The NHL and NBA seasons are back, and the folks at Maple Leafs Sports Events have partnered with seven locally-owned vendors with global flavours to add to the food roster at Scotiabank Arena.
The introduction of these new concession stands will surely elevate the culinary experience for sports fans during this very exciting season.
Culinary Director of MLSE, Chris Zielinski says, “With many businesses continuing to face challenges during this time, especially in the restaurant industry, we wanted to help provide an opportunity for local Toronto restaurateurs to share their mouth-watering offerings with our fans.”
Many Toronto aficionados will most likely recognize a number of the brands now offered at the arena. From authentic Mexican tacos, to BBQ, to homemade mac and cheese, each of these new vendors are breaking the mould when it comes to what you eat while watching the game.
Patrick Kriss and the team behind the famed Alo restaurant (recently mentioned in the top 100 restaurants in the world) are thrilled to be bringing their Aloette concept to the arena. Expect their signature lemon pie wedges, poached shrimp rolls on buttery brioche, as well as the addition of their famed fried chicken sandwich, coming to the line-up once the season gets going.
Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico competitor chef Elia Herrera is throwing her authentic Mexican flavours into the mix by way of Colibri. Chef Herrera is known for her restaurant Los Colibris, located in Toronto’s King West district, as well as inside Chef’s Hall. Though much is planned for the menu, the highlights include her array of tacos, such as the Shrimp a la Diabla, the Pork Carnitas, the Mushroom al Pastor, and of course, her famous Nachos Los Colibri.
Cheese lovers rejoice! Canada’s only maître fromager, Afrim Pristine, is bringing his Mac & Cheese Boutique concept to Scotiabank this year, after many years of catering the cheese boards for the arena's exclusive members. Those who have been lucky enough to venture out to the Cheese Boutique in Etobicoke, know that Pristine has access to some of the best cheeses in the world. You may even recognize him from his own TV show, Cheese: A Love Story, now streaming on Food Network and Amazon Prime. All of his mac and cheeses are showstoppers, but be sure you get your hands on the Bianco Mac, a creamy delight using bronze-died extruded pasta from the Naples region, tossed with Mozzarella, aged Canadian white cheddar, Emmenthal and freshly grated Beemster Gouda to finish.
Toronto’s original pitmaster Lawrence La Pianta is ecstatic to be bringing his award-winning Cherry Street Bar-B-Que flavours to the concourse this year. La Pianta has won numerous BBQ competitions both in Canada and the United States, so needless to say, his smoked brisket sandwich, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, and burnt ends chilli cheese fries will be the perfect accompaniment while you cheer on the home team.
From Mississauga and Scarborough comes Annie and Asif Khan’s roti and doubles destination, Leela’s, which will be serving up traditional spicy Trinidadian cuisine, with menu highlights including Leela’s Special Curry Beef Roti, Jerk Chicken Roti and Trinidadian doubles.
After many requests from their fans, Noodle Bao, a development by the MLSE team, will be serving up some exciting options, including pork belly baos, shaved beef baos, beef and broccoli noodles and chicken peanut noodles. Gluten-free and vegan options will also be made available.
The final addition to the vendor roster is also the brainchild of the MLSE team, which they are calling: Poutinerie, because a Canadian hockey game wouldn’t be the same without some fries, cheese curds and gravy. Not only will they be serving up traditional options, but other recommendations are the Argentinian-inspired Carne Asada Poutine with barbacoa beef, pico de gallo and chimichurri sauce, as well as the Vegan Mushroom, with vegan cheese curds and “meaty” mushroom gravy.
The Scotiabank Arena and MLSE are so excited to have their fans return to the stadium and encourage those to come hungry and ready to chow down on some incredible, unique food options. For more details on the food and beverage offerings, visit them online, or check them out on social media, where they will continue to release menu updates, feature items and giveaway opportunities.
