With the (hopeful) onset of warmer weather in Toronto, food festivals will again begin popping up around the city. Leading the charge for 2023 is the Toronto Food and Drink Fest, which promises a weekend full of incredible eats, drinks, culinary demos and more.
The fest will occur from March 31 to April 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Friday will be divided into two timeslots: a special preview for industry professionals/media and VIPs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the rest of the public. Saturday will be from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The weekend will be jam-packed with tastings, classes, pairings and live music — so get your tickets at the earliest!
The highlight of the festival will undoubtedly be the Chef Workshop where the public will experience the best local and celebrity chefs whip up delicious dishes live on the stage. The event is bound to be packed with wonderfully bespoke moments that won't be replicated, ensuring every attendee has a truly memorable experience; and that they take back with them much more than just memories of the delicious food.
Some of the participant chefs and their recipes include:
- Trevor Lui: Taiwanese Bao Sandwiches
- Raquel Fox: Steamed Ontario Rainbow Trout with Sweet Potato Mash
- Romain Avril: Tuna Tartare
- Devan Rajkumar: Guyanese Mango Curry with Amchur Masala and Lemon Basmati Rice
- Erica Karbelnik: Seared Scallop with Fennel Pistachio Puree
There can't exist a food and "drink" fest without the drink aspect. That's why the festival also includes a hands-on mixology dubbed "Shale It To Make It," where attendees can learn to make cocktails along with the professionals. Participants will learn how to craft two or more seasonally selected cocktails; pair ingredients and flavours for the perfect cocktail; and master the techniques required to become a mixologist worth their weight.
Some drinks people can expect to learn include a Wolfhead Cosmopolitan (courtesy of Wolfhead Distillery,) Sorrel Punch, Gin Sour and the classic Mojito. Besides that, you'll also learn how to perfect your favourite cocktail so you can have the tools necessary to go out there and dazzle the ones around you!
If cocktails aren't your thing, fret not! There is also an event centred around the world of wine where you can meet local winemakers and learn more about the products as they guide you through an informative tasting experience. Some of the wineries included are Trail Estate Winery, Tzafona, Three Dog Winery and Byland Estate Winery.
If you're thinking that all of the activities and walking around the convention centre might leave you a little hungry, there are delicious solutions to that as well. Flavour Street at the festival will celebrate the best food trucks from around the city. The kind of variety that will be present will ensure that even the pickiest of eaters find something that they enjoy at the event.
A few of the vendors on the roster include Island Grill, Athena's Greek Grill, Century Delight Catering and Liko's Hawaiian Barbecue.
Rounding off the weekend's festivities will be DJs Jahmal Padmore, IAMSETDOE and Ace Dillinger providing the beats to vibe on and setting the soundtrack for the event. No party is complete without great music, after all.
With a great mix of chefs, local vendors, mixologists, sommeliers and DJs descending upon the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the T.O. Food and Drink Fest is all set to be a blast and one of THE places to be on the weekend of March 31. Tickets are bound to sell out fast, so get yours fast by clicking here.
