Get Loaded with an Exciting New Menu at Loaded Pierogi!

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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!

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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)

Upstate Eats Trail - Your Next Road Trip Awaits!

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Growing up on road trips as a kid has made me restless when I haven’t driven long distances in a prolonged time. From car rides starting in Toronto down to Florida, East to Newfoundland, and out West to Vancouver, the freedom of the open roads are one of my favourite ways to travel and see the world. Unfortunately when covid took over in 2020, those road trips took a back-seat for a few years, and I was left pondering where and when my next road trip would be.

Fast-forward now to 2022, road trips are back on the agenda. Hell yeah! Picking my first road trip destination after a two year hiatus was a tough one. The great thing about living in Toronto is that there are a lot of amazing places and cities to travel to that are only a short drive away. So when the opportunity to plan a road trip across the border into the United States came up this Summer, I was more excited than ever!

Check out Unexpected Buffalo. The Complete Travel Guide to Buffalo, Niagara.

If you’re a person like me who loves to merge the two worlds of food and travel together, then the Upstate Eats Trail is the next road trip for you! As the name suggests, this road trip is all about hitting up the diverse and exciting cities of Upstate New York where some of United State’s best bakers, sandwich bakers, and chicken wing shakers all reside! You’ll find a legacy of comfort foods that’s delectable, unforgettable, and best yet… affordable!

We’ll be hitting up four cities on this road trip: Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. The trip I took consisted of four nights and five days starting from Toronto, Ontario. There are two options to take here. You either start from the farthest city from Toronto which is Binghamton which means you’ll have the longest drive on the first day of your trip, or you can start from the closest city from Toronto which is Buffalo. If you start in Buffalo you’ll have the shortest drive on your first day, but the longest drive back home on your final day. The choice is completely up to you depending on your own circumstances and preference. I decided to have my starting point at Binghamton, New York which is around an eight hour drive from Toronto. As the days went on, I would then slowly make my way back driving past the cities of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo before crossing the border back home to Canada.

Here’s how my adventure went and my exact itinerary for this epic Upstate Eats Trail road trip!

To read up on my other travel guides I’ve put together, find them at the links below:

Binghamton

Nestled in the rolling hills of New York’s Souther Tier, out of the four cities for me, this was the one I was the most unfamiliar with. A long time ago it used to be called the “Valley of Opportunity” as multi-national employers like Endicott-Johnson Shoe Factory and IBM thrived and attracted thousands of residents including immigrants from around the world. Those immigrants brought their culinary traditions that continue here to this day.

Consol’s

One of the best pizzas I’ve ever had! Or better known here as a “hot pie.” Based on a family recipe brought over from Italy in 1946, these hot pies have a crispy thin crust with house made sauce topped with a blend of provolone and mozzarella cheeses. I will even go as far to say that their pizzas here are even better than the ones I’ve had in Toronto. They are seriously… amazing!

Apple Hills Cafe

There’s nothing better than eating breakfast out on a farm! From June through October when the farm harvests its acres of raspberries, blueberries, and apple orchards, they open up their cafe to guests serving up their farm-fresh country cooking using the fruits of their labour. There’s nothing pretentious here. Just good breakfast food. Period.

Lupo’s S&S Char Pit

A staple to Binghamton, come here to order some Spiedies - cubed, marinated meat placed on a skewer and grilled. It’s perfectly marinated pieces of chicken on a roll, an institution here since the 1940s. Did you really visit Binghamton if you didn’t have a Speidie?

Little Venice

The pasta sauce here is the star! Only six people have ever prepared the sweet, thick red sauce that has fed this city authentic Italian cuisine since 1946. You basically just need to order any dish that utilizes their pasta sauce, which luckily is most of it! This to me is what an Italian grandmother would make and jar up at home. So good!

Syracuse

Nicknamed “Salt City” from the salt springs lining the southern shore of Onondaga Lake, Syracuse is a picturesque city with distinct and quaint neighbourhoods, a resurgent downtown infused with students from Syracuse University, and some of the most scenic places mother nature has to offer. The nearby cottage town of Skaneateles and the unique crystal-clear green waters at Green Lakes State Park is a must when you visit here. I just couldn’t get enough of this place!

Doug’s Fish Fry

Located in the picturesque town of Skaneateles, fresh fish dinners has been a staple here since 1982. Just about everything here is made in-house from their secret recipe batter that covers every tender and flaky fish dinner down to their tartar sauce. And when you need dessert, all you have to do is head next door for a seasonal fruit sundae at Doug’s Ice Cream!

Bull and Bear Roadhouse

Syracuse’s signature food is the Salt Potato, and you’ll be able to find their famous dish right here that’s also kicked up a notch. The foundation of the salt potato means it’s freshly boiled, salty, small, and topped with melted butter sticks. But over here you’ll get it loaded with pulled pork, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives becoming its top-seller! Its a twist on a Syracuse staple.

The Original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

There’s nothing more I love than some good Southern bbq, and you’ll find it here in spades! For more than thirty years, the aroma of brisket cooked low and slow for fourteen hours have covered the city of Syracuse. There’s no better comfort food in the city than what you’ll get here. The restaurant was fully packed when I arrived so I had to wait around 40 minutes before I could get a table. It’s worth the wait!

Heid’s of Liverpool

The quintessential Syracuse Summer hangout, Heid’s features hot dogs from Hofmann Sausage Company which is an iconic Syracuse brand that originated in the 1870s. Choose from a Hofmann’s red frank or a white coney - a particularly juicy hot dog flavoured with spices that give it an extra kick. Top it all off with their secret meat sauce and you got a winner!

Rochester

New York’s third largest city centred around the Genesee River has long been home to innovators and trailblazers where global companies like Kodak and Xerox were born right here. With one of the United State’s oldest public market and New York’s longest running brewery, this city will immerse you in its history and charm. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out a ball-game!

Rochester Public Market

While the rest of the city sleeps, farmers across Western New York rise in the middle of the night and converge at one of the United State’s oldest public market dating all the way back to 1827! This is the perfect place to seek out some seasonal produce, meat, fish, and other specialties from its 230 vendors.

Nick Tahou Hots

You can’t visit Rochester without trying the city’s signature dish - the garbage plate! Once you get past the name (that is actually trademarked), you’ll enjoy an inexpensive and hearty plate of hot dogs, cold beans, and home fries covered in mustard, onions, and its signature hot meat sauce. Just go in and ask for “a plate with all that garbage on it.” Don’t worry, they won’t be offended.

Abbott’s Frozen Custard

Directly across the street of Ontario Beach Park, you’ll find the most satisfying frozen custard to help you cool down on a hot sunny day. The secret custard recipe that only the company’s CEO and president have access to gives customers a taste of their incredibly creamy, rich custard that needs to be scooped out of a cooler because it’s so dense. This is an essential Rochester Summer experience you can’t pass up on.

Schaller’s Drive-In

Located in an area known historically as “hot dog row” where the collective experience of the various hot dog businesses have more than 200 years experience, Schaller’s Drive-In is a roadside stand you must make a pit-stop at. The hot dogs are sourced from Zweigle’s, a 140-year-old Rochester institution that makes both “red hots” made with pork and beef, and “white hots”, a regional specialty of pork, veal, and a blend of spices.

Genesee Brew House

They have probably one of the best views of any brew house as their rooftop patio overlooks the 96-foot tall waterfall flowing through the heart of the city. This is New York State’s oldest beer maker and has become one of Rochester’s iconic brands and the anchor of the High Falls district for locals and visitors alike.

Frontier Field - Rochester Red Wings

After you finish your pre-drink at Genesee Brew House, if the timing works out I definitely recommend getting tickets to a Rochester Red Wings baseball game at Frontier Field! They are the minor league baseball team to the Washington Nationals who won the World Series in 2019! The best part is you can also get your hands on a Zweigle White Hot if you didn’t get a chance to drive down hot dog row yet.

Buffalo

The city all Torontonians know about when it comes to crossing the border to shop. But after the last few times I’ve visited Buffalo, I’ve learned that it offers so much more than retail therapy. With its distinct neighbourhoods, world-renowned architecture, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant waterfront, this city has it all! I didn’t even mention yet about all its iconic foods, including you guessed it, the birthplace of the Buffalo wings that are currently enjoyed around the world.

The Original Anchor Bar

If you come dine here, you’ll be walking the steps of history. Only a handful of restaurants created a food that altered the course of culinary culture. The original Anchor Bar in Buffalo lays claim to one of those food icons. It’s home of the Buffalo-style wing which was created by restaurant co-owner Teressa Bellissimo back in 1964! If you can’t tell already, stopping by here is a 100% must!

Parkside Candy

If you have a sweet tooth then making a visit here needs to be part of your itinierary! It’s a meticulously restored candy shop and ice cream parlor dating back to 1927 selling dozens of confections made in the factory directly behind the store. Make sure you get their iconic Sponge Candy - a treat that’s airy, crunchy, with caramelized honeycomb made from sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda covered in chocolate. It also makes for a great souvenir and gift for family and friends too!

Bocce Club Pizza

This longtime, family-owned pizza serves up a classic example of Buffalo-style pizza which features a crust thicker than New York, but thinner than the Chicago deep-dish. It has copious amounts of gooey mozzarella cheese and small pepperoni that cup and char while baking. Just be careful when you first lay your hands on it as it comes out fresh from the oven, piping out! Get ready for a fresh slice of one of the best pizzas out there!

Ted’s Hot Dogs

You can’t visit Buffalo without getting a charcoal broiled, footlong Sahlen’s from this nearly century-old hot dog stand. The claim to fame here are their Sahlen’s hot dogs grilled to perfection over a bed of hardwood charcoal before your very eyes as you line up directly behind the front counter. The charcoal broiling causes the skin of the dogs to darken and snap open, giving it a jolt of flavour worthy of being a Buffalo staple.

Schwabl’s

It’s not very often you go to a restaurant that’s nearly as old as the city itself! Opened all the way back in 1837, you’ll find here one of the best versions of Buffalo’s signature sandwich - Beef on Weck. The sandwich consists of hand-carved roast beef dipped in au jus and served on a salted hard roll studded with caraway seeds known as a “kummelweck.” You’ll be stepping back in time as soon as you walk through those doors!

All these businesses are just a small sample of the amazing food you’ll find on this Upstate Eats Trail. What I loved most about this road trip was not just all of the delicious eats I had, but the majority of them are backed by so much history that makes each of their individual cities unique and captivating in their own ways. I can’t recommend this road trip enough! If there are any other spots you think should be included as a stop in one of these four Upstate New York cities that I missed, please let me know. You bet I’ll be coming back shortly to try even more of their amazing eats! Load up the trunk and lets go!

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

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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!

Indian Style Butter Halloumi - Meals Made Easy with Chef's Table

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Is there anyone like me who is always running out of fresh ideas on what to cook at home? I mean the same pasta dish can only go so far! Meal-kit deliveries in 2022 are definitely not a new idea anymore, and in fact there are countless companies to choose from. I’m sure by now whether it may be yourself or a friend, you know someone that’s currently enrolled in a meal-kit delivery program. I was before as well with various companies that I tried, but would often cancel the subscription because for the most part I just got tired of the same old recipes that were being offered week after week.

Having tried many meal-kit delivery services, I’m usually on the hunt for one that is of great value, but I’ve also learned that you need to pick a company that doesn’t always just recycle the same old recipe. In today’s culinary climate, I need more than just the convenience factor. I need innovation and excitement. I want to learn new techniques and be exposed to different flavours and combinations of ingredients that I didn’t think would go well together, yet can be pleasantly proven wrong once I took that risk of trying a recipe out of my comfort zone.

That’s why I’ve always gravitated towards Chef’s Plate, one of the very first meal-kit delivery companies in Canada, and in my opinion the very best one when it comes to a combination of value, service, and meal variety. However, there are probably still people out there who have never heard of Chef’s Plate before or know what this type of service is, so if that is you, here’s a quick run down of what Chef’s Plate is all about.

Chef’s Plate is a meal-kit delivery service where you order off a weekly menu from their website, pick various recipes you want to try and make for yourself, and within a few clicks of your mouse you’ll have set up a drop-off time where a box of all the necessary ingredients needed for your recipes will be picked out and delivered straight to your door! You can skip going to the grocery store and have a full meal prepared in a fraction of the time because the ingredients are also pre-portioned. Just follow the simple laid-out steps in the accompanying recipe cards and have a delicious home-made meal prepared in 15 to 30 minutes!

As I mentioned earlier, one of the strengths of Chef’s Plate is they don’t have just generic recipes. The revolving door of weekly recipes to try are always innovative and delicious, that touches upon every cultural cuisine possible. You’ll never get bored because there’s always something new and unique you haven’t seen before.

For example, take one of the most popular dishes out there - Butter Chicken. Most people have eaten Butter Chicken before or at least have heard of the dish, but the great thing about Chef’s Plate is they often times love to put their own unique spin on a classic dish. Now of course there are times where you need to stick with the classic formula, but when you’re at home and want to experiment and get exposed to new flavours and ingredients, why not choose something that you probably would have never made yourself. And it’s fool proof when you have step-by-step instructions in your recipe card to follow.

And for those reasons that’s why I was immediately drawn to their “Indian Style Butter Halloumi with Basmati Rice” recipe. A vegetarian twist on Butter Chicken (and I’m not even vegetarian!), but I do love me some Halloumi cheese! If you’re just as intrigued as me, I’m here to share one of my favourite Chef’s Plate recipes I’ve come across. And the great thing about ordering from Chef’s Plate is you get to keep those recipe cards and re-make the dish again and again for friends and family. Have a try for yourself and let me know if you like this Butter Chicken recipe - with a twist!

Indian-Style Butter Halloumi with Basmati Rice

Ingredients

Halloumi Cheese - 200 g
Sweet Bell Pepper - 160 g
Garlic Cloves - 1 unit
Crushed Tomatoes - 200 ml
Tomato Sauce Base - 2 tbsp
Cream - 56 ml
Basmati Rice - 3/4 cup
Yellow Onion - 113 g
Indian Spice Blend - 1 tbsp
Cilantro - 7 g
Mild Curry Paste - 2 tbsp

Directions

1) Gather all your tools, wash and dry all produce and then start the recipe. To a medium pot, add rice and 1 1/4 cups water (double for 4 portions). Season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 min, until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Stir in 2 tbsp butter (double for 4 portions). Set aside for 5 min, off heat and still covered.

2) Meanwhile, rinse halloumi, then pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Peel, then cut onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel, then mince or grate garlic. Finely chop cilantro.

3) In a large non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add halloumi. NOTE: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook halloumi in 2 batches for 4 portions, using 1 tbsp butter per batch!) Cook for 1-2 min per side, until golden-brown. Transfer halloumi to a plate and set aside.

4) To the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil (double for 4 portions), onions and peppers. Cook for 2-3 min, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Add Indian Spice Blend, curry paste and garlic. Cook for 30 sec-1 min, stirring often, until fragrant.

5) To the same pan, add tomato sauce base, crushed tomatoes, cream and 1/2 cup water (double for 4 portions). Bring to boil over high. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 3-4 min, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

6) To the curry, stir in halloumi. Season with salt and pepper. Serve rice with halloumi and butter sauce over top. Sprinkle with cilantro. Enjoy!