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Experience the Taste of Toronto!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

You know me and local food festivals. Oh, you don’t? Okay, I’ll explain – if there’s one happening, I WILL attend.

The chance to savour new and exciting cuisines. The opportunity to chat one-on-one with world-renowned chefs. The time to learn about cooking techniques, flavours and culinary inspiration. The thrill of purchasing sauces and spices that have yet to make it to market. THAT is why I love food shows.

Today, I’m happy to introduce the FIRST ever Taste Of Toronto, a Taste Festival.

Taste Festivals, an IMG event, is considered the world’s greatest restaurant festival. The festival concept began 10 years ago in London, England, and has rapidly grown into an international event with festivals in 20 cities around the world including Dubai, Amsterdam, Milan, Moscow, Melbourne, Dublin, Mumbai, Sydney, and Johannesburg, to name a few. Everywhere it goes, Taste represents a gourmand’s dream come true: delicious food created by the city’s greatest restaurants, world famous chefs, superb drink and outstanding entertainment, set in stunning surroundings.

Taste Festival, Regent's Park, London, 2008At Taste of Toronto, visitors can participate in a full schedule of cooking classes, demonstrations, chef Q&As, book signings and much more. Several special guests will be mingling with the crowd including Momofuku chef and owner David Chang; French-Canadian chef and television personality, Chuck Hughes; and cookbook author and Canadian chef, Roger Mooking.

With 17 of Toronto’s top chefs offering new culinary creations and over 50 signature small plates from their restaurants, sample the delicious fare over a picnic at the music stage featuring music performances by the likes of Jason Collett and The Darcys, curated by local record label Arts & Crafts. Be sure to tour the producers marketplace, including nearly 70 premium vendors, and visit the Officer’s Mess Kitchen for historical cooking classes for kids and adults alike.

Admission tickets start from $30 and give access to the festival grounds and programming listed below as well as $6 worth of ‘crowns’, the event currency. For more information or to purchase tickets visit tasteoftoronto.com. 

Programming highlights include:

Metro Master Class: Visitors cook in real-time with their favourite chef at individual stations, learning expert technique and signature tips and tricks. Each four-hour Taste of Toronto session includes three, 30 minute classes. On opening night Steve Gonzalez will share the recipe for his poached scallops and Valdez cocktail sauce; on Friday, Richard Brault from Ninutik will pair maple sugar with classic French crepes in three ways; and on Saturday, Robbie Hojilla, will present Hudson Kitchen’s famed Broccoli Salad. Metro Master Class is free, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up onsite.

Taste of LondonThe Tasting Room: Join wine experts and a panel of sommeliers from Whitehaven Wines, Louis M. Martini, and Charlie’s Burgers for 30 minute interactive classes, including tutored tastings, tips for matching beverages to food, how to cellar wine and more. Sessions are 6 crowns ($6) each and spaces are filled on a walk-up first come, first served basis. For full schedule, visit http://tasteoftoronto.com/feature/wine-tasting-theatre/.

The Electrolux Taste Theatre: In partnership with Metro, All Clad and Kenwood, top chefs and special guests host live demonstrations, sharing expertise for those who are serious about food, as they create gastronomic delights live for the crowd. Learn from Shereen Arazm of Terroni, Damon Campbell of Bosk, Victor Barry of Splendido, Donna Dooher of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen and many more. After their demonstrations, Indigo presents book signings with feature chefs such as David Chang and Mark McEwan. The Electrolux Taste Theatre is free, but seating is limited and available on a first come first served basis.

Taste of DubaiFort York Historical Cooking Workshops: With classes catered to both children and adults, join the cooks in the 1826 Officers’ Mess Kitchen to prepare recipes from the late 18th and early 19th century from Fort York staff dressed in traditional dress. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. children from six to 16 years old are invited to make ice cream, and from 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. each day, adults are invited to a salad herbs workshop with produce straight from the historical garden at Fort York. Fort York Historical Cooking Workshops are free, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up onsite.

Producers Market: Sip, sample and shop from the boutique food and drink market, where nearly 70 artisan producers and premium brands showcase their finest. Vendors include Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar, Walter all-natural craft Caesar mix, Green House Juice Co., Upper Canada Cheese Company, Ninutik Maple and many more.

Taste of DublinRight up your alley? Then you don’t want to miss it! Taste of Toronto takes place on July 24-27, 2014 at Toronto’s historic Fort York. VIP packages are available as well and include fast track festival entry, a complimentary beverage (please, drink responsibly), and a $20 voucher for new Uber users or $5 off for existing Uber users.

KitchenMachine-KM0803_800x600For more information, or to purchase tickets visit tasteoftoronto.com.

Since this is Taste of Toronto’s inaugural year, we need your help to spread the word! And to thank you, I have an incredible giveaway to offer my Canadian readers. Courtesy of Kenwood, a Taste of Toronto partner, one lucky reader will win The Kenwood Cooking Chef, which is valued at $2,000. YES, $2,000!

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Remember, we’re looking for you to tell your followers and friends about Taste of Toronto, so there will be bonus entries for sharing the news socially. Good luck everyone!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria Ess

    I always try to participate in food-related festivals and events with friends because nothing brings people together like good food experiences!

  3. Karen C. Hill

    I have never been to one before – I say I’d like to go to them but never seem to get there. Maybe I’ll catch one that’s coming up finally

  4. Melinda L.

    I love attending food shows and festivals, it gives me the chance to check out and sample all the yummy foods that the city/area has to offer in one place.

  6. angela

    I try to partake in anything food related. It’s great to learn new things and experience new cultires.

  9. Karen E. Hill

    Yes, went to the Kitchener one this year and usually attend one yearly. Love taste testing and people meeting.

  10. misty DEIbel

    wow i would love to go to Taste of Toronto and have such great time. Well winning this KenWood cooking chef would be a dream!! You can do so many new and exciting things with this Kitchen Kenwood chef machine.

  12. Toby

    We always made sure to hit The Taste of Manitoba here. Love sampling all the great foods we have to offer!

  15. michelle tremblett

    I love the Toronto food shows, growing up there was incredible, different shows every week :)

  17. Anne C.

    I usually don’t, because I live in Muskoka, and we don’t have very many that I wouldn’t have to travel a long distance to. That being said, we do have ribfests, which are always popular. Big news, apparently on the August long weekend, there will be a Beer Festival in Bracebridge, which will undoubtedly be a HUGE success…lol.

  20. Chelsea Montgomery

    This is an exceptional event coming to Toronto. Really putting Toronto on the international culinary map.

  22. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    We have gone to a couple food festivals and they are great. This one in Toronto sounds really good, too bad we live several hours away. The Kenwood Cooking Chef looks AMAZING!

  23. Alex

    i visit them when I can, but unfortunately, schedules have not worked out for the past 2-3 in my area.

  24. Andrea Amy

    I used to, but I haven’t in many years. I have little kids, and zero child care. I will start going back to them once my kids are older again though.

  27. TW

    It depends. It seems like there are so many food festivals nowadays that some aren’t as good or are just a gimmick.

  31. Linda L

    I went to the delicious food show last year and absolutely loved it! However, I’ve never been to the Taste of Toronto before; gonna try to get tickets asap! ;D

  32. Meredith

    Taste of Toronto seems great! I hope to experience all the different foods we have to offer :-)

  34. Sabrina Tong

    My family’s hobby is eating and we have the waistlines to prove it. If hubby isn’t working we’re at whichever festival is happening in the GVRD

  35. claude normandeau

    I haven’t been to many food shows but I think they’re a great way to try new things and to see new techniques. Also a great way to see new products!

  36. Alayne Langford

    Taste of Toronto IS right up my alley because it is around the corner from my daughter! Will attend with her for all the good eats and hoping for a great Gluten Free booth as well! Am happy to spread the word!! Thanks!

  37. Ange La

    Never been … But sounds interesting! I think it’s good Toronto is creating a tradition that is fun and educational.

  40. Renee LeBlanc

    Huge foodies over here! Hubby and I love to go to food shows and try new restaurants so taste of Toronto would be an amazing place to find our new favourite restaurants!

  41. Sylvia Mollison

    My sister and I love visiting local food shows. It is a chance to see what is new, taste some great food and spend some time together!

  44. Hibbat

    All the time! Am a huge foodie! Don’t always get to go to every single one as i am still a student but try my best! Love trying new dishes and taking pics of food!

  45. Brenda Penton

    No. I would but we never get anything exciting like that in my area. Otherwise, I would attend a lot of the events.

  46. Flora M

    I used to love going to the Food building at the CNE with my Mom and Aunt – they used to have TONS of free samples available – not so anymore :(
    I visited the Taste of the Danforth a couple of times years ago. Now I tend to avoid them because the crowds and walking around don’t “agree” with me anymore.

  47. ginette4

    Our city has a food festival every October and we love going, so many different cuisines, music, arts and crafts for the children, always a blast

  49. Branka Stefanovic

    Best part of summer is attending festivals. Taste of Toronto will be so much fun!

  50. stacey dempsey

    I visit them when they come near where I live. There are usually alot of fun and you get to try lots of new foods. I loved the one that used to be at the PNE you could spend all day there, but I havent been to that one in years. We have some local small festivals which are great . I am not a great cook but I am trying to get better all the time. I try new recipes and even though it dosent always turn out well I keep trying lol

  53. Carol M (Lushka S)

    Oh yes, love food and trying out new things. Have even been known to try out beverage festivals too!

  54. Lorraine Wiebe

    Yes, I have not as often as I should I love trying new food traditional ones especially

  58. Sharlene

    I’ve been to Taste of Buffalo a really long time ago. I like going to RibFests with the kids.

  68. aneta alaei

    I visit tons with the family because we love food. I like to say its great excercise to walk around all day but we eat so much good food!

  69. holly o'gorman

    I haven’t been to many food festivals, but Ottawa had it’s first Poutine Fest this year and it was incredible, yum!

  70. Heidi C.

    I used to attend food festivals when I lived in TO/Vancouver but there aren’t too many where we live now.

  71. Sherry K

    I love food festivals – the ones where you just eat and also the ones where you learn

  72. gina t.

    This sounds like an amazing festival! Good food – outdoors – sounds like a great idea!

  76. michelle

    Of course, living in the GTA it’s part of life. Visited ribfest a few weekends back and it’s not a foodfest per say but Beerfest is next weekend and that is always a good time.

  80. sarah sar

    Yes I do! I’m a huuuuuuge foodie and have discovered so many awesome brands and companies that I would’ve never learned about were it not for these festivals. They are so much fun to attend!

  81. Jeannie

    I love visiting food shows. It’s a great place to discover new products and recipes.

  82. Jenn E

    Yes! We don’t usually eat out often or try many different cuisines since we’re so busy, so food shows are really fun and different for us! it lets us try so many good and different foods!

  83. Lisa H

    I love visiting food shows. They’re a great way to try new foods and find new restaurants to try. It’s nice to get a “taste” of someplace new and it leads you to try a full meal at the restaurant.

  84. Bons

    I do visit foods shows and festivals whenever I can. I like trying new foods and getting new cooking ideas/recipes.

  85. Pam

    Yes I often do, because I love trying new things and learning how to be a better cook in the kitchen.

  91. Linda B

    I have never visited a food show or festival. Until now, I did not know they existed but I certainly do now and would love to attend. It sounds amazing and I love learning new techniques on preparing different foods. The Kenwood Cooking Chef, would be a great addition to my kitchen to prepare so many new and different foods. I have nothing that compares to it and it is a fantastic piece of appliance I would be proud to have and would love to use.

  95. Maggie C

    I love food shows! I have been to Good Food and Drinks Show and Good Food and Wine show in Niagara! I love attending food shows because it allows me to try new things under one roof!

  96. Linda K

    I love attending food shows and festivals so that I can try new foods and learn new ways to enjoy foods.

  98. Melanie D

    I’ve never been, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go! I’ve never gotten around to buying a ticket. AH, they seem like so much fun. SO much food too!

  99. Cathy C

    Sometimes. I do like them and always fun when I do but often don’t quite get around to as many as I would like to visit …I mean who doesn’t love to eat!

  101. Crystal Englot

    I have never been to one yet, but have always wanted too. Unfortunately I live in a small town so options of attending one are not available in my area!

  102. Wendy hutton

    I have never been to one but living in a small town with no vehicle I never get the chance to go to any in surrounding areas

  104. nicky

    yes, i love food shows and festivals! such a great way to get introduced to new chefs, restaurants, and food trends. plus, gotta love the food samples ;-)

  111. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    I do but its usually involves cars or home reno Id rather food ones!

  112. stephen gordon

    I love visiting food shows and festivals. I love trying different and new products that are available out there. Yummy and thanks for the chance. Cheers.

  113. Ray L

    This looks like awesome fest anything with food is always awesome *drool*
    Thanks for chance !!

  117. Heidi Pawluk

    Never been to such an extravagant food festival such as this one. Nothing like food to warm the body and soul.

  125. Haylie Langwald

    Yes! We go to the Heritage Festival in Edmonton every year, plus we also have Taste of Edmonton, though I haven’t gone yet.

  126. Susan

    I try to go to the Taste of London — great way to try new restaurants, hang out with other foodies, and sample some new taste treats.

  127. Wayne Lecoy

    I am entering your giveaway.
    It would be great to win The Kenwood Cooking Chef.
    In response to your question of
    Do you visit food shows and festivals? Why or why not?
    I don’t usually visit food shows and festivals because i don’t cook very often
    but i went to the Cinevillage Studios in Toronto, Ontario
    to be on the Christine Cushing Live television show in 2004.
    Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!

  128. angela m

    Yes I do and have. I love trying samples of food or drinks before you buy the full size product.

  129. nicolthepickle

    I used to. I worked for a bakery for most of my life and we got to all the good shows. I haven’t been to one in a while though.

  130. Fiona Mullins

    I like going to food festivals- I get to try lots of different cuisines that I normally don’t get a chance to

  131. Kristine Ewald

    I would love to visit shows, but I live in a small northern town that doesn’t appreciate food in the same way as when i was in vancouver

  137. amber y

    I’ve went to a few, but I want to go to more! I have so much fun when we go, but talking to the chefs and people who’ve set up booths makes me nervous as heck!

  138. Megan F.

    We like to go to the commercial food shows. Hubby is in that business, so it is fun to see what new things are coming out in the world of commercial foods.

  140. Ira

    If I had my way I would go to every food event possible :) But right now I don’t get a chance to get out of our small city…
    When I was a student I went every year to the ice cream festival. It was awesome!

  141. Jonnie

    I love visiting food shows and festivals because it’s so fun to see what’s new on the market and sample some yummy dishes.

  143. Dawn

    “If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.” Cesar Chavez

    This quote summons why I love food festivals. You get to see into the kitchens of other people and the kitchen is the heart of a home and a family. Through food you glimpse ceremony and community ~ the heart of a culture. Also, food is delicious and inspires feeling when done well :D

  144. Suzanne G

    I have not ever had the chance to visit them as we live in rural area and closest city is about four hours away.

  147. Amy Heffernan

    I attended one once 2 years ago. We do not get many here in Newfoundland. Times like this i wish i lived in ON :(

  148. Angela Mitchell

    I attend food festivals and shows whenever I can. Vancouver has a lot of these kinds of activities and whenever I’m in the city I go! I just went to our local Spot Prawn Festival a few weeks ago!

  149. Marlene

    I do sometimes when I can afford to go & have the time. I love seeing new types of products out there.

  150. Terri O'Donnell

    I haven’t had the opportunity to because of my hectic work schedule but I hope to start taking my son to some, he and I love spending time creating things in the kitchen

  151. roger simmons

    I have been to a food festival before but it was not an enjoyable experience when lineups were long and theres just too many people it isnt enjoyable then.

  152. Bailey Dexter

    I take in the food shows and festivals every time I am in Toronto with my daughter, we love them. Always planning them out before I travel. There is so much to learn & enjoy!

  153. jen s.

    I’ve been to a few – a lot depends on the distance and (of course) the date of the event. But they certainly are enjoyable!

  155. Robyn Bellefleur

    YES!! I love food festivals. We always go to Taste of the Danforth and Summerlious.

  157. beth

    I love food- love food festivals. We attend many frequently. We just went to Taco Fest and Streatery in KW..Ribfest is going on now too.. I Love food festivals

  159. Michelle K

    I LOVE food festivals try to make the local ones too..Winning this would make me so happy as a family We all enjoy cooking and baking…

  162. Florence C

    Yes we do. Just did the Taste of Edmonton only yesterday. Love trying difference foods.

  163. Jennifer P.

    I’ve never gone to a food festival – just never seem to have the time. I think once our little ones are a little bit older I will start checking them out.

  169. kristen visser

    I never have but totally would LOVE to! i think it would be an awesome & yummy experience

  172. Kris L

    Sometimes if were in the city, we live in a small town, so not much forthat kinda stuff around here,

  180. suzi

    Whenever I get a chance I do because I love trying new foods (and adore high quality meals)!

  185. carolyn m

    Hi – i love food festivals, and try to get to them when I can. Never been to the Toronto one, it looks amazing! I would absolutely love to win this prize. A foodie’s dream!

  188. SUMMER PLEWES

    I have only gone a few times. I love to go but they are usually too big a drive for me. Add parking, gas, dogsitter etc.. and the day costs me too much on top. But I love attending them.

  191. Lindsay C

    I do visit food shows like Eat Vancouver and the Gluten Free Expo, as well as events like the Spot Prawn Festival and the Food Cart Festival. I do so because I am a total foodie and love meeting with others in the community, as well as getting new ideas and chatting with amazing chefs. Plus, I’m in the running to be on Masterchef Canada season 2, so I need to get lots of extra ideas :-)

  198. Treen Goodwin

    No i have never been but would so love to ,to taste all the great food … i live way to far away :)

  199. shane

    we go to a TON of food festivals because we are both gluten free and we love to see what’s out there. We have discovered so many great places and brands thanks to these festivals

  200. ivy pluchinsky

    I have never been to one, but if i had the opportunity to attend i would! I love food.

  201. JaimeeM

    Yes, i love food festivals. Right now Im waiting for ribfest to come back to the city.

  209. Ami B

    I have when I lived in larger cities…haven’t been to one lately, but they’re great!

  212. krislyn roth

    I love to try new foods so I like to try to hit up at least one festival a year.

  217. Amy Stack

    We live in a small town in Nova Scotia so there are not a lot of foodie festivals. One that we don’t miss is the Lobster Carnival in Pictou. It is a little more about music and the party, but there is plenty of lobster too!

    When we lived in Toronto and Saint Catharines we love the diverse festivals. A couple favourites were the Taste of the Danforth and the Grape and Wine Festival. A Taste of Toronto sounds like a really fun time and we might have to plan a vacation to incorporate it!

  218. Jenny

    Wow that is epic!! I have been to a food festival or two but rarely hear about them until the last minute.

  220. Michael Hurst

    I do visit some food shows but generally they are local ones around the town of Midland Ontario, I might go down to Barrie for the odd one.

  221. Cathy

    I’ve never been to one, but it sounds like it would be a ton of fun. Well, that might not be true…does ribfest count!

  223. Charity H

    I went to Taste of Edmonton this year. I would normally go to our Heritage Days Festival which is another food festival next weekend but I am having a baby then.

  224. Sherry McGee

    Living in a rural area makes it challenging but when I have the chance I always stop by at trade shows and food festivals!

  227. Darlene Tuling

    I love going to food festivals. Toronto has plenty and it’s a great way to try new food. :)

  229. Chantal A

    I love going to food festivals and ribfests. Can’t wait for the one in Toronto this weekend

  230. Jen Conlin

    We sure do! In Calgary in Summer there is are Festivals Every weekend. Being a complete Foodie These bring me immense JOY!

  231. Leslie W-H

    Love going to food festivals, but it gets expensive if you take the teenagers with you!

  234. Shelley N

    I just love food festivals and that one sounds great. I have been to Taste of Chicago and it was tons of fun (it just happened to be on when we were there). I love the Good Food Festival, Gourmet food and wine one at the Conference Centre, and the wine/spirits one (whose name escapes me) at the International Centre in the TO area. I hear there is a fabulous one in Stratford called the Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival that I will have to see if I can get to next year. Streetsville’s Bread & Honey festival was fun (we used to go to it when we lived in Mississauga). Fiesta Week in Oshawa and Caravan in Toronto used to be great. In Windsor Carousel of Nations is fun if you are in town then (I would not make a special trip to go to it though) but I would make a special trip down there for the Shores of Erie International Wine Festival (food, wine and music). Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in St Catherines in Sept is definitely worth visiting -parade, concerts, food and of course wine. The Elmira Maple Syrup festival and the Wellesley apple butter festival are all supposed to be great. Our Kitchener food and drink show is relatively new but it was pretty good. Most places have great ribfests and other food festivals or festivals where food is a big part of it.

  235. Natalie

    I visit food festivals, once in a while. I love trying new cuisines and delicacies from around the world. It’s pretty fun and exciting attending these festivals and I always leave with a lot of goodies.

  237. darci

    Where I live there is not the opportunity, this would make a wonderful getaway and experience!

  241. LORI

    I like to attend the home show every year, though not specifically food related I like to see the new offerings by companies to improve my home! And that includes in the kitchen. I don’t often go to food only shows however but my neighbors are very creative and i get ideas from them.

  242. Mary M

    I’ve bee some festivals. There is so much to do in Toronto and Ontario on the weekends it’s hard to make it to all the events.

  246. Jennifer H

    In the past I’ve attended many food shows and festivals, but crowds aren’t as fun to deal with anymore.

  247. Julie A.

    I have in the past, but we live in a small town now and there’s not too many food festivals in the area.

  249. Aarti Missra

    I visit food shows/festivals when I can. It’s a good way to try different foods, especially when you go with friends and can steal off their plates!

  250. Rosanne Robinson

    We’ve been to a few festivals and they’re always so much fun watching the entertainment and sampling the delicious foods.

  251. Karen Hayes

    Here and Edmonton Ab, we are currently enjoying our local Taste of Edmonton festival which is fabulous, but the heritage days Festival at the end of the month is really amazing! There are hundreds of pavilions serving food from countries all over the world! It’s really very spectacular!

  254. YASMIN HALL

    I love to attend as many food shows that I can. I always learn a few tricks from the professionals and chefs that are there. The food and samples are always fresh and fabulous!

  256. Nancy T

    I’ve never been to a specific food festival but I have been to shows that have a food component like the Royal Winter Fair.

  262. Stephanie Rotheisler

    I try to visit food festivals when they’re around. It’s a great chance to try new things, and a nice outing with some friends/family.

  264. Jenna D

    not nearly as often as my little heart desires…and someone would probably have to be responsible for throwing me in a wheelbarrow for the trip home as I would eat until I was uncomfortably full, lol!

  266. Becky

    I haven’t. But only because I live in such a small area they seldom happen. I think it would be fun to attend one since I love eating and cooking :)

  268. DH

    We don’t have many here in Regina but I’ve gone to a festivals where there is Food. lol

  270. Michelle

    I have not visited any food shows or festivals because it’s very difficult with food allergies.

  277. stacey h

    i love food shows and festivals, i am not a fan of crowds, so if they are busy and crowded i tend to avoid them