We love the city of Toronto for many reasons, but one of them is that it is truly the most cosmopolitan city in the world. Cultures and nations from around the globe gather in this hub of business, arts and innovation, infusing the city with inspiring flavours and ever-changing tastes and menus. There are endless opportunities to discover the city’s culinary treasures, and one such delightful event took place just a couple of weeks ago in the Distillery District as a part of Luminato.

Above image via Toronto Life (photographer: Igor Yu)

During 1000 Tastes of Toronto, these cobblestone streets are transformed for one weekend, filled with tents representing 40 of Toronto’s top chefs, each offering distinctly unique dishes all for only $5 per plate. I love the long, family-style tables that are set up throughout the District for people to sit together with friends and strangers alike as they savour the flavours of the city. There’s such a community feel to the set up! Makes me long for a good old fashioned family-style outdoor dinner party sometime soon.

Here are some of the dishes and chefs that captured our attention as we wandered:

Chicken, brie + roasted red pepper sandwiches on Ace Bakery baguettes from Santaguida Fine Foods.

Samosa’s and an insanely fragrant sweet potato curry from Amaya Indian Restaurant.

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls with Chipotle Aoili from LEE by Susur Lee.
Bacon Sliders from Enville Catering + Events.

Freshly shucked oysters or deep fried clams from Rodney’s Oyster House.

The wood-fired pizzas from Queen Margherita Pizza showed how fresh and simple ingredients can create a line up around the block.

But the longest line up BY FAR was for Chippy’s Fish & Chips. This was what my guys decided to go for and they LOVED it! They said it was well worth the wait, and I’m pretty sure Chippy’s made a killing over the weekend.
 
While my guys were savouring their fish & chips, I went for the braised lamb shank that was prepared by the team at President’s Choice. $5 lamb shanks! Come on. What’s not to love? It was so tender, juicy, flavourful and delicious that I’m going to have to try to reduplicate it soon. I’ll work on something in the kitchen and get back to you with a recipe if it works out!

If you haven’t already explored the Distillery District, don’t wait for the next 1000 Tastes of Toronto event! Just book a date with a friend who enjoys the art of discovery and spend an afternoon exploring. The wide, cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, furniture makers, restaurants and cafés are always calling out for a leisurely stroll and the surprise of what inspiration might await you around the next corner.

xo
s.