Foodie Heaven at Taste of Toronto

Taste of Toronto @Fort York

There’s no better way for foodies to kick off summer than to check out Taste of Toronto! This year, it was held at Fort York, just days before the first day of Summer. And while the weather was finicky that weekend, it did not stop the crowds from enjoying the many activities and partaking of the delicious taster-sized signature dishes from Toronto’s top restos.

Taste of Toronto @Fort York

The fam and I came for the afternoon and tried not to get too full from all the food and drink samples! Of course, that was not quite possible so the taster-portions turned out to be good.

DD#1 tried the Kaisen Poke from Miku which had Albacore tuna and black tiger prawn! I definitely could've eaten a full-sized portion!

Kaisen Poke from Miku @Taste of Toronto

Hubby tried The McEwan Group’s Grilled Duck Dog. Quite rich with foie gras mousse and duck bacon.

McEwan Group's Grilled Duck Dog @Taste of Toronto

DD#2 and Grandma already got too full with free pizza and samples. We also got a taste of Grill Master David Neinstein’s BBQ rub on salami and chocolate covered pineapple.

Learning some Grill Skills with David Neinstein @Taste of Toronto

I snacked on Taiwanese Fried Chicken from Kanpai—deliciously crispy and tasty,

TFC (Taiwanese Fried Chicken) from Kanpai @Taste of Toronto

while grilled scents wafted from Antler Kitchen and Bar’s fire-roasted deer.

Fire Roasted Deer from Antler @Taste of Toronto

After all the eating and sampling from the many, many booths, we checked out the entertainment at the Big Feastival. There was something for everyone, indeed!

Entertainment @Taste of Toronto

There were many more activities we no longer had time for but I wished we could’ve checked out--learning to mix drinks from the Mixology Lab, tutored tastings at the Tasting Room (with additional fee), hearing masters respond to burning culinary questions at the Chef’s Table and watching cooking demos at Taste Theatre.

one of the many samples--Nespresso coffee @Taste of Toronto

What we did instead, after taking a break at the American Express Lounge, was to attend a Metro Masterclass by Chef Mark McEwan. 

Chef Mark McEwan at Metro Masterclass @Taste of Toronto

And, as it happened, I gladly gave up all the other activities (given our limited time) for this activity. We made Grilled Sea Bream with capers and mint in our own cooking stations while Chef McEwan demo’d up front. I got to cook with the girls and Chef McEwan went around to check out what we made.

Metro Masterclass @Taste of Toronto

Kids below 12 were free. For me, if you participate in most, if not all, the classes/sessions, the adults’ admission ($17-22), was worth it. Each taster size order from the food booths average about $10 so things can really add up--especially if you can only charge it to your credit/debit cards. Drinks, of course, were also extra. I would definitely go again but must make sure that I get to attend most of the free classes/sessions that come with the admission.  After all, one must make the most of this foodie heaven.