Savour the Magic of Winterlicious: Culinary Wonders Await in Toronto's Entertainment District!

As the chill of winter blankets the cityscape, Toronto transforms once again into a culinary haven during its much-anticipated Winterlicious festival, and something I look forward to year after year. A gastronomic celebration that has become a staple in the city's cultural calendar, Winterlicious 2024 promises to be a feast for the senses, offering an array of delectable dishes, cozy atmospheres, and unforgettable dining experiences. This year I had the opportunity to indulge in a few new restaurants perfect for locals and tourists alike. You’ll find these featured restaurants situated conveniently inside luxury hotels within Toronto’s Entertainment District, restaurants that offer up jaw-dropping and unique views you won’t be able to get anywhere else in the city, or even find the best of both worlds! But first, here are a few reasons why I absolutely love Winterlicious!

Embracing Culinary Diversity: One of the hallmarks of Winterlicious is the city's diverse culinary landscape coming together to showcase the best of Toronto's food scene. From upscale bistros to cozy neighbourhood gems, participating restaurants curate special prix-fixe menus that allow diners to explore an assortment of culinary delights at affordable prices. Whether you're a fan of international cuisine or seeking a twist on classic comfort food, Winterlicious menus cater to every palate.

Ambiance Amidst the Winter Wonderland: Toronto's charm is only accentuated during Winterlicious, as participating restaurants embrace the season's magic. Picture warm, dimly lit interiors, tables alongside glorious views, creating an ambience that perfectly complements the city's frosty and cold landscape that we’ve all grown to love. From intimate date nights to lively gatherings with friends, each restaurant participating in Winterlicious brings its unique flair to the winter season.

Culinary Highlights and Trendy Hotspots: Winterlicious 2024 promises a myriad of culinary highlights and trendy hotspots for food enthusiasts to explore. Just alone in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District there are 40 unique restaurants to choose from. Highlights include innovative dishes crafted by world-renowned chefs, exclusive tasting menus, and opportunities to discover hidden gems tucked away in Toronto's culinary scene that you may not have discovered otherwise.

Now that I’ve whet your appetite, here are some of my favourite restaurants that you do not want to miss out on this year!

Reign

Nestled within the heart of the city and inside one of Toronto’s most iconic hotels - The Fairmont Royal York, Reign offers an exquisite culinary experience inside a distinguished dining room in the heart of the noble manor house. As you step into the warm and inviting ambience, you'll be greeted by a curated Winterlicious menu that showcases the culinary prowess of Reign’s Executive Chef Roland Ducharme. From the tantalizing Albacore Tuna Crisp to the savoury 6oz Flat Iron Steak, each dish is a celebration of flavors, sourced from local farmers, and meticulously crafted to elevate your winter dining adventure. Lunch - $55, Dinner - $75.

Bosk

Step inside Toronto’s luxury hotel, the Shangri-La, and head on over to their signature restaurant Bosk, one of Toronto's premier dining establishments. With a recent menu transition to Northern Italian cuisine, the menu is meticulously crafted to pay homage to the dedication of local Canadian farmers and purveyors. The Winterlicious menu at Bosk is a symphony of flavours, featuring delights such as my ultimate favourite, the Scallop Risotto and the indulgent Champagne Cheesecake. Each dish is a testament to Bosk's dedication to culinary excellence. Make sure you add in their wine pairings curated specifically for Winterlicious to really elevate your dining experience. Lunch - $48, Dinner - $65.

Sportsnet Grill

Who says sport fans can’t enjoy Winterlicious?! Sportsnet Grill is Toronto’s premium destination for sports fans tucked away inside the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, and most remarkably offers up floor-to-ceiling views directly inside the Roger’s Centre! Once the full renovations are done, come back here and watch a Toronto Blue Jay’s game with the best seats possible! This restaurant offers up the thrill of sports and the delight of culinary excellence all into one as you can also watch your favourite sports team on their big-screen TVs mounted throughout the space. From the mouthwatering Southern Flavoured Beef Tacos to the hearty Duck a l’Orange, each dish caters to both sports enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. Lunch - $34, Dinner - $45.

360 Restaurant

Elevate your winter dining experience to new heights at Toronto's 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower! I can confidently say that you will not be able to find a dining experience at this height anywhere else in the city. Perched above the clouds and cityscape, this iconic restaurant invites you to indulge in a spectacular culinary adventure in a setting truly like no other. Hopefully you can find a day to visit when the skies are clear and sunny because these panoramic views of the city are simply stunning. The Winterlicious menu at 360 offers a panoramic feast, featuring a hearty soup like the Mushroom and Herb Potage, and a delicious Foraged Mushroom Pappardelle that complements the breathtaking views. This is an iconic dining destination you do not want to miss out on, and when your meal is done, walk down the flight of stairs and jump on the glass floors (if you dare)! Lunch - $55, Dinner - $75.

District Restaurant & Bar

Experience the best of both worlds at District Restaurant & Bar, where clean eating meets dirty drinking. As an award-winning cocktail bar with an inclusive menu catering to both vegans and meat lovers, District offers a culinary journey that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients, and nourishing flavours. Whether you're in the mood for a detoxifying mocktail made with cold-pressed juices or craving the savoury delights of their Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Honey Dijon Chicken, there's something for everyone. Plus, with the largest rooftop patio on King Street, District is the perfect spot to revisit when the temperatures rise. Lunch - $27, Dinner - $35.

For those looking to make the most of their Winterlicious experience, planning is key. Head on over to the official Winterlicious website to discover participating restaurants, peruse menus, and make reservations in advance. This will ensure a seamless and delightful journey for your 2024 Winterlicious experience. To me, Winterlicious is more than just an annual two week fling of prix-fixe menus. It's a celebration of Toronto’s culinary prowess and a testament to our vibrant winter spirit. As locals and visitors alike come together to savour the flavors of the season, Winterlicious becomes a communal experience that warms the soul and leaves lasting memories. So bundle up, embark on a culinary adventure, and let Toronto's Winterlicious be the highlight of your winter escapades in 2024.

Here are the rest of the participating restaurants located in Toronto’s Entertainment District!

• Lee Restaurant - 497 Richmond St W (Asian, French, Fusion)

• Little Sister - 102 Portland St (Dutch Indonesian fare)

• Sara Restaurant - 98 Portland St (Canadian)

• Vela - 90 Portland St (American)

• Margo - 600 King St W (Mediterranean)

• Dasha - 620 King St W (Asian)

• Pink Sky - 480 King St W (American, Seafood)

• Northern Maverick Brewing Co. - 115 Bathurst St (Brewpub, Comfort Food)

• The Parlour Restaurant - 642 King St W (American, Italian)

• Lapinou Bistro - 642 King St W (European, French)

• Baro - 485 King St W (Latin American)

• Cheffry’s Artisanal Bistro - 388 Richmond St W (Canadian Global)

• Bar Chica - 75 Portland St (Spanish)

• Paris Texas- 461 King St W (American, French)

• Lavelle- 627 King St W (American, Brazilian, Comfort Food)

• Orettta King - 480 King St W (Italian)

• Miss Likklemore’s - 433 King St W (Caribbean, Jamaican)

• Le Select Bistro- 432 Wellington St W (French)

• Hibachi- 550 Wellington St W (Asian, Japanese)

• Mother Tongue - 348 Adelaide St W (Asian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean)

• Kost (Bisha Hotel) - 80 Blue Jays Way, 44th Floor (American)

• King Street Social (Hyatt Regency Hotel) - 370 King St W (American, Canadian)

• Petros82 - 299 Adelaide St W (Greek, Mediterranean)

• Victor Restaurant (Le Germain Hotel) - 30 Mercer St (Canadian, European, French)

• La Fenice Tuscan Chophouse - 329 King St W (Italian)

• Fox on John - 106 John St. (British)

• Luma - TIFF Bell Lightbox - 330 King St W (Canadian, International, Seafood)

• District Restaurant & Bar - 303 King St W (Canadian)

• Canteen - TIFF Bell Lightbox - 330 King St W (Continental, International)

• Aanch Modernistic Indian Cuisine (Marriott Residence Inn) - 259 Wellington St W (Indian)

• Hey Lucy Café - 295 King St W (Italian)

• Milagro Cantina - 5 Mercer St (Mexican)

• Minami Restaurant - 225 King St W (Asian, Japanese, Sushi)

• TOCA (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel) - 181 Wellington St W (British, Canadian, Fusion)

• EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel) - 181 Wellington St W  (British, Canadian, Fusion)

• Azure Restaurant & Bar (Intercontinental Toronto Centre Hotel) - 225 Front St W (Canadian, Continental, European)

Get Loaded with an Exciting New Menu at Loaded Pierogi!

The classic Polish staple food brings back a lot of memories for me. When I moved out on my own and had to start properly adulting (ie. couldn’t rely on parent’s home cooked meals anymore), I had to think of easy ways to get myself fed. Something that didn’t require a lot of time and effort to make myself at home, yet food that left me satisfied. Enter… Pierogies!

It was during my university days where I really began to get to know the Polish dumpling very well. I would go to the grocery store, walk down the freezer aisle and grab a bag of frozen pierogis to bring back home. And they had enough variety at the grocery store to keep me coming back for more. You had the cheddar variety, the three-cheese mix, cream-cheese and chives, and you can’t forget about the bacon ones. Also being addicted to sour cream at the time, I couldn’t resist always giving myself the most generous dab of sour cream with each bite. Pierogies are undoubtedly so good, very easy to make, budget friendly, and extremely filling! What’s not to love!?

A few years after I graduated, I learned about this new restaurant in 2014 called Loaded Pierogi that just opened up. I couldn’t wrap my head around it at the time because although I absolutely loved eating pierogis at home, I never thought there would be a restaurant literally dedicated to this quintessential Polish classic. Yet I was ecstatic that there was. That there would be professional chefs elevating the dish that I simply couldn’t do myself at home. I was pumped!

I learned that Loaded Pierogi was born out of Ontario, Canada since 2014 where they went from selling a small variety of gourmet variations of the pierogi to a now national Canadian brand that offers more than 75 different ways to customize your pierogi experience. Or what they like to call it… “Get Loaded!” They are now the fastest growing quick service restaurant dedicated to serving up this eclectic potato classic, but also adding in their non-traditional twists as well.

You’ll be immediately loaded up with a variety of options when you step inside and look at their menu. The first decision you’ll have to make is to decide on which base you want for your dish. Their signature Pierogies base that are stuffed with potatos and onions, served crispy or classic with sour cream and green onions is what most people come here for, but they do have some other options such as velvety Macaroni & Cheese, and a Curly Fry Poutine! And in the Spring of 2023, they launched two exciting new bases which have taste, convenience, and health all in mind.

The first new base is the Greens & Grains which is a healthy blend of quinoa and fresh romaine lettuce. The second new base is the French Taco, the better way to enjoy a typical wrap which is loaded with fries, cheese, and your favourite signature toppings. Both are absolutely delicious! Once that tough decision of choosing which base you want is done, you’ll move on to figuring out which of their Signature Dishes you want to indulge in which hosts a ton of carefully curated loaded toppings.

Understanding that there are so many delicious choices to choose from, I’m here to just make it a little bit easier and show you some of my new favourite signature dishes and bases to try!

Hardcore Herbivore on Greens & Grains

Sautéed Kale, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Mushrooms, Sautéed Peppers, Red Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Mayo & Green Onions

East Coast Don on French Taco

Beef & Lamb Donair Meat, Mozzarella Cheese, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic Mayo, Sauteed Kale & Red Onion

Gangnam Style on Greens & Grains

Kimchi, Edamame, Bang Bang Sauce, Cheddar Cheese, Soft Boiled Egg, Black Sesame Seeds & Cilantro

The Taj on Pierogies

Crispy Chicken, Pineapple Curry Sauce, Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Red Onions & Cilantro

Cauliflower Bang Bang on Pierogies

Crispy Cauliflower, Cheddar Cheese, Bang Bang Sauce, Tomatoes, Fresh Avocado & Cilantro

Hail Caesar on French Taco

Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Sautéed Kale, Bacon, Caesar Dressing & Parmesan

BBQ Philly Cheese Steak on Poutine

Shaved Steak, Sautéed Onions And Peppers, Mozzarella, Bbq Sauce, Garlic Mayo & Green Onions

I personally love the classic Pierogis base whenever I come here, but to my surprise I didn’t expect to love their new Greens & Grains base as much as I did. I really enjoyed this new lighter way to get loaded with this healthy alternative that left me full but not stuffed (if you know what I mean). It was the perfect balance of loaded toppings with being health-conscious all at the same time which I very much took delight in and appreciated.

Currently with 14 locations across Canada and rapid expansion plans coming up soon, head on over to your nearest Loaded Pierogi and try some of their classics and newest offerings. You will not be disappointed!

Now lets go and GET LOADED!

Top Restaurant Picks at Winterlicious 2023!

Once again, excitement is brewing in Toronto as our favourite restaurants gear up for Winterlicious 2023. With more than 220 participating restaurants at six different price points for lunch and dinner, deciding on the perfect restaurant to visit with your friends and family can be a little daunting. For that reason, I’ve rounded out my personal top picks of Winterlicious restaurants to make your decision making that much easier.

Winterlicious 2023 is officially running from January 27th to February 9th, and if you haven’t already made a reservation at one of the participating restaurants, you should start inquiring now while spots are still available. Although there are many Winterlicious restaurants all around the city, my top picks concentrate on those in the Entertainment District (aka Toronto Downtown West) since they are easily accessible by public transportation and hold a collection of top-tier Toronto restaurants that will appeal to tourists and locals alike.

Whether you are an adventurous eater or have more peculiar tastes, there are plenty of local restaurants and cuisines that offer something for everyone, including Japanese, Seafood, Canadian, British, Fusion, Contemporary Brazilian, Filipino, and Bistro style. And with all of that said, here’s my round-up of the top seven restaurants (in no specific order) you must try at this year’s Winterlicious!

Lavelle

Come for the food and stay for the view! A rooftop experience unlike any other in Toronto’s exclusive King West neighbourhood, sitting 16 stories above the city. When deciding on a restaurant to visit, the quality and presentation of the food plays a crucial role in that decision. However, the ambience and vibe of the restaurant are also important deciding factors. And as it turns out, Lavelle is the complete package of high-quality food, attentive service, a luxurious interior, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Chef German Bermudez puts out contemporary Latin & Japanese creations on the menu, with some of the highlights being their Shrimp Tempura Roll as an appetizer, Chocolate Raspberry Heart (in collaboration with Delysees) for dessert, and their must-try Wagyu “Mac” Burger & Truffle Fries as the main course, which absolutely blew me away! One of the best burgers I’ve had recently, it’s hard not to enjoy their premium and oh-so tender US wagyu beef patty along with their addictive truffle fries.

Lavelle is not open for lunch and only offers their $55 three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Mother Tongue

With a large Asian population in Toronto, there is no shortage of restaurants that specialize in Asian cuisine, and it takes something special to rise above the rest. Since opening its doors in 2018, Mother Tongue has been at the forefront of modern Asian cuisine and cocktails using the best local ingredients and paying homage to Chef Francis Bermejo’s Filipino roots. A stand-out dish to order is their Fried Sea Bass, containing a creamy and silky golden curry paired with baby bok choy. I highly recommend also ordering their garlic rice as a side to soak up the curry while you enjoy a flavour bomb with each bite.

Mother Tongue is not open for lunch and only offers their $55 three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Lobster Burger Bar

“In lob we trust.” Even though Toronto may not have the luxury of being situated along an Ocean coast, Lobster Burger Bar specializes in fresh seafood that’s sourced directly from the East Coast of Canada. It’s delivered weekly and kept in saltwater tanks so that the seafood you eat is equally as fresh as what you would have in Nova Scotia. And not only will you find Atlantic lobster (as the restaurant name suggests), but you can also enjoy fresh wagyu and AAA Angus beef used to create their incredible mouth-watering burgers. There are so many must-try dishes to choose from, so I would suggest ordering as many dishes as you can for your party and trying them all! My personal favourites are the Lobster Bisque, Crispy Shrimp & Lobster Roll, Wagyu Burger, and even a whole lobster dinner if you choose their Lobster Frites! Like seriously, how can you not want to try all of that!

Lobster Burger Bar has a $41 three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, and a $55 three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace

If you are interested in celebrity sightings, make Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace your next Winterlicious destination, as it’s conveniently located inside the glitzy and glamourous Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Inspired by the gastropub movement that shook the culinary world in the 90s, Epoch pays homage to innovative British dining with dishes created by Chef Jeff Crump. As soon as you walk down the small flight of stairs into the restaurant, you’ll immediately find yourself in the luxurious and relaxed atmosphere of the dining and bar areas where fine dining meets the ephemeral lifestyle of visitors from all around the world. The dishes here are seasonal and rooted in nature, with some of their standouts being the addictive Roasted Squash Fritters, scrumptious Umami Burger (Beef or Veggie), delectable Grilled Chicken Adobo, and their Apple Tarte Tatin or Profiteroles for a sweet ending to the meal.

Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace has a $55 three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, and $75 three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Cheffry’s Artisanal Bistro

When you walk into Cheffry’s Artisanal Bistro, you’ll feel the comfort of home. An underrated and hidden gem in Toronto, this restaurant boasts a perfect 5-star score with over 180 Google reviews at the time of writing this piece, which is unheard of in the Toronto restaurant scene. Chef Jeffry Rocha brings decades of experience to his restaurant, having worked at 5-star hotels and resorts that immediately shines through his food. He also places a great emphasis on using slow, traditional, and artisanal techniques that respect the flavour and beauty of each ingredient. With Chef Rocha’s experience in the hospitality industry, his friendliness and warmth towards each of his guests is unrivalled and a breath of fresh air compared to colder restaurant experiences you might encounter elsewhere in Toronto. It is one of the more affordable Winterlicious options offered this year, allowing you to enjoy dishes like their Torched Caesar, Papparedelle Pasta with Braised Wild Boar, Wheat + Mushroom + Thyme Risotto, and the phenomenal vegan Espresso Creme Caramel that won’t break the bank and will leave you coming back for more.

Cheffry’s Artisanal Bistro has a $34-three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, and a $45-three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Minami Restaurant

There’s an immediate WOW factor as soon as you walk into Minami - an interior space that has won them the 2021 Restaurant & Bar Design Award. Belonging to a very successful restaurant group (ABURI Restaurants) where its sister restaurant, Aburi Hana just recently received a Michelin Star in Toronto, Minami is no stranger to having dishes with quality in every sense of the word. Showcasing contemporary Japanese fare, their Winterlicious menu serves up three cohesive and delicious courses no matter the selections you make. I would first suggest to start off with their Sushi Select appetizer that gives each diner 8 pieces of chef selected nigiri, rolls, and oshi. Then move on to the main with a perfectly cooked Togarashi Rougue Duck Breast and Foie Gras, and end the meal with a classic Black Sesame Ice Cream paired with my favourite…mochi balls!

Minami has a $48 three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, and a $65-three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

King Street Social

If you are scoping out your next staycation in the city, hit up King Street Social as the restaurant is conveniently located inside Hyatt Regency Toronto that’s literally steps away from some of our best attractions. The dishes here are locally sourced, seasonally fresh, and treated with integrity from preparation to plate. If you love seafood they have some amazing choices such as their flavourful Garlic Sauteed Shrimp and a flaky and moist Roasted Cape D’Or Salmon Fillet which was a personal favourite of mine. For meat lovers, their BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwich with a side of crispy french fries was exactly what I was craving for at lunch. And whether you’re here for lunch or dinner, their New York Cheesecake with a Berry Compote and Vanilla Anglaise for dessert is the cherry on top to what already will be a fantastic meal.

King Street Social has a $34 three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, and a $45-three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

More Restaurants to Discover

360 The Restaurant (Canadian)
Aanch Modernistic Indian Cuisine (Indian)
Aria Ristorante (Italian)
Azure Restaurant & Bar (Canadian, European)
Canteen (Continental, International)
District Restaurant & Bar (Canadian)
Hey Lucy Cafe (Italian)
Hibachi (Asian, Japanese, Steakhouse)
La Fenice Tuscan Chophouse (Italian)
Lee Restaurant (Asian, French, Fusion)
Luma (Canadian, International, Seafood)
Milagro Cantina (Mexican)
Northern Maverick Brewing Co. (Brewpub, Comfort Food)
Oretta (Italian)
Osteria Ascari King (Italian)
Petros82 (Greek, Mediterranean)
Reign Restaurant + Bar (Canadian, French)
TOCA (Italian)

SIAL Canada 2022 Back Better Than Ever in Montreal Post Pandemic!

North America’s largest food innovation trade show has made its much anticipated in-person return to Montreal after going 100% virtual over the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After participating in SIAL Canada back in 2018 and 2019, it’s become my favourite trade show to attend in the food industry and I’ve been itching to go back in person to witness all the marvellous food innovations and technological and sustainable advancements that many of the participating food companies have excitingly achieved.

Read a recap of my Montreal SIAL Canada 2018 experience here.
Read a recap of my Toronto SIAL Canada 2019 experience here.

SIAL Canada is the only national trade show that offers a complete range of food products under one roof with more than 1,200 national and international exhibitors from 50 countries, alternating host cities between Montreal and Toronto. It’s become a key to the Canadian agrifood industry and acts as an entryway to the US and international markets with over 25,000 buyers from all around the world attending. It’s pretty simple here, the exposure you get when you have a booth at SIAL Canada is unparalleled to any other trade show you’ll find in Canada.

This year in 2022, SIAL Canada was back in Montreal (and in person as well, no more zoom meetings!) from April 20th to April 22nd at the always lovely Palais Des Congres in the heart of the downtown core. I was so ecstatic to be invited back to the trade show this year and quite simply just be back with people! It was the first flight I’ve taken in two years since the pandemic began, and I couldn’t be happier that it was going to be in the world-class city of Montreal.

If you are planning to one day visit SIAL Canada in Montreal, choosing a convenient accommodation is going to be one of the first important decisions you will have to make. Since SIAL Canada runs over a span of 3 days, you’re going to want easy access to the Palais Des Congres. The first time I was in Montreal, my hotel was about a 10 minute Uber ride away. Although that may not sound too far, being mere minutes away walking wise from the facility was a total game changer this year and a huge convenience to have. I was able to quickly go back to my hotel room for breaks and recharge whenever I felt like it, and then being able to quickly go right back to the action whenever I wanted was amazing. With all that being said, if you’re looking for a modern and affordable hotel that is literally a one minute walk to the Palais Des Congres in downtown Montreal, look no further than Hotel Le Dauphin - Montreal Centre Ville. You don’t even need to bring your own laptop with you because every room is equipped with your very own Macbook!

During the first day of SIAL Canada, my favourite event happens in the early morning which is the annual SIAL Innovation Awards! In its 14th edition this year, the top finalists are each trying to take home the Gold ($10,000 prize), Silver ($5,000 prize), Bronze ($5,000 prize), and Sustainability ($3, 750 prize) awards for being the most innovative products of the year. This is always measured on four criteria: packaging, manufacturing process, merchandising, and recipe. This competition is open to all exhibitors where the winners will undoubtedly receive international recognition thanks to the World Champion Tour where they will be showcased in other SIAL trade shows around the world, and is why winning this prestigious honour can really catapult a product’s reach from a national audience to world-wide.

Read a recap of the 2019 SIAL Innovation Awards here.

Here are this year’s 2022 Finalists and Winners!

GROUNDUP - GROUNDUP ECO-VENTURES - CANADA (GOLD AWARD)

Range of flours and baking mixes made of upcycled ingredients. Selected as a new example of circular economy made accessible by the valorization of rejected ingredients into convenient, nutritious and tasty products.

TEMPEHINE - LES ALIMENTS MERJEX INC. - CANADA (SILVER AWARD)

Range of organic marinated and precooked ground tempeh. Selected for the quality of composition and the use of a new process to make tempeh a ready-to-use and versatile ingredient, enabling the addition of vegetable proteins to a wide variety of meals.

LA PRESSERIE - LA PRESSERIE - CANADA (BRONZE AWARD)

Range of raw and unpasteurized vinaigrettes made from cold pressed fruits and vegetables. Selected for their simple and natural composition, the use of fresh ingredients and the cold pressing process which adds culinary appeal to the products

GOOD CHIPS - PARAMO SNACKS - COLOMBIA (SUSTAINABILITY AWARD)

Organic beet and yacon chips with no added oil or sugar. Selected for the naturalness and authenticity of the product resulting from the origin of the ingredients, for the transformation process and the manufacturer's relevant commitments to sustainable development.

FARO - BRÛLERIES FARO ROASTING HOUSES - CANADA

Coffee beans aged in microbrewery oak barrels. Selected for the manufacturing process using an ageing technique that is unusual for coffee, for the sophistication of the product and the original packaging.

CLUB SÉLECT - CLUB KOMBUCHA - CANADA

High-end kombucha presented as wine. Selected for the premiumization of the kombucha offer and the proposed varieties. This product reinvents kombucha as a shared experience to be enjoyed over a nice meal.

ALTERNATIVE KITCHEN - LOC INDUSTRIES - CANADA

Range of products made from organic textured vegetable proteins. Selected for the diversity of the range allowing multiple applications as meat or carbohydrate substitutes, as well as the more ecological transformation process.

SIGNÉ CAMÉLINE - OLIMÉGA SIGNÉ CAMÉLINE - CANADA

Roasted camelina oil. Selected for the new taste experience due to the roasting of the camelina seed, offering a local, gourmet and allergen-free alternative to sesame oil

BAR TO COOK - THE FOODIE FAMILY - CANADA

Bars of sauce with world recipes. Selected for the originality of the format that makes the creation of culinary experiences very easy and accessible to all home cooks. Simple ingredients make it all the more appealing.

Once the SIAL Innovation Awards are handed out, the world was than my oyster here as I had three days to walk around the trade show floors, booth-to-booth, exhibitor-to-exhibitor, from one country to the next learning and finding what the next big food product is. If you’re one of those people who are trying to get their step counter in for their fit bit, coming here will definitely grant you those 12,000 steps you are looking for. This place is huge and you’ll have no problem filling up your day with things to do.

Besides the exhibitor’s booths here at SIAL Canada where if you’re lucky enough you may even be able to take some samples home with you, there are also a variety of other activities scheduled throughout the three days for you to enjoy.

You’re able to book some conferences in where you can take a sharp look within the food industry by sitting in on a variety of talks hosted by expert trend hunters in the agri-food industry. A selection of experts from various backgrounds speak at SIAL Canada each year to share with us the most up-to-date information on the food industry such as the any concerning issues, innovation, market trends and opportunities, and changes in purchasing behaviour.

If you’re a bit more of a thrill-seeker, you can also attend one of the many exciting competitions that play out throughout the trade show (outside of the SIAL Innovation Awards). Pick from the International Cheese Competition, the Olive d’Or Competition, and the Start-Up Pitch Competition. And of course you’ll be able to also see some live cooking demos while mingling with some other culinary professionals at the La Cuisine and the Inspire Drink workshops. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy!

One of the great perks of also going to SIAL Canada is that you’re in a world-class city of Montreal, and if you’re like a foodie like me, you’ll have nothing short of a laundry list of wonderful places to go eat out at when you’re not walking the trade show floors and want to satisfy those cravings you may be having after seeing all the food at the exhibitor’s booths.

Here are some of my top cafes to eat at while you’re visiting Montreal for SIAL Canada that is all in walking distance from the Palais Des Congres. I didn’t use any form of public transportation or car sharing services during my time here in Montreal, just my two feet!

La Finca Cafe (Two Minute Walk from SIAL Canada)

Mandy’s (Six Minute Walk from SIAL Canada)

Olive et Gourmando (Six Minute Walk from SIAL Canada)

Patrice Patissier (Thirty Minute Walk from SIAL Canada)

The planning for SIAL Canada 2023 is already under way. Next year it’ll be back in Toronto at the Enercare Centre from May 9th to May 11th, 2023 where we get to do this all over again! Hope to see you all there!

The New Elevated Concession Lineup at Scotiabank Arena Brings Restaurant Quality Food to Sport and Music Fans

Gone are the days where you’re to expect hot dogs, french fries, and pizzas to satisfy your appetite as you take in a Leafs game, or enjoy the music of your favourite artist. In fact, I remember on multiple occasions when I specifically pre-planned my dinners at a restaurant before heading over to Scotiabank Arena (previously known as the Air Canada Centre), because I knew the food offerings there would not be anything I would be interested in eating. Well that’s about to change!

With full capacity now being allowed back at Scotiabank Arena after going two years of empty seats due to Covid-19 restrictions, Scotiabank Arena has announced the addition of new concession stands for the 2021-2022 season as it continues to innovate its culinary experiences for fans. This addition is the most exciting culinary advancement Scotiabank Arena has ever done, because not only are they not relying solely on the past concession stand offerings that were arguably bland and boring, they have now partnered with celebrated and popular Toronto chefs and restaurants to curate a concession lineup that will be reminiscent of a Toronto dining experience.

“With many businesses continuing to face challenges during this time, especially the restaurant industry, we wanted to help provide an opportunity for local Toronto restaurateurs to share their mouth-watering offerings with our fans,” says Chris Zielinski, Culinary Director, MLSE. “Together with our familiar go-to spots and new additions, Scotiabank Arena’s concession selection continues to defy the traditional idea of arena food and create exceptional culinary experiences for our fans.”

From authentic Mexican cuisine, to true Central Texas flavours, and even Michelin star worthy dishes and Chefs, Scotiabank Arena’s new concession lineup offers distinct global flavours with local appeal for everyone.

Check out below what you’ll expect to eat the next time you’re there!

Aloette (Event Level, Section 105)

A concept restaurant of the famed Alo Restaurant, Aloette brings Chef Patrick Kriss’ Michelin Star cuisine to the arena that he’s been serving since Alo’s inception in 2017. The parent restaurant was named one of the world’s top 100 restaurants. A top item includes poached shrimp rolls with buttery brioche as well as their famous lemon pie wedge.

Colibri (100 Level, Section 119)

Helmed by Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico competitor Chef Elia Herrera, Colibri’s menu is inspired by generations of true Mexican flavours from the city of Cordoba. Chef Herrera is also known for her restaurant Los Colibris within Toronto’s bustling King West area at Chef’s Hall. Menu highlights include a variety of tacos such as Shrimp a la Diabla, Pork Carnitas, and Mushroom al Pastor as well as Nachos Los Colibri.

Cheese Boutique (100 Level, Section 104)

Canada’s only Maitre Fromager, Afrim Pristine, brings new offerings this year to the stand bearing the same name of his venerable cheese store with roots in Toronto for nearly half a century. Pristine is also known for his television show, Cheese: A Love Story, currently airing on the Food Network and Amazon Prime. Menu highlights include the Classic Mac with a new twist of freshly grated Beemster Gouda and Bianco Mac featuring a creamy blend of Mozzarella, aged Canadian white cheddar, and Emmenthal.

Cherry Street BBQ (300 Level Draught Deck, Section 313)

Toronto’s original pit master Lawrence La Pianta brings the award-winning flavours of Cherry Street BBQ to the arena. In addition to running this popular destination for Central Texas-style smoke, La Pianta has won several BBQ competitions both north and south of the border. Menu highlights include a smoked brisket sandwich, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, and burnt ends chili cheese fries.

Leela’s (100 Level, Section 110)

A staple in Missisauga and Scarborough, Annie and Asif Khan are bringing the 12 year-old roti and doubles destination to the arena. The establishment has been proudly passed down in the Leela and Nandkisson Mahase family and serves traditional spicy Trinidadian cuisine at several locations in the GTA. Menu highlights include Leela’s Special Curry Beef Roti, Jerk Chicken Roti, and Trinidadian Doubles.

Noodle Bao (100 Level, Section 107)

As a response to fans’ requests for baos and noodle dishes, MLSE’s culinary team developed Noodle Bao to bring exciting flavours to fans, with gluten free and vegan options also available. Menu highlights include Pork Belly Bao, Shaved Beef Bao, Beef and Broccoli Noodles, and Chicken Peanut Noodles.