TORONTO – There’s so much more to do at Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival other than sipping and savouring from over 130 vendors in the Grand Tasting Pavilion presented by PC Black Label, viewing live demonstrations by celebrity chefs on the Miele Celebrity Stage, and cooking alongside top chefs in the Exclusive Chef Series presented by Cuisinart. The first annual food festival, brought to you by FOOD & WINE Magazine from September 18-20th, 2015, boasts a number of special, once-in-a-lifetime events featuring exclusive chef collaborations and never-before-seen creative food installations.
Taking over the majestic Evergreen Brick Works, as well as some of the best restaurants Toronto has to offer, these events put Toronto chefs in the spotlight as they’re paired with celebrity chefs to create extraordinarily unique dining experiences.
Here are some of the can’t-miss culinary collaborations taking place during Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival:
AIR MILES Exclusive Dinner at Bymark, hosted by Curtis Stone and Mark McEwan
AIR MILES Collectors have the opportunity to use their Miles, or purchase tickets, for an exclusive event starring celebrity Chef Curtis Stone and a Toronto legend, Chef Mark McEwan, as they collaborate on an exclusive dining experience at the stunning Bymark Restaurant. On the evening of September 19th, in addition to a fabulous dinner paired with delicious cocktails and wine, guests will enjoy other VIP perks such as a signed copy of both chefs' cookbooks, and passes to the Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival, to keep the foodie fun coming all weekend long.
Brunch at Café Boulud with Daniel Boulud and Jason Bangerter
Join Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud and executive chef Jason Bangerter from Langdon Hall for a seasonally-inspired brunch featuring the best of Ontario’s produce, ingredients, and wine at the newly reimagined Café Boulud in Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel. The menu begins with champagne and freshly baked viennoiseries, and continues with specialty dishes from Bangerter and Boulud that highlight the region’s beautiful bounty with rustic flare.
Diner en Noir, presented by PC® Black Label Collection
Diner en Noir, presented by PC® Black Label Collection, will host 150 special guests at a communal harvest table under the stars in the beautiful outdoor Koerner Gardens at Evergreen Brick Works. Guests will enjoy a delectable six-course menu featuring various PC® Black Label products prepared by six fantastic chefs from some of Toronto’s best restaurants, including Craig Harding (Campagnolo), Nuit Regular (Pai), Michael Steh (The Chase), Rick Moonen (True North Salmon), and Elia Herrera (Los Colibris). Each course will be perfectly paired with a wine from various Canadian and international wineries, as well as musical interludes.
Buca Yorkville Collaborative Brunch with Matthew Jennings
Enjoy an exclusive collaborative brunch at Buca Osteria & Bar in Yorkville this September as part of the Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival. Executive chef Rob Gentile will host chef and cheesemaker Matthew Jennings, from Boston’s Townsman, at his newest restaurant. On September 19th, experience the always extraordinary Buca brunch menu, with special dishes curated and prepared by chef Jennings from 11am to 3pm. For reservations, call 416-962-2822.
Gospel Brunch at Café Belong
Join chef Brad Long at Café Belong bright and early on the morning of Sunday, September 20th for a glorious three-course champagne brunch. A ritualistic tradition for the Evergreen Brick Works community, the divine Gospel Brunch menu is sure to make you a believer. Chef Long will be serving up his immaculate Eggs Be, softly poached eggs on a buttermilk biscuit with caramelized onions and heavenly hollandaise sauce, at three convenient times throughout the day:11am, 1pm and 3pm. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Tour of Italy – Giro D’Italia Brunch
Celebrating one of the most beloved cuisines of the world, Giro D’Italia Brunch will take you through the streets of Italy, all from The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto. Grab a peach bellini, negroni, or Americano and experience food stations ranging from gourmet to causal street food from the various regions of the country. A collaboration between two-Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig, of Ristorante Oliver Glowig in Rome, and chefs Raghuram Addagada and Jordan Barnett, of The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, Giro D’Italia will be an interactive and satisfyingSunday finale to the inaugural Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival.
Cochon 555
Cochon 555 is bringing its series of local food events focused on raising awareness of heritage pig farming to Canada for the first time with two environmentally-conscious, nose-to-tail pig competitions. First, on Thursday, September 17th at EPIC Cochon, five Canadian chefs face off with five American chefs to make pork dishes from a whole heritage hog, hosted by Chef Matty Matheson at Parts & Labour. Next, during Heritage BBQ on Friday, September 18th, a group of celebrated chefs will take part in a friendly competition, each creating dishes using one whole heritage breed pig. At both events, guests will indulge in over 1,400 pounds of pork across the chefs’ 50+ dishes paired with premium wines, brews, and spirits.
Tequila & Tacos: Official Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival Closing Party at El Catrin
Don’t let the good times end! El Catrin and The Distillery Restaurants Corp. are excited to be hosting the Tequila & Tacos closing festival party for the inaugural Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival on Sunday, September 20th from 6pm to 11pm, in Toronto's famed Distillery District. Sponsored by Herradura, El Catrin will showcase the culinary talents of Executive Chef Olivier Le Calvez with a $55 Tasting Menu including a choice of either a Herradura Margarita or a Herradura Splash. Enjoy the last moments of the festival with tunes by DJ Pepetoño Linterna and complimentary samples from Herradura on the Tequila Marketplace patio.
The Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival will also pay homage to the food and beverage industry with creative art installations by the following participants:
Brilynn Ferguson Photo Exhibit
Industry Ink is a photography project by artist Brilynn Ferguson that documents individuals with tattoos in the hospitality industry, and uncovers the stories behind their ink. To date, there have been over 175 participants – ranging from chefs to farmers to bartenders and sommeliers – taking part in the revealing creative project. Photographer Brilynn Ferguson has a unique perspective on the hospitality industry, having completed culinary training and worked in restaurant kitchens herself. The photo exhibit will be featured throughout the weekend at Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival. This exhibit is included in the price of admission.
TIFF Food on Film Screening: Kings of Pastry
Fulfilling your ultimate fantasy, The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) presents Kings of Pastry for the Food on Film Program. Guests will have the opportunity to tantalize their taste buds as they go on a mouth-watering journey and discover the world of French pastry, cuisine, and culture. With introductions by celebrity chef Roger Mooking and a TIFF representative, you can count on tasty snacks to enjoy throughout the screening. This special event is included in the price of admission.