A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek into Toronto’s only brunch food tour, set to officially launch on August 4th, 2024. Hosted by Culinary Adventure Co., Toronto’s number one rated food tour company, this experience was nothing short of spectacular. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic Kaitlin, we embarked on a culinary journey that showcased the best of King West and the Entertainment District neighborhoods.
A Journey Through Toronto’s Hippest Hoods
Our adventure began with a stroll through King West and the Entertainment District, an area known for its trendy eateries and vibrant nightlife. As we wandered the streets, Kaitlin pointed out significant landmarks and shared fascinating stories about the neighborhood's history and culture. Our first stop was at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, where many top musicals play to sold-out crowds every night. Did you know that Toronto is the third most popular city in North America for watching musicals, only behind New York City and Chicago? And that Ed Mirvish, the man behind the theater, is the same Ed from Honest Ed’s? I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life, and there are still facts about the city that surprise me. This brunch tour offers something new and educational to locals and tourists alike.
A Surprise Treat: Lemon Meringue Caramel Popcorn
One of the delightful surprises of the tour was the Lemon Meringue Caramel popcorn from Comeback Snacks. Kaitlin pulled this treat out of her bag of goodies, highlighting local businesses. This unique treat offered a perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet caramel, creating an explosion of flavors that was both unexpected and delightful. The best part was learning its origin story: the founder came up with the business idea while in prison. Their slogan, “Popcorn So Good, It’s Criminal!” is spot on! This was the ideal snack to keep us energized as we continued our journey, and I was thrilled to take home an entire bag of this delicious popcorn.
A Visit to the TIFF Lightbox
No tour of the Entertainment District would be complete without a stop at the TIFF Lightbox. Home to the Toronto International Film Festival, this cultural hub celebrates the art of cinema and was a fitting venue to highlight the tour’s inspiration. One of the fun stops included Varda at TIFF Lightbox, inspired by the film festival’s red carpet elegance. The Lightbox’s sleek, modern architecture and rich cinematic history made it a memorable stop on our journey.
Capturing Iconic Views
Kaitlin ensured we had ample opportunities to capture the best photo ops of the iconic CN Tower. The towering structure, set against Toronto's skyline, provided a breathtaking backdrop for our photos, adding a touch of grandeur to our brunch adventure. Even though this tour focuses on Toronto’s brunch scene, it also highlights picturesque moments along the way with plenty of photo opportunities.
Middle Eastern Brunch at East Tea Can
Our brunch experience reached new heights at East Tea Can, located at Wellington Market at the Well. Here, we indulged in a Middle Eastern feast that was both exotic and comforting. It’s not everyone’s typical idea of brunch, but that’s what makes this tour worth every penny. It challenges our taste buds and our view of brunch, proving it’s more than just eggs benedict and pancakes. The aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and beautifully presented dishes transported our taste buds to distant lands with a variety of dips and spreads served with freshly baked Samoon bread. It was a true testament to the diversity and richness of Toronto’s culinary scene.
Sweet Endings at Forno Cultura
The tour concluded on a sweet note at Forno Cultura, an Italian bakery renowned for its delectable cookies and treats. We sampled a variety of goodies, each one more delicious than the last. The highlight for me was the Coffee Lemonade – a unique concoction I was initially skeptical about but ended up loving! Created by a company based in Quebec, this drink, called the “Cafelimo Fizz,” paired refreshing citrus with robust coffee, creating a carbonated drink that was both invigorating and refreshing.
Tour Highlights
18+ tastings … get ready to indulge.
Bubbly + boozy Mimosas
Australian morning classic
Hand-crafted Turkish Coffee
Decadent French Pastries
Savory Middle Eastern
Artisan Canadian Cheeses
Locally made ‘Movie Snacks’
Italian Cookies + Treats
Fun and filmic stops
A perfect tour for friends + celebrations
Our most decadent food tour
Cost
$129 Adult
$119 Senior (60+)
Final Thoughts
Toronto’s only brunch food tour is set to redefine Sunday brunch. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour promises an unforgettable culinary journey through some of Toronto’s trendiest neighborhoods. So, invite your friends, pick a Sunday, and get ready for a brunch experience that serves laughs, memories, and special moments with every bite. As Culinary Adventure Co. aptly puts it, “Come Hungry… Every Bite Tells A Story.”
Stay tuned for more delicious adventures and make sure to book your spot on this decadent brunch tour. You won’t want to miss it!