By Stephanie Dickison It's finally getting warm and sunny out. Want an excuse to get outside? Head out on a food tour or culinary adventure - you get a good walk (or paddle) in, discover great eateries, providers and producers, and you can get to nibble and nosh along the way. Win-win. Here are three fabulous places to start:
- Chowbella Taste & Travel Covering Toronto, Niagara wine country, Prince Edward County, and Stratford is just the start of customized culinary trips. Whether you dream of being a cheesemaker or want to forage for mushrooms in an ancient forest, Chowbella makes it happen.If you're looking for something a little less daunting, head out for one of the Saturday food tours such as the insanly popular West Queen West/King West Signature Tour.
- The Culinary Adventure Company Choose from fun adventures such as trekking across to the Isalnd in a canoe for dinner, or discovering neighbourhood gems with focused culinary tours including Church & Wellesley or Balwin Village.
- Foodies on Foot Fabulous events include this one happening May 2nd - Secret Menus & Side Streets Food Tour, "making you a true foodie insider, by exposing the secret menus at some of our favourite locations throughout the city, and, bringing out some of the hidden gems that are off the beaten path."
By Stephanie Dickison Now that you’ll have a day off (or ten, depending where you work), you can finally indulge in your favourite hobby – food. And while there are lots of things you’ll inevitably do like brunch and holiday dinners and parties, how about something that’s just for you? So let yourself get swept away and do something you love. Here are 3 fun ideas.
By Stephanie Dickison Last night, the smacktalk between celebrity chefs was on. Chef Corbin and Chef Mark McEwan, two of the five celebrity chefs participating in this month’s KitchenAid Cook for the Cure event happening this November, competed against one another in a pasta-making competition (Chef Corbin took home first prize) and talked about who’s team is going to win and why (Chef Lynn Crawford, who was scheduled to attend, had car trouble and was stuck on a country road somewhere.). It was all in good fun, of course, and all for a good cause – the 2014 KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Culinary Showdown. Carnival Eats host Noah Cappe, entertained the crowd, while guests noshed on mango chicken tacos and sipped white wine and beer. To illustrate what a difference the cause has made, Molly Scott, a breast cancer survivor, spoke candidly about her battle with the disease and how it affected her and her whole family. You too, can help raise money and awareness – and get a chance to meet these celebrity chefs (also attending the showdown, chefs Vikrim Vij and Susur Lee)! You can choose to fundraise yourself, or support us here at Dine.TO. I will be fundraising between now and November 29th on behalf of Dine.TO, who are also proud sponsors of the event! You can donate quickly and easily right now on our page. This is just the beginning… Stay tuned for much, much more.
By Stephanie Dickison The global climate change awareness initiative - Earth Hour - happens Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm. And while many businesses simply turn off the lights, these Toronto restaurants have marked the occasion with flair.
- Real Jerk A candlelight dinner will be accompanied by the sounds of steel pan by Robby Charles and a Skyy Vodka Martini Tasting.
- Chelsea Hotel Canada’s largest hotel is marking the occasion all month long with "Loving Earth Month," starting with Earth Hour and ending with Earth Day on April 22. The Chelsea’s T|Bar will be hosting a candlelight dinner including organic/low carbon options as well as serving glow-in-the-dark cocktails.
- The Spoke Club The Spoke Club is celebrating in style in the main dining room. A special menu has been created that sources organic ingredients from local farms. An added bonus? Diners will receive an exclusive copy of ‘A Little Dark Music’ by Canadian composer Frank Horvat.
p.s. Mill Street Brewery is hosting Lights Out with Mill Street – “candle lit parties that join the community in a symbolic environmental effort.” Live acoustic performances over candle light by bands from Indie Week are happening across the city with over 60 bars participating, including Against the Grain Tavern Leaside and The Lakeview. A full list is available here.
By Rose Reisman The Roncy strip is home to many restaurants with character, and The Ace is no exception. It exudes a homey, old school charm - no wonder, as it maintains many of the vintage trappings of the restaurant it used to be in the 80’s. The old diner counter works as the bar, where one can have beer served up through an old milkshake machine. Started by Maggie Ruhl and Greg Boggback in 2011, The Ace offers a twist on comfort food for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, as well as a special Sunday dinner deal – a free kid’s meal with any adult entrée. The kids will love classic favourites such as Mac and Cheese with a side of cauliflower. The menu includes inventive daily specials, as well as famed favourites such as the Xmas Burger – a Hayter’s Farm turkey burger with stuffing centre, topped with cranberry & wild turkey bourbon compote, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It’s also a best bet for brunch with its Ace Benedict – two free-run poached eggs with parmesan leek fondue & peameal bacon on English muffins, served with home fries. The menu has even garnered the attention of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives", which filmed one of its Canadian episodes here in 2013. In addition to its mouth-watering menu, The Ace also offers up drink specials with its carefully crafted cocktail menu including standard and seasonal options. For a memorable brunch you can make yourself, try my take on an breakfast sandwich:
By Rose Reisman Ordering a whole fish in a restaurant that specializes in this delicacy is an extraordinary experience of the taste buds. Fish is considered one of the healthiest proteins for our bodies since there is virtually no saturated fat as in beef, pork or chicken. The oils in the fish contain heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids which helps raise our good cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of diabetes type 2 by keeping our blood sugars level and reduces the risk of cancer, dementia and inflammatory conditions. All around a "super" food that's also wonderful to the palate. There are many restaurants in Toronto that serve the freshest grilled or roasted whole fish you'll ever experience. My favorites include "Ouzeris" on the Danforth, "Josos" on Davenport, "Zucca Trattoria" on Yonge St and "Estiatorio Volos" on Richmond St. When eating a whole fish you'll see that is takes a little more work than just a fillet and this can lead to better weight control since it takes more time to eat!
By Stephanie Dickison The ideal meal at home? To shop for healthy ingredients and make a nutritious dinner that's fabulous. But really, when have you had the time to do a good shop? To do more than just pop something in the oven to heat? Fresh City Farms is a fantastic solution - ingredients are fresh and almost all organic (all are at least pesticide-free), and their recipe bags come in pre-measured quantities with recipe and accompanying photo. All you have to do is a little bit of prep and cooking and you've got yourself a healthy dinner for two. They are available via pickup and delivery. I tried three dishes: Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry on Coconut Rice, Sesame Tuna Steak with Avocado Salsa and Rice, and Red Pepper Pad Thai with Tofu and Broccoli. Here's what I discovered:
- This is some of the best product I've ever had. Better than I’ve bought on my own in the past. Produce is harvested 24-48 hours before delivery and much of the veg is grown by Fresh City at their Toronto farm.
- They warn of the possibility of extra dirt, but the three kits I tried were completely dirt-free, which meant prep was a breeze.
- Everything comes pre-portioned for two, so you get everything you need without leftover ingredients to wither away in the fridge.
- The beef and broccoli and the pad thai offered more than two portions so there were leftovers for the next day’s lunch/dinner.
- It’s not as expensive as you might think. Recipe bags with veg are $8 per portion; fish and veg $9; and meat, fish and veg $10.50 per portion.
- Recipes provide everything from the time it takes to make the meal to the time kitchen supplies you’ll need and created by various food bloggers and nutritionists.
- Recipes are extremely easy to follow and are suitable for everyone from beginners to more seasoned cooks.
I have tried similar services in the past and what makes Fresh City Farms stand out from the rest is the quality of ingredients. Even the fresh ginger used for the beef and broccoli was juicy. The proteins were also impressive – fresh bloody Beretta beef strips, large chunky, firm fillets of wild Canadian albacore tuna, and firm organic tofu that sliced and diced like a dream. How amazing to have such great organic ingredients, complete with recipe, at the ready, without having to spend hours at the grocery store that results in a healthy meal that tastes great. Shop Fresh City Farms now.
By Stephanie Dickison Get out your calendar - this month is jam-packed with over 20 enticing, mouth-watering events. It’s the last month of the summer, so get out there and enjoy our amazing city!
By Stephanie Dickison The Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts at George Brown College has some of the greatest food and drink events in the city. Here’s a quick look at some of their exciting upcoming events. Better book now – they sell out fast!
By Stephanie Dickison Enjoy a 3-course meal for $25, $30 or $35 dollars per person during Savour York Region Restaurant Week, on now until November 2nd. A few select resataurants will also have lunch available for $15 and $20 per person. There are no passes to carry or wristbands to line up for. Simply view the list of participating restaurants. Once you’ve made your selection, call the restaurant directly for a reservation. It’s that easy. So whether you feel like a 10 oz. New York Striploin from TBG's Balkan Steakhouse & Lounge or Pancetta and Clam Linguini from Essence of Unionville for dinner, or taco, burrito or enchilada lunch at Mexican Amigos, you’re sure to find something for everyone’s palate and budget. Take advantage of Savour York Region Restaurant Week while you can. It’s here for a limited time only.
By Stephanie Dickison Fast casual dining is an American phenomenon that is quickly becoming popular here in Canada. In fact, it’s not only the fastest growing segment for restaurants in the US, it’s the only one showing growth. Before long, Canada will be home to tons of fast casual restaurants. But first you need to know how restaurants are categorized in general.
By Afrim Pristine Even for myself as maitre fromager, I would classify my April 2016 event schedule as an all-time high. The point? Cheese is a hot topic with no end in sight! I led a workshop to launch Grilled Cheese Month and also judged the "Grate Canadian Mac N’ Cheese" competition. Two really big events that define the spring season and underlines to me all the love and passion for cheese in this country, particularly when melted. Alexandra Feswick, executive chef of The Drake Hotel (and a good friend) in Toronto was crowned Canadian Queen of Mac n' Cheese. Four very talented top chefs competed in a no-holds-barred mac and cheese cook off. Each chef was given the task to blend new sensations to the quintessential Canadian home-cooked dish. Chef Feswick won with a unique combination of Canadian cheeses, and all available at the shop!
- Bleu Elizabeth from Quebec: easily top five blues on the planet!
- Alpindon: an Alpine style cow cheese from British Columbia.
- Niagara Gold: rich, creamy cheese made in Jordan, Ontario.
- Aged Cheddar: this is gospel, you cannot make a mac and cheese without aged cheddar. I won’t ever budge on that position!
I don't think I've ever consumed so much tasty, melty, gooey cheese in one sitting. I needed a Gatorade to electrolyte up plus a nap. This lion was done after that day. You'll want to try the winning recipe at home, hosted by Dairy Goodness. Congrats to Chef Feswick and congrats to the perennially and delectably wicked Canadian cheese!
By Rose Reisman Forget KFC - fried chicken has made quite the comeback in the past few years, becoming a mainstay on many menus in the city. Perhaps it’s due to the rising beef prices or the desire for great chefs to elevate the status of fried chicken. It's no surprise that the indulgent Rose and Sons (the original spot opened by Toronto restaurant king Anthony Rose, who has 5 establishments under his belt) offers up a bucket of the crispy stuff for sharing. Make sure you’re bringing company if you’re ordering the Fried Chicken Dinner – you’ll be served 10 pieces of buttermilk fried chicken with coleslaw, dill cucumbers, French fries alongside Alabama white BBQ sauce. Homestyle comfort food without restraint is the name of the game at Rose and Sons! For a unique and flavourful chicken recipe you can make at home, try my Caramel Chicken recipe. It may not be fried, but it’s still delicious!
By Stephanie Dickison It’s time to spend some time at the stove, slow-cooking and roasting dishes, making comfort foods that will satiate your fall appetite. But aren't your standard dishes a bit of a bore? Is everything kind of lacklustre and similar in flavour and texture? To help get you out of your rut, I've gathered together my five favourite new cookbooks by Toronto chefs and writers that will inject your autumn cooking with exhilarating ingredients and flavours. Fall cooking will no longer be a chore. In fact, thanks to these five must-haves in hand, it will be your favourite season of all. Bon Appetit!
By Stephanie Dickison Toronto’s been right on trend with creating destination bars for handcrafted cocktails. And while it used to be that the food in these places was an afterthought, the new onslaught of bars with fantastic fare has quickly changed that. New haunts such as Linwood Essentials, Rush Lane & Co. and Thoroughbred Food & Drink, have created compelling food menus right alongside their stunning cocktail creations. The Emmet Ray has everything from Chinese Fried Spaetzle with rapini, chilis + shallots to Pastrami Beef Heart with Russian dressing + profiterole. And 3030 offers exotic dishes such as Pigtail Torta, Fried Crab Salad, and Goat Arancini. Be sure to check out Speakeasy No. 21 for their Butter Chicken Balls and Fried Chicken Club. So to call these merely bars is a bit of a misnomer. When you try the food at Linwood Essentials (owner Jake Valianes, pictured above), you’ll want to go there as much for dinner as you will a cocktail. Duck and foie risotto? Yes, please. Watch for this trend to increase throughout the year. Our whole way of living and working has changed, and thus, how we eat and drink has too. Lucky for us, places such as these have made it easy for us to eat and drink well at the same time.
By Stephanie Dickison If you frequently dine out, you may have noticed that there are a number of items that everyone does a version of. You know what I’m talking about. It’s starts out innocently enough – ooh, pulled pork sounds good - and then everyone (including mainstream places like Burger King) is doing it. It’s a novelty when a handful of restaurants take on a trend, but when it seems like everyone is doing a kale Caesar salad, crispy pig/chicken ski,n and cheesecake in a jar, you know it’s time to move onto something new. Here are five suggestions of dishes and cuisines if you’re craving something different and exciting.
By Stephanie Dickison The 18th annual Harbourfront Centre Hot & Spicy Food Festival is almost here. From September 4-7, this free festival takes on food with a kick. You’ll also find DJs, fire dancing, bingo, The Shuffle Demons & The Arsenals and much more, but here’s just some of the amazing food events happening over the long weekend. There is so much to see and do. Here are just a few highlights:
- Shop and sample the Red Hot Market for hot sauces, rubs, jellies, pickles, and marinades from across the globe.
- Watch a food film : Le Chef for the adults, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 1 & 2, suitable for the whole family.
- Learn to make celebrity chef Vikram Vij’s Family Chicken and the secrets to his hot sauces!
- Take in a "10 For The Next Gen: 'Stuff That Makes You Sweat'" session featuring Chefs Richa Gupta, Thessavan Maniceavasakan, Marcus Monteiro, Carole Nelson Brown , Seema Omar, Pedro Quintanilla, and Michael Sacco. Each chef will create a unique dish.
- Learn how to ferment from Chefs Lisa Budd and Anushka Garnier, Alex Currie, and Nettie Cronish in the Fiery and Fermented series.
- The popsicle gets a reboot in the Fire and Ice Competition.
- Check out the International Iron Chef Competition.
For the full schedule, go to Harbourfront Centre Hot & Spicy Festival.
By Stephanie Dickison Internationally-renowned actor Bill Pullman is known for his many films and roles. No doubt he is forever locked into your memory as the President in 1996’s "Independence Day" (Luckily, he reprises his role in "Independence Day: Resurgence," out next year). Currently filming the comedy "Brother in Laws," and drama "LBJ" (where he plays Ralph Yarborough, the only Senator from the Deep South to vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964), Bill Pullman came to Wolfville Nova Scotia a few weeks ago to kick off Devour! The Food Film Fest, the largest food film festival in the world. Pullman was part of the epic Opening Gala Evening, where he curated his favourite food film of all-time, "Babette’s Feast." His film "The Fruit Hunters" - a captivating documentary about people's obsession (including his own) with growing and finding the very best fruit - opened the festival two years ago to roaring applause. An avid food lover and fruit grower, Bill Pullman took time out of his busy schedule to share his favourite foods, drinks and cookbooks. His answers are thoughtful, smart and completely original. Just like the man himself. --- Name: Bill Pullman Occupation: Actor Place of Residence: Los Angeles What’s the last thing you ate? A homemade slushy with frozen grapefruit and frozen blueberries. If you were left to your own devices to make something at home, what would it likely be? I am about to make applesauce with fruit from my trees - Mutsu, Beverly Hills apples, two varieties of Asian Pear. What will you ask a server to remove from your dish, or make sure it doesn’t have? Hair. When staying at a hotel, what are you raiding from the mini fridge? Routine drill – Have it emptied upon arrival. Johnny Walker mini’s beckon too much. Guilty pleasure? Norwegian Lefse with butter and brown sugar. Drink of choice? Gin and tonic. If time, homemade frozen lime slush with tequila. Favourite meal of the day? Why? Breakfast. Bacon with eggs is fave. Favourite cookbooks to use? Uncommon Fruits and Vegetables: A Common Sense Guide (An encyclopedic cookbook of America’s new produce) by Elizabeth Schneide Favourite cookbooks just to look at? Butte’s Heritage Cookbook Ed: Jean McGrath (from Butte, Montana); Au Pied De Cochon by Martin Picard; Ripe: A Cook in the Orchard by Nigel Slater Three items that are always in your fridge? Eggs, butter, fruit juice of many varieties. Top three Toronto restaurants? I have memories of drop-dead-good Chinese dumplings, Italian in a long-establish setting, and Japanese in a second-floor venue. Go-to dish ordered at a restaurant? French Onion Soup. Would you rather – Go to farmer’s market/nearest pub/food truck? Farmer’s Market – for the connection to the growers. Describe your kitchen. 1954 O'Keefe and Meritt Stove, painted green cabinets, yellow walls, sconces, counters of old douglas fir. Describe your cooking style. Multiple fronts, fast and happiest when there are more than five to feed. Ideal food day. From the time you wake up until bed, what are you having? No matter what the food, it always tastes better with good company.
By Stephanie Dickison What a week - gunfire, Drake, a slew of interesting openings, and so many events you’re going to have to plan your weekend very carefully in order to cover them all (With beer, BBQ, sweets, cider, soup and so much more to try, you're absolutely going to want to pack them in). Here’s the very latest:
By Stephanie Dickison It’s time to celebrate! The beginning of May brings with it 10 new restaurant openings and a host of exciting events. Check out the very latest: