Taste Festivals is considered the world’s greatest restaurant festival. The festival concept began 13 years ago in London, England, and has rapidly grown into an international event with festivals in 19 cities around the world including Dubai, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, Dublin, Sydney, and Moscow, to name a few. Everywhere it goes, Taste represents a gourmand’s dream come true: delicious food created by the city’s greatest restaurants, world famous chefs, superb drink and outstanding entertainment, set in stunning outdoor surroundings. This is Taste of Toronto’s third year, now expanding to Garrison Common. Plus, it’s the only North American outpost of the Taste Festivals internationally!
Here is a clip of the 2015 Taste of Toronto Festival: 2015 Taste of Toronto Video
Things To Do at Taste of Toronto 2016
This is the must-attend culinary event of the summer and this year, Taste of Toronto is bringing an extensive lineup of curated programming to offer an all-encompassing food lovers’ experience. In addition to interacting with Toronto’s renowned culinary talent, from June 23-26 at Garrison Common at Fort York, visitors can participate in hands-on cooking lessons at Metro Master Class, watch live cooking demonstrations in the Taste Theatre, sample and learn about various wines in the Tasting Room, enjoy intimate conversations at the Toronto Life Chef’s Table, sip the newest Grand Cru at the Nespresso Boutique Bar and shop at the Taste Marketplace filled with over 80 artisan and premium producers and brands. American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of the American Express Lounge, offering complimentary water, snacks and a private bar.
Taste of Toronto is a great way to try the incredible food that this city’s restaurants have to offer, and all in one place! The restaurant scene in Toronto has grown, and seven of the newly participating restaurants are new openings in the city and also happen to be Toronto’s most coveted restaurants: Alo, Piano Piano, Antler, Miku, Kanpai, Carver, Mamakas.
Celebrity chef Chuck Hughes kicks off opening night, leading a live demonstration of gastronomic delights at the Taste Theatre, in partnership with Metro and All-Clad. More top chefs to take centre stage throughout the week include Mark McEwan (McEwan Group), Victor Barry (Piano Piano), Kazuya Matsuoka (Miku Toronto) and more, each revealing their own industry tricks.
Culinary talents will demo fan-favourite recipes in the Metro Master Class, sharing pro hints, tips and techniques using innovative cooking methods and the latest induction technology. Friday afternoon, Rob Bragagnolo of Carver leads the class, teaching participants to make his Chorizo & Ginger Steamed Blue Mussels with cava and lemongrass; while Trevor Lui of Kanpai dishes “Wontons Made Easy” on Saturday night.
You will also have the chance to put burning questions to culinary masters such as Craig Wong (Patois), David Lee (Nota Bene), Michael Hunter (Antler Kitchen & Bar) and Anthony Rose (Fat Pasha), as they offer their views on the world of food at the Toronto Life Chef’s Table. Hear stories of their own personal food journey, and discuss current topics such as sustainability, farm to table and the science of cooking. Charlie’s Burgers, Kolonaki Group,
Wine experts, makers and a panel of sommeliers at the Tasting Room lead programs on matching beverages with food, plus tips on cellaring and tutored tasting.
Here are the links to check out the schedules:
More To Do’s!
Guests can put together their own drink pairings from the selection of wine, cider and brewery exhibitors in the Taste Marketplace. Meet the local artisans and shop from over 80 vendors, from recognizable brands to up-and-coming names of olive oils, breads, meats and cheeses. Refresh with a drink from Brickworks Ciderhouse, made with 100% Ontario apples, enjoy a can of Just Craft Soda, naturally flavoured with cherries, lemongrass or ginger or discover Beaujolais Wines, best known for its light and flavourful red wines.
Purchase fresh-cut lamb, perfect for the barbecue, from the skilled butchers at The Lamb Club or test quality goat cheese from Woolwich Dairy. For updates on the full list of exhibitors, visit tasteoftoronto.com/exhibitors.
The American Express Lounge offers a little something extra, making the day out that much more memorable for guests. American Express Cardmembers can enjoy a private bar and crown top-up machine, complimentary water and snacks, and special programming sessions, while they socialize with friends in a comfortable and luxurious setting.
At the Maille Flavour Studio, foodies will experience the world of Maille by making their own gourmet flavoured mustard. Additionally, England’s mustard sommelier, Harry Lalousis will host free workshops each hour, sharing tips and tricks to jazz-up every day dishes and turn them into haute casual meals with mustard.
Tickets for Taste of Toronto are now on sale through Ticketmaster, starting at $19 for general admission. For more information visit tasteoftoronto.com.
See you there!!
Julie
Photo credit: Sarjoun Faour Courtesy of Taste of Toronto
