Indulge at the Toronto Food and Wine Festival
The Toronto Food and Wine Festival takes over Evergreen Brick Works this weekend for a whirlwind of gastronomical delight, from dinner parties hosted by internationally renowned chefs to the Grand Pavilion, a culinary smorgasbord which invites food and drink creators to tout dishes and beverages for eager passersby. Yeah, we're excited too. Meanwhile, here is your get-stoked guide to some of the local talent showin’ up.
Junked Food Co Inc
507 Queen St W, Toronto ON M5V 2B4The sinfully sweet and savoury (take your pick) snacks from Junked have captured Toronto’s hearts and taste buds alike, and you can sample some newly invented goodies at their Grand Pavilion stand. The spot teams up with Tito’s for a next-level spin on the Oreo cookie: replace the cream with a vodka-infused filling between a chocolate and coconut dipped cookie (plus, tequila-lovers will drool for the Tromba-creamed-filled option topped with a lemon drizzle). Dr Pepper slow-cooked pulled pork – complete with a Jolly Rancher BBQ sauce – will also be on offer, as well as a build-your-own dessert-pizza bar.
DaiLo
503 College St, Toronto ON M6G 1A5Head chef Nick Liu will bring Asian flavours to COCHON 555’s Heritage BBQ event on Friday night. The lively feast is an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink affair where five top chefs engage in a friendly battle whereby they create mouth-watering nose-to-tail pork dishes. Liu is perhaps best known for his fusion fare and his masterful dish will no doubt filter your assumptions about all-American BBQ through an international lens.
Pearl Diver
100 Adelaide St E, Toronto ON M5C 1K9Food and Wine veterans know all about the must-try oysters on offer at the festival each year, and we’re especially keen on the New Brunswick Shemogue oysters brought in by Pearl Diver. The Entertainment District seafood house is a neighbourhood go-to for fine fish dishes (from pan-seared pickerel to made-just-right moules frites). The spot also brings their chicken and oyster pâté for more daring samplers.
AG Macarons
647 Dupont St, Toronto ON M6G 1Z4This Toronto newcomer has already charmed the Christie Pits neighbourhood with its oh-so-aesthetic Dupont patisserie specializing in traditionally rendered French macarons. But it will also make an appearance at the Grand Pavilion tasting avenue at the Toronto Food and Wine Festival, where passersby can nibble on the delicate creations. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth and be momentarily transported to La Belle Paris, stop in at this stand.
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington Ave, Toronto ON M6J 2Z8Take it from an expert: when someone hands you a gourmet, deep-fried mini-pizza, here’s what you do: 1) say thank you and 2) hang around for seconds. Sample the compact creation from one of Toronto’s most beloved pizzerias, which features the spot’s signature straight-outta-Italy tomato sauce and a healthy dose of stacciatella cheese, sprinkled (of course) with fresh basil. Libretto chef Rocco Agostino will also act as one of the official judges of the Heritage BBQ competition on Friday night, a pork battle of epic proportions.
Farmhouse Tavern
1627 Dupont St, Toronto ON M6P 3S8Chances are you’ve heard great things about the country hospitality of this Junction restaurant. From uber-gourmet farm-to-table dining to the charming interior (a kind of country kitchen meets barnyard meets saloon), this spot has earned itself quite a buzz on the west side. See what all the fuss is about at the Food and Wine Grand Pavilion where their spot will serve up a signature Sunday-dinner-reinvented amuse bouche: a foie gras torchon atop fresh bread from the resto’s bakery neighbours, Mattachioni.
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto ON M5A 3C4Authentic meets modern at this Distillery District cantina, which will be serving up some surf and turf from their stand at the Food and Wine Festival. For a piquant option, try the shrimp and scallop ceviche on offer, garnished by habanero chillies and spicy candied mango and pineapple. Those seeking something warm and hearty will love the chorizo sausage and potato dish, topped with cilantro and salsa verde.
Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill
17 Tank House Lane, Toronto ON M5A 3C4For your quintessential oyster shooter (Caesar-style, with Tabasco and celery seed), head to the Pure Spirits stand in the Grand Pavilion. The Distillery District seafood house makes a stellar appearance at the festival with the edible shot, alongside pickled celery heart and Ouzo-marinated cherries, as well as, of course, some freshly shucked East Coast oysters.
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