Canada’s Restaurant Makeover; and, Greg Coulliard of the Spice Room and Manyata. Featuring wines selected exclusively for the occasion, Celebrating the 10th on the 10th will be the ideal capper to say thanks and adieu to ten magnificent years and pass the torch to the 11th annual Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
iYellow Celebrity Wine Tour
depart/arrive at Vineyards Estate Wines, 228 Queens Quay West
9:15 AM to 6:30 PM
$99 ($95 if you have been on a previous iYellow Wine Tour or bring a friend) - call 647.519.2643 to reserve
Celebrities are flocking to the exciting world of wine, even here in Ontario. Some of Canada’s most well known celebrities are planting a flag, investing their brand and joining the cause for local wines. Join Ange & Pax of iYellow Wine Club and discover why they’re doing so, and more importantly come to taste their wines. The day will include visits to Mike Weir Estate Winery (at Creekside Estate Winery), Dan Aykroyd Wines (at Lakeview Cellars Winery) and Wayne Gretzky Estates (at Willow Heights Winery), plus a stop for lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Spirit of Toronto
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
$105
Spirit of Toronto 2008 is Toronto’s Annual Whisky Gala, a spectacular assemblage of more than 100 single malt whiskies along with gourmet catering, masterclasses, live jazz, whisky cocktails and an outdoor cigar bar.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Ontario Wine Society New Kids on the Block Tasting
University of Toronto Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks Street
5:45 PM to 8:00 PM
$38 for OWS members - $48 for non-members - call 416-964-3341 for details
Join the Ontario Wine Society for their sixth annual “New Kids on the Block” tasting event, showcasing a number of Ontario’s newest wineries including Alvento Winery, Cattail Creek Estate Winery, Cornerstone Estate Winery, The Organized Crime Winery, Riverview Cellars Winery and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Schloss Schönborn Estate Rieslings
Toronto Board of Trade, First Canadian Place (Adelaide Street Entrance)
6:00 PM
$45 for TVC members - $55 for guests
Toronto Vintners Club is very fortunate to have secured a line-up of rare wines from the Schloss Schönborn estate of Germany. We’ll have the opportunity to taste both a vertical and horizontal tasting of some of their Rieslings dating back to 1988. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s not to be missed.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Local Heroes: Ontario Wine
Coupe Space, 998 Queen Street East
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$75 (+ GST) - call 416-469-9656 to reserve
The Tasting Club is thrilled to welcome wine educator and head of Slow Food Toronto, Paul DeCampo, to the space for a unique tasting and awareness evening celebrating the best and most delicious wine that Ontario has to offer. And yes, we’ve come a loooong way, baby. Join Paul for an approachable and entertaining tasting of a variety of whites, reds, sparkling and ice wines painstakingly produced by artisan winemakers and sustainable vineyards in our lovely province, from Niagara to Prince Edward County, Pelée Island and beyond. Discussion includes regional terroir, issues facing local winemakers, the global Slow Food movement, and of course, plenty of wine talk! You will be amazed at what is now being produced in our own backyard. Also enjoy delectable, seasonal hors d’ouevres and nibbles.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
New Zealand Wine Fair
Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
$55
In every glass of New Zealand wine is a world of pure discovery! Join us and the wine makers for a wonderful evening of tasting our finest wines and a sampling of fabulous food.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Barrel Select Wine Tasting
Rosewater Supper Club, 19 Toronto Street
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
$100 - call Alexis at 416-984-9463 to reserve
A tasting of some of the best boutique artisanal wines that California and France have to offer from the Barrel Select import portfolio.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
One Spectacular Tasting
One Restaurant, Hazelton Hotel, 118 Yorkville Avenue
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
$350 - call 416-961-9600 x 30 to reserve
Barrel Select hosts a dinner pairing 5 courses by chef Mark McEwan with wines from 8 winemakers.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
2008 d’Arenberg Tasting
Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, 44 Price Street
6:30 PM
$60 for AWS members - $70 for guests
The Australian Wine Society presents a tasting featuring the wines of d’Arenberg. Mark Donaldson, Communications Director of Churchill Cellars, will be leading the tasting of eight different wines.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Global Wine Tour: Bordeaux
The Fine Wine Reserve, King Street West and Spadina Avenue
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
$75
Join one of Canada’s foremost wine experts, Steve Thurlow, on a one evening tour of Bordeaux’s most important wine regions. This interactive evening will have you tasting 8 different wines and learning about the different wine producing regions of this very celebrated wine producing area. Over the course of the evening, you will learn about the unique climates and soil conditions that makes it one of the world’s most important wine producing regions. You will also learn about how to match food to the types of wines coming from there. A small sampling of dainty morsels will be provided to assist in the learning of matching food with wine.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Kenwood Vineyards Wine Dinner
Quince Restaurant, 2110 Yonge Street
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
$109 for SAW members - $120 for guests
The Society for American Wines presents a four course meal at Quince Restaurant, a modern bistro featuring innovative Mediterranean cuisine and robust, fresh flavours from the grill and wood-burning oven. Accompanying wines from Kenwood Vineyards paired by Rogers & Company and Quince.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Dogfish Head Beer Dinner
beerbistro, 18 King Street East
SOLD OUT
A dinner with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery, featuring the beer cuisine of beerbistro chef Brian Morin paired with a number of DFH beers, some available for the first time in Ontario.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Martini Club: Summer Cocktails
Coupe Space, 998 Queen Street East
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$75 (+ GST) - call 416-469-9656 to reserve
We’re shaking things up at the Tasting Club with the arrival of the famous Martini Club. Laura Panter or Michelle Hunt will regale us with an assortment of wildly creative and decadent cocktails featuring premium spirits, exotic juices and infused liqueurs from their Martini lab. They’ll cover bar essentials like how to make the perfect martini, then branch off into exciting variations of all sorts of cocktails, from unique modern libations to clever twists on classic pre-prohibition drinks. They’ll also teach you all how to mix and shake your cocktails like a pro (or at least look like one). Prepare for the onslaught of summer patio parties at this essential event for lovers of stylin’ and delicious boozy concoctions.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Les 5 Tasting & Dinner
CENTRO Restaurant & Lounge, 2472 Yonge Street
tasting at 6:15 PM - reception at 7:15 PM - dinner at 7:45 PM
$449 - call 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764 to reserve
Vintages presents an exclusive wine tasting and dinner featuring the wines of Les 5, five iconic Bordeaux vintners - representing five different appellations - united by a shared passion for excellence in winemaking, and enjoying the company of friends. 11 wines will be featuring at the unstructured, walk-around tasting, giving attendees an excellent opportunity to chat one-on-one with the Les 5 representatives in a relaxed atmosphere. During dinner, 7 further wines will be served, with each representative offering commentary on the wines from their respective châteaux.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
sip Ontario: Taste The Best of the Ontario Wine Awards
Fermenting Cellar, Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
ticket info t.b.a.
Details t.b.a.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Chilean Wine & Food Festival
Fermenting Cellar, Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
ticket info t.b.a.
Details t.b.a.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Whisky Live Toronto 2008
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building), 255 Front Street West
times and ticket details t.b.a.
Whisky Live Toronto is Canada’s whisky tasting event of the year, bringing all the very best whiskies from around the world under one roof. Appealing to both the enthusiast and the novice Whisky Live Toronto has expert advice on hand as well as the opportunity to learn about the whisky basics. It is the ultimate whisky experience with a stunning range of whiskies, delicious food, Masterclasses, live music and regular nose-off competitions.
Charity Events
Friday, May 9, 2008
Funk’n'Chocolate
Canadian Corps Legion, 201 Niagara Street
9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
$12 at the door
Invite your friends, party hard, and be part of the funkraising action at Funk’n'Chocolate with DJ Sweet Jelly Roller and chocolate treats by Chocosol. All proceeds will go towards World Playground Project for subsidizing a youth theatre program in the Cape Flat communities, Cape Town, South Africa.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
James Beard Foundation Fundraising Dinner
Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
6:30 PM
$295 (including wine pairings, taxes and gratuity) - call 416.531.5042 ext. 113 to reserve
A gala fundraising dinner for The James Beard Foundation, North America’s premier organization for the education and preservation of our culinary heritage. Hosted by Bonnie Stern, the dinner will feature dishes created by chefs Anthony Rose (Drake Hotel), Rob Feenie (Cactus Restaurants), Tobey Nemeth (Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar), Fred Morin (Joe Beef & Liverpool House) and Martin Picard (Au Pied Du Cochon), a cheese course prepared by Cole Snell (Provincial Fine Foods), micro-batch chocolate truffles by David Castellan and Cynthia Leung (Soma Chocolate), and wine pairings from Malivoire, Henry of Pelham, Inniskillin and Norman Hardie Winery.
Sunday, June 1 - Sunday, June 15, 2008
Taste for Justice
various restaurants throughout Toronto
Restaurants around the city will be supporting Amnesty International’s work to stop violence against women by donating a percentage of their sales proceeds to Amnesty.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Toronto Taste
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court
6:00 PM
$225
Please join us as over 50 of the top chefs in the city showcase their culinary creations in tandem with fantastic wine, beer and spirits. Let yourself be tempted by the extraordinary items at the silent auction, wine auction and raffle, and our fabulous live auction, in support of Second Harvest.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Boys Night Out
Fermenting Cellar, Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
times & ticket info t.b.a.
A fundraising event for prostate cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital, presented by Lifford Wine Agency. Further details t.b.a.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
An Evening at the Chef’s Table Under the Stars
Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
$120 for main event - $175 including after-party
6:00 PM
This fundraiser for the Children’s Emergency Foundation features CEF National Spokesperson, Chef Michael Smith and his friends, celebrity hosts of Food Network, in an evening of gourmet food and wine stations, live music, and live and silent auctions. Join us on patios in the Distillery Historic District and meet and mingle with your favourite Food Network stars as they treat you to the delectable dish they have chosen for the evening, and try fabulous wine paired with each dish. The evening continues at the exclusive after-party in the Fermenting Cellar where we will have an opportunity to thank the chefs for their support, celebrate the fun and excitement of the evening and listen to fantastic live music.
Friday, October 24, 2008
3rd Annual Bone Appetit Chef Challenge
Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Blvd.
7:00 PM
ticket info t.b.a.
In order to highlight World Osteoporosis Day, Osteoporosis Canada presents its third annual Bone Appetit Chef Challenge. The challenge will be for chefs to prepare different dishes/menus that showcase “bone savvy” foods: those high in calcium and vitamin D. The high-end cocktail reception will feature 15-minute demonstrations by each of the featured chefs, a tasting of each dish, a silent auction, entertainment and, of course, great food.
Community & Cultural Events
Friday, May 23 & Saturday, May 24, 2008
Green Toronto Festival
Yonge-Dundas Square, south-east corner of Yonge and Dundas
Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
free admission
Stroll through more than 100 exhibits of green products and services, sample some scrumptious locally grown food and enjoy live bands & special guest speakers. Friday is kids day, with lots of fun activities for kids and teachers. On Saturday, Yonge Street will be closed to traffic from Dundas to Queen.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
desiFEST
Yonge-Dundas Square, south-east corner of Yonge and Dundas
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
free
desiFEST Toronto will again this year present the very best in South Asian music and dance with contemporary indo-jazz fusion and world music along with cutting edge DJs from the Asian Underground music scene. desiFEST will also feature dance and music workshops, cooking demonstrations as well as arts and crafts vendors and traditional South Asian delicacies.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
GreenMom Spring Market
CNIB Centre, 1929 Bayview Avenue
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
$6 advance - $8 at the door - free for kids
Enjoy a day of celebrating all the good things that we are doing to make Toronto and our world a better place! Discover new green products and services, meet like-minded families, and eat organic and healthy food all under one roof. Join us in this one-day green community shopping event and let us inspire one another creating a healthier and more sustainable future.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Canada Day
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
In the spirit of history and family, this festival celebrates all that Canada has to offer. Featuring live music, dance, film, visual arts and family events all day and into the night.
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6, 2008
Beats, Breaks & Culture
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
The fifth anniversary of one of North America’s leading electronic music and culture festivals plugs into the latest currents of modern musical expression.
Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6, 2008
AfroFest 2008
Queen’s Park
times t.b.a.
free admission
A weekend-long celebration of African music, culture and food.
Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 13, 2008
Ritmo y Color
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
This long running biannual Latin American festival visits the vibrant cultural arts scenes of Latin artists from abroad and from across Canada.
Friday, July 18 & Saturday, July 19, 2008
Hogtown Hoedown
Market Lane Park
times t.b.a.
free admission
Old Town Toronto celebrates the culinary diversity of the local merchants in the area as well as local produce, food and drink from around Ontario.
Friday, July 18 - Sunday, July 20, 2008
Celebrating Tigran
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
This inaugural festival reveals the diversity and vitality of Persian culture with performances from prominent international, Iranian and Canadian artists.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mabuhay Philippines!
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), 222 Bremner Boulevard
10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
ticket info t.b.a.
Mabuhay Philippines! is the largest celebration of Philippine heritage and culture in the country. The festival attracts thousands of Filipinos and non-Filipinos looking to experience one of Asia’s most beautiful destinations.
Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20, 2008
Festival of India 2008
Olympic Island
times t.b.a.
free admission
Details t.b.a.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Franco-Fête 2008
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
Francophones, francophiles and French culture lovers come in large numbers to this free event par excellence for the Greater Toronto Area: La Franco-Fête. For the 26th edition, celebrate and share French culture with a day of festivities for the entire family and a unique evening show.
Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27, 2008
Masala! Mehndi! Masti!
Exhibition Place
free admission
The largest multi-disciplinary South Asian Arts festival outside of South Asia, Masala! Mehndi! Masti! is an annual celebration of South Asian culture, featuring established and emerging artists in traditional and contemporary spheres of music, dance, film, theatre, literature and poetry, natural health practices, social issues, cuisine, arts & crafts and much more.
Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27, 2008
What Is Classical?
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
This new festival beckons audiences to question definitions of classical music with performances from a variety of global classical music genres and styles.
Friday, August 1 - Monday, August 4, 2008
Island Soul
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
A kaleidoscope of cultures that is the Pan-Caribbean diaspora. Food demonstrations, dance and music from renowned Reggae, Soca and Calypso artists.
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3, 2008
Toronto Turkish Festival
Yonge-Dundas Square, south-east corner of Yonge and Dundas
10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
free admission
3rd annual festival featuring live Turkish music and dance, authentic Turkish food, a marketplace, arts and crafts show, and lots of fun for the kids.
Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10, 2008
South Asia Calling
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
Showcasing the diversity of South Asian culture through music, film, dance, theatre, literature and comedy. With a focus on contemporary performance, South Asia Calling will incorporate all generations by presenting the icons of the region and their impact on the greater South Asian culture.
Friday, August 22 - Sunday, August 24, 2008
TAIWANfest: World in an Island
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
Celebrate the cultural treasures of this beautiful Island with performances from artists directly from Taiwan and from Canadian artists of Taiwanese heritage. This year the festival explores in performance and in exhibitions the intermingling of Dutch, Canadian, Japanese, Indigenous Peoples and Chinese heritage into the cultural history of Taiwan.
Saturday, August 23 - Sunday, August 24, 2008
Festival of South Asia
Gerrard Street East between Greenwood and Coxwell
Saturday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Sunday: 12:00 noon to 11:00 PM
free admission
Festival of South Asia creates a window into the East for Torontonians wishing to celebrate and experience the culture and cuisine of South Asia. The main stage will showcase dancing, the beautiful Gerrard India Bazaar Fashion Show, and authentic South Asian music reflecting the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh and Sri Lankan cultures. Off-stage, visitors will be enticed by the wonderfully diverse foods provided by more than 20 different restaurants.
Tuesday, August 26 - Monday, September 1, 2008
Ashkenaz Festival
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
One of the largest and most prestigious festivals of its kind anywhere in the world, The Ashkenaz Festival 2008 will once again feature the best and brightest of the global Yiddish/Jewish culture scene: from traditional and boundary-breaking Klezmer, Yiddish, and Mid-eastern music, to diverse offerings in theatre, film, visual arts, and literature, plus family programming, interactive music and dance workshops, and the famous Ashkenaz Parade!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Cookbook Caper
John McKenzie House, 34 Parkview Avenue, Willowdale
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
free admission
The Ontario Historical Society’s annual cookbook sale features hundreds of old and new books and food magazines. Every year new treasures are available! The Culinary Historians of Ontario also contribute to this popular fundraiser by offering a tearoom, where bargain hunters can relax with tea and delicious sweets.
Conferences & Symposiums
No events currently scheduled.
Dinners, Luncheons, Teas & Tastings
Friday, May 9, 2008
Green Gastronomy Dinner with Michael Olson
c5 Restaurant, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
6:30 PM
$125 - call 416.586.7928 for reservations
One Friday per month from April to July, c5 will host a celebrity Ontario chef, a selected regional farmer and vintner to create a superlative dinner and wine menu using local ingredients. They will also discuss their philosophies of sustainable food and wine production. This month, guest chef Michael Olson (Niagara Culinary Institute) joins c5 chef Ted Corrado to prepare a gourmet dinner that reflects a sensitivity to local suppliers and to the land, with wine pairings from Stratus Wines.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Meet the Maker: August’s Harvest
Culinarium, 705 Mount Pleasant Road
1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
free
Eli Ham from August’s Harvest will take over our kitchen and bake up some delicious Saskatoon berry pies. Just in time for Mothers Day!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Green Gastronomy Lunch with Michael Olson
Food Studio, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
12:00 noon to 2:00 PM
free admission - various prices for food & drink
One Sunday per month from April to July, Food Studio will offer an occasion for the whole family to purchase a delicious meal and selected wines while learning how chefs, farmers and vintners can work together to support the local agricultural economy. Joining Food Studio chef Caesar Guinto this month will be guest chef Michael Olson, with wine pairings from Stratus Wines.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother’s Day Royal Brunch
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
seatings at 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM
$43.35 / children 4-12: $21.60 / children under 4: $11.00 (+ PST/GST) - call (416) 923-1171 to reserve
Our Mother’s Day Royal Brunch served in the stately elegance of Toronto’s famous castle is an event to remember. The Conservatory and Library are spectacular settings for your meal. After brunch, enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle and a stroll through our magnificent estate gardens.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother’s Day Cream Tea
Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Road
sittings at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM
$12.50 plus taxes - call 416-392-6910 to reserve
Bring your Mother to Spadina Museum and enjoy a charming cream tea in a beautiful setting.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother’s Day Tea
Madeleines, Cherry Pie & Ice Cream, 1087 Bathurst Street
sittings at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM
$35 - call 416.537.3131 to reserve
Menu will include new potato and strawberry peppercorn soup, cucumber sandwiches, salmon rolls, roasted pepper canapés, cherry tarts, petit fours, pot au créme, madeleines and tea. Each guest will take home a special gift teapot.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Meet the Maker: The Great Canadian Salsa Company
Culinarium, 705 Mount Pleasant Road
1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
free
Join Salsa Dave from The Great Canadian Salsa Company for a sample of his unique and delicious salsa. Perfect for all you foodie fellows, this salsa is made with Ontario Craft Beer and has a unique hockey connection, ask Dave for more details.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Victoria Day Tea
Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West
1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
various prices - call 416-394-8113 for details
Celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria with a special afternoon tea.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Green Gastronomy Dinner with Nathan Isberg
c5 Restaurant, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
6:30 PM
$125 - call 416.586.7928 for reservations
One Friday per month from April to July, c5 will host a celebrity Ontario chef, a selected regional farmer and vintner to create a superlative dinner and wine menu using local ingredients. They will also discuss their philosophies of sustainable food and wine production. This month, guest chef Nathan Isberg (Coca & Czehoski) joins c5 chef Ted Corrado to prepare a gourmet dinner that reflects a sensitivity to local suppliers and to the land, with wine pairings from Long Dog Winery.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Green Gastronomy Lunch with Nathan Isberg
Food Studio, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
12:00 noon to 2:00 PM
free admission - various prices for food & drink
One Sunday per month from April to July, Food Studio will offer an occasion for the whole family to purchase a delicious meal and selected wines while learning how chefs, farmers and vintners can work together to support the local agricultural economy. Joining Food Studio chef Caesar Guinto this month will be guest chef Nathan Isberg, with wine pairings from Long Dog Winery.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Meet the Maker: Wholesome Hotcakes
Culinarium, 705 Mount Pleasant Road
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
free
Join Debbie Lorint from Wholesome Hotcakes for a griddling good time and a sample of her delicious pancakes.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Strawberry Social Festival
St. Lawrence Market (South Market), 95 Front Street East
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
free admission
Sample free strawberries dipped in chocolate during the peak of the Strawberry Season.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Green Gastronomy Dinner with Bertrand Alépée and Jason Inniss
c5 Restaurant, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
6:30 PM
$125 - call 416.586.7928 for reservations
One Friday per month from April to July, c5 will host a celebrity Ontario chef, a selected regional farmer and vintner to create a superlative dinner and wine menu using local ingredients. They will also discuss their philosophies of sustainable food and wine production. This month, guest chefs Bertrand Alépée and Jason Inniss (Amuse Bouche) joins c5 chef Ted Corrado to prepare a gourmet dinner that reflects a sensitivity to local suppliers and to the land, with wine pairings from Henry of Pelham.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Green Gastronomy Lunch with Bertrand Alépée and Jason Inniss
Food Studio, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park Circle
12:00 noon to 2:00 PM
free admission - various prices for food & drink
One Sunday per month from April to July, Food Studio will offer an occasion for the whole family to purchase a delicious meal and selected wines while learning how chefs, farmers and vintners can work together to support the local agricultural economy. Joining Food Studio chef Caesar Guinto this month will be guest chefs Bertrand Alépée and Jason Inniss, with wine pairings from Henry of Pelham.
Food & Drink Festivals
Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, 2008
May Festival of Chefs
Cheese Boutique, 45 Ripley Avenue
12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
free admission
Every Saturday and Sunday in May, Cheese Boutique will host some of the finest establishments in Toronto and the chefs behind them. The invitation is a chance for patrons to experience what Cheese Boutique offers through the hands of masters. Patrons can interact with the chefs, and receive complimentary samples of their cuisine, paired with wines selected by partner sommeliers. Chefs appearing this weekend are Jamie Kennedy of JK Kitchens (Saturday) and Patrick McMurray of Starfish (Sunday)
Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Beer & Cocktail Show 2008
Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road
$20
Canada’s largest beer & cocktail show featuring unforgettable live performances, interactive shows, tips and recipes for cooking with beer, great music and an incredible world of beer and spirits all under one roof.
Friday, May 16 - Saturday, May 31, 2008
Italian Seasons Festival
various restaurants
various prices
In spring, Italian kitchens come alive with colour and fragrance as dishes that reflect the season grace the table. The Italian Seasons Festival presented by the Italian Trade Commission celebrates this tradition with exclusive spring inspired menus at 21 of Toronto’s top Italian restaurants. Patrons are encouraged to sample both traditional and inventive dishes to tempt and inspire their palate. Participating restaurants include Grano, Mercatto, Scaramouche, The Big Ragu and many more - see the event website for a full list.
Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18, 2008
May Festival of Chefs
Cheese Boutique, 45 Ripley Avenue
12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
free admission
Every Saturday and Sunday in May, Cheese Boutique will host some of the finest establishments in Toronto and the chefs behind them. The invitation is a chance for patrons to experience what Cheese Boutique offers through the hands of masters. Patrons can interact with the chefs, and receive complimentary samples of their cuisine, paired with wines selected by partner sommeliers. Chefs appearing this weekend are Massimo Capra of Mistura (Saturday) and Mike Steh of reds bistro (Sunday).
Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2008
May Festival of Chefs
Cheese Boutique, 45 Ripley Avenue
12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
free admission
Every Saturday and Sunday in May, Cheese Boutique will host some of the finest establishments in Toronto and the chefs behind them. The invitation is a chance for patrons to experience what Cheese Boutique offers through the hands of masters. Patrons can interact with the chefs, and receive complimentary samples of their cuisine, paired with wines selected by partner sommeliers. Chefs appearing this weekend are Ted Corrado of c5 (Saturday) and Jonathan Gushue of Langdon Hall (Sunday).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Food For Futures
Yonge-Dundas Square, south-east corner of Yonge and Dundas
12:00 noon to 2:30 PM
$10 for lunch
A lively day of internationally-flavoured food and entertainment to benefit Street Kids International, a non-profit agency that is a global leader in developing and disseminating the strategies and tools needed to give street kids around the world the choices, skills, and opportunities to make a better life for themselves.
Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1, 2008
May Festival of Chefs
Cheese Boutique, 45 Ripley Avenue
12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
free admission
Every Saturday and Sunday in May, Cheese Boutique will host some of the finest establishments in Toronto and the chefs behind them. The invitation is a chance for patrons to experience what Cheese Boutique offers through the hands of masters. Patrons can interact with the chefs, and receive complimentary samples of their cuisine, paired with wines selected by partner sommeliers. Chefs appearing this weekend are Keith Froggett of Scaramouche (Saturday) and Lino Collevecchio of Via Allegro (Sunday).
Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15, 2008
Taste of Little Italy
College Street between Bathurst and Shaw
free
College Street, from Bathurst to Shaw, becomes a pedestrian square for the weekend, lined by local restaurants sampling their very best fare, music on every corner, shopping and exploring, and some of the best people watching in the city. And in a typical Toronto twist, nestled among the great Italian cafes, patios and street performers are other gems from around the world.
Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15, 2008
Festival of Street Food
Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
free
Sample an amazing array of affordable gourmet creations from some of Toronto’s top chefs. Part of Luminato at the Distillery.
Friday, June 27 - Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Toronto Ribfest
Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
ticket info t.b.a.
Toronto Ribfest attracts over 100,000 visitors who come to enjoy live music, succulent ribs prepared by ribbers from across North America, and the beer tents. Children are delighted with candy floss, carnival rides, the climbing wall and pony rides. On Canada Day, a lively fireworks display celebrates Canada’s birthday at dusk.
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 20, 2008
Summerlicious
various restaurants throughout Toronto
various prices
The sixth edition of Toronto’s ever-popular summer restaurant promotion, featuring exclusive prix fixe menus offered at over 100 of Toronto’s top dining establishments.
Thursday, July 10 - Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tasty Thursdays
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
11:AM to 2:00 PM
free admission - all dishes $5 or less
Every Thursday from July 10 to August 28, a variety of prime Toronto restaurants will be featuring select menu items for five dollars or less.
Thursday, August 7 - Sunday, August 10, 2008
Toronto’s Festival of Beer
Fort York, 100 Garrison Road
$25-$50 - see website for more details
A celebration of Canada’s rich brewing history, hosted by experts of the brewing craft from around the country. Featuring more than 200 brands of beer on-site, this is Canada’s premier celebration of the golden beverage.
Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10, 2008
Taste of the Danforth
Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Donlands
free admission
Taste of the Danforth is one of Toronto’s signature events, showcasing the best food our multicultural city has to offer - from dim sum to mezes, from world folk music to children’s games - but with a very special emphasis on the Hellenic food and culture that makes the Danforth a destination year round.
Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17, 2008
Hot & Spicy Food Festival
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
free admission
The 11th edition of this popular festival features local, international and celebrity chefs dishing up hot, sweet and spicy cuisine in demonstrations and at workshops, panel discussions and tutored tastings. Live music and dance enrich the palette of food events along with the return of the fifth annual Iron Chef Competition and the Red Hot Market.
Thursday, November 20 - Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), 222 Bremner Boulevard
various times and ticket prices - see website for details
Canada’s premier gourmet food and drink event, giving attendees the opportunity to explore and learn about nearly every wine region from around the globe, access to premium spirits and sampling from Toronto’s finest craft and micro breweries, and the chance to sample cuisine from Toronto’s hottest chefs and restaurants.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Picnic at the Brick Works
Don Valley Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
time & ticket info t.b.a.
Slow Food Toronto and Evergreen present the second annual Picnic at the Brick Works. Further details t.b.a.
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 8, 2009
Summerlicious
various restaurants throughout Toronto
various prices
The 2009 edition of Toronto’s ever-popular winter restaurant promotion, featuring exclusive prix fixe menus offered at over 100 of Toronto’s top dining establishments.
Lectures, Presentations, Courses & Exhibits
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Introduction to Organic Gardening and Permaculture
High Park Children’s Garden
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
$50-$75 sliding scale (includes take-home resources) - pre-register online
This hands-on workshop presented by Garden Jane introduces organic gardening, permaculture theory and seasonal hands-on activities. Topics include permaculture design; organic and permaculture practices; plant guilds (plants that grow well together, help soil tilth and support the larger ecosystem); spring garden planting; soil building; cover crops and mulches.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Soil Food Web
High Park Children’s Garden
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
$30-$45 sliding scale - pre-register online
This workshop presented by Garden Jane is for garden keeners who want to learn more about soil science and the soil food web. Topics: pH, Nitrogen and other macro and micro-nutrients; bacteria and fungi and other members of the food web; low and medium tech ways to make good compost tea and how to use it.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Cheeses of Spain and Portugal
Volo, 587 Yonge Street
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
$35 or $95 for three sessions - call 416-928-ooo8 to reserve
Learn about cheese history, production and varieties within the culinary and cultural context of Europe’s classic cheese regions. Session includes a tasting flight of 5 to 7 cheeses selected and presented by cheese expert Julia Rogers, accompanied by beer and/or wine selected by Volo’s Ralph Morana.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Container Garden Workshop
Mind Body Clinic, 2921 Lakeshore Blvd West
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$20-$30 sliding scale (includes take-home resources) - call 416-252-3665 to pre-register
This presentation, talk and demonstration offers Garden Jane’s perspectives on organic container gardening. Learn tips on growing organic vegetables, herbs and other useful plants in containers. Includes a demonstration of planting containers that may be grown on a balcony, patio or rooftop.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Mixed Greens Film Screening: “The Islands Project”
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, 111 Queen’s Park
6:45 PM
PWYC
During the summer of 2006, chef Michael Stadtlander journeyed on his biodiesel/solar powered kitchen bus, The Liberator, with his family and a group of apprentices from his farm in Ontario heading west to Vancouver, Quadra and Cortes Islands, in British Columbia. He was returning to the province that nurtured and inspired his early days as a chef in Canada. In each locale he encounters artists, farmers, oyster cultivators, environmentalists and loggers dedicated to environmentally sustainable business practices and the bounty of their islands. In plein-air dinners made with locally raised and foraged ingredients he lavishes his local guests with the delectable creations of his edible art. You will wish you were there.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Introduction to Organic Gardening and Permaculture
High Park Children’s Garden
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
$50-$75 sliding scale (includes take-home resources) - pre-register online
This hands-on workshop presented by Garden Jane introduces organic gardening, permaculture theory and seasonal hands-on activities. Topics include permaculture design; organic and permaculture practices; plant guilds (plants that grow well together, help soil tilth and support the larger ecosystem); soil building; cover crops and mulches; organic pest control.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
100 KM: Summer
Coupe Space, 998 Queen Street East
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
$95 (+ GST) - call 416-469-9656 to reserve
It’s time to welcome in the new season with a bang! The second event in a seasonal series, Tobey Nemeth (chef, Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar) and Michael Caballo (chef, Niagara Street Café) return for another unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the most unique artisanal offerings produced within a 100-km radius of Toronto (give or take). Open your eyes (and mouth) to an array of seasonal delicacies from heirloom produce to naturally-raised meats to artisan cheeses to incredible preserves to Ontario fish and much more (menu released closer to event date). And because that’s not decadent enough, they’ll also guide us through a mini-tasting of Ontario wine, beer, and other local libations. Celebrate the pleasures of the local table at this Slow Food-inspired event.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Cheese Lab
Coupe Space, 998 Queen Street East
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$75 (+ GST) - call 416-469-9656 to reserve
The charismatic and passionate Afrim Pristine of Cheese Boutique returns to the Tasting Club for a cheese tasting unlike anything you have experienced before. Afrim will inspire you with wild and craaaazy ways to use cheese, lead an extreme taste test moving through different ages of cheese. Then, on goes the lab coat and out comes the liquid nitrogen, as Afrim wows us with an dip into molecular gastronomy. Afrim will challenge you to rethink cheese entirely, as he truly pushes the envelope in this varied exploration of the magic and science of cheese. Hocus pocus.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sprouting Workshop
Mind Body Clinic, 2921 Lakeshore Blvd West
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$20-$30 sliding scale (includes take-home resources) - call 416-252-3665 to pre-register
Presented by Garden Jane. Learn the basics of sprouting a variety of seeds for your health and well being. We’ll explore ways to incorporate more live food into your diet and lifestyle.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Culinary Historians of Ontario Annual General Meeting + Apple-icious!
Montgomery’s Inn Museum, 4709 Dundas Street West
times & admission details t.b.a.
CHO’s AGM in the morning will be followed by a partnered event with Montgomery’s Inn Museum and Slow Food Toronto, featuring an apple tasting led by CHO’s Treasurer, Bob Wildfong, and demonstrations and tastings of apple recipes prepared in the Inn’s historic kitchen by the museum’s Volunteer Historic Cooks.
Trade & Consumer Shows
Thursday, September 11 - Sunday, September 14, 2008
CHFA Expo East 2008
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building), 255 Front Street West
times and other details t.b.a.
Trade show for the Canadian Health Food Association, delivering education, innovation and networking opportunities for Canada’s natural health product and organic retailers.
Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26, 2008
Flavours: The Festival of Desserts + The Toronto Chocolate Show
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
times & ticket details t.b.a.
Toronto’s only consumer show dedicated to chocolate and desserts.
Wednesday, November 19 - Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), 222 Bremner Blvd
times & ticket details t.b.a.
An unparalleled opportunity to sample over 1200 fine wines, spirits and beers from around the globe, along with samplings of gourmet food from some of Toronto’s top restaurants.
Out-Of-Town Events
Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 22, 2008
Niagara New Vintage Festival
various locations in the Niagara region
various prices
Take part in the time-honoured ritual of being among the first to taste Niagara’s new vintage. Dozens of Niagara’s most celebrated winemakers will be on hand, along with a host of chefs who will entice you with fabulous dishes, painstakingly selected to compliment the wine. With tours, tastings and culinary extravaganzas to entice your inner gourmand, it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Ontario’s newest wines.
Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 28, 2008
Niagara Wine Festival
various locations in the Niagara region
various prices
Enjoy more than 100 events including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars, family entertainment and one of Canada’s largest street parades during the 57th Niagara Wine Festival.
Friday, October 3 - Sunday, October 5, 2008
Niagara Food Festival 2008
downtown Welland
free admission
The Niagara Food Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary in historic downtown Welland. The annual showcase of all things food and drink in Niagara brings together growers, producers, restaurateurs, chefs, wineries, brewers and entertainers to celebrate the best the Niagara region has to offer.
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23, 2008
Great Lakes Community Shared Agriculture Conference 2008
Geneva Park Conference Centre, Orillia
see website for times and registration details
The Community Shared Agriculture Conference endeavours to generate support for small community-based farm operations. Workshops and presentations will focus on practical techniques, tools and resources specific to organics and CSA farming. Topics include production, marketing and financial aspects of running a CSA operation. Unique to the 2008 conference, a CSA mini-school will be offered to novice farmers or existing farm operators interested in switching to a CSA program.
