Toronto - Food & Drink Issue by Destination Toronto

NEIGHBOURHOOD DINING | CELEBRITY CHEFS | TOP BRUNCHES | FAMILY FARE

#SEETORONTONOW

THE

FOOD & DRINK ISSUE

EAT HERE NOW! BELLY UP TO TORONTO’S DYNAMIC FOOD SCENE

CONTENTS

THE

FOOD & DRINK ISSUE

TOURISM TORONTO

Chair of the Board Peter Doyle President & CEO Johanne R. Bélanger Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Weir Editorial Director: Director, Brand Content Paula Port Managing Editor: Content Manager Cathy Riches

BOOKMARK CONTENT

14 03 WELCOME Dig into one of the world’s premiere foodie hotspots. 04 FEST WITH THE BEST Bite into Toronto’s regional cuisine on your next vacation. 06 HOW TO EAT... Our step-by-step guide that will have you eating ramen like a pro. 07 BRUNCH SPOTS Slow down this Sunday and graze like a local. 10 HOT ’HOODS Here’s where local foodies eat, sip and shop in three delicious ’hoods. 13 CHEF’S PICK Ever wonder where notable chefs eat out?

FEATURES

14 MEAT UP! Dress comfortably: you’re going to want to make room for dinner. 20 EAT THE CITY Four of Toronto’s leading chefs give us the lowdown on what makes our culinary culture sizzle.

SECOND SERVINGS

24 TOP FAMILY RESTAURANTS Toronto boasts a smorgasbord of dining choices for hungry, hungry families. Here are six great options locals swear by. 25 DARK MAGIC Get ready for grownup fun. When night falls, the stars come out, DJs spin, and the city’s lounge scene kicks into high gear. 26 FAN FARE Where to catch our teams on home turf, ice and hardwood, plus where to chow down and fuel up like a fan. 28 CRAFT CRAWL Taste the city in five beers. Here’s where to sample some must-try local brews, plus a step-by-step guide to getting there by TTC or on foot. 30 SHORT ORDERS Small-plates cuisine goes casual.

Published by Tourism Toronto Queen’s Quay Terminal, Suite 405, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5J 1A7 Tel: 416-203-2600 Fax: 416-203-6753

32 A MOVEABLE FEAST Guided tasting tours enhance the shop-dine experience. 33 LIST SERVE Here are our top five picks for the best places to sip, savour, and see and be seen. 34 DINE & FLY 10 best places to grab a quick bite or a stellar meal at YYZ. www.SeeTorontoNow.com

ON THE COVER

Visit Duncan Street hot spot Pai for authentic northern Thai food in the heart of the Entertainment District. PHOTO BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

CONNECT WITH US

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PHOTO: K AYLA CHOBOTIUK

UPFRONT

Editorial Executive Editor Amanda Eaton Deputy Editor Yuki Hayashi Contributors Jamie Bradburn, Suresh Doss, Sarah B. Hood, Karen Kwan, Tara Nolan, Simone Olivero, Doug O’Neill, Helen Racanelli, Robin Stevenson, Corinna vanGerwen Art Art Director Adam Cholewa Photo Editor Kayla Chobotiuk Operations Production Director Joelle Irvine Production Manager Felipe Batista Nunes Proofreaders Jennifer Krissilas, Nicole Gottselig Account Management Associate Account Director Lena Hesse Account Manager Marc Tavas

HUNGRY? PERFECT: Toronto has incredible culinary experiences for every taste. A true food lover’s city, Toronto offers boundless options from sun-up until way past sundown. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sumptuous, multi-course tasting menu, the city’s kitchens are renowned for their global influences and extraordinary cooking talent. Toronto’s thriving bar, lounge and club culture contribute to a vibrant nightlife, while buzzing café and craft-brewery scenes offer the perfect inroads to neighbourhood exploration. Our Food & Drink guide presents the best of the city’s culinary scene, so you can make the most of your visit to one of the world’s exciting foodie cities. Welcome to Toronto—we hope you brought your appetite!

PHOTO: GABRIELE STABILE

Momofuku Noodle Bar serves up modern Asian flavour, PG. 16

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UPFRONT

FEST WITH THE BEST

Bite into Toronto’s culinary culture. With year-round food, wine and beer festivals, as well as city-wide restaurant events like Summerlicious and Winterlicious, it’s deliciously easy to sample the best of our regional cuisine on your next vacation.

One of Torontonians’ fave dining events, the annual Summerlicious festival (Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 23, 2017) brings affordability to fine dining. For standard prix fixe rates, diners can sample three-course lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 of the city’s best restaurants. Insiders hit the phones early to snag reservations—and steals—at the city’s ritzier establishments, but restaurants at every price point participate (the prix fixes are accordingly offered at three price points). Past participants have included high-end heavy hitters like Annona, Bymark, Canoe, Mistura and Momofuku Daishō. Follow @LiciousTO on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, so you’ll know the moment Summerlicious 2017 restaurant lists and menus are available online, and so you can book your table, stat.

Taste of Toronto With its roster of world-class chefs, top restaurants, and 60+ exhibitors, four-year-old Taste of Toronto (Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18, 2017) has fast become one of the city’s must-attend foodie events. Savour from among more than 80 dishes from participating restaurants, browse market stalls and take in cooking demos and classes or music acts. The alfresco festival’s location at the memorably scenic Fort York National Historic Site, the historic barracks known as the “birthplace of urban Toronto,” gives the event added cultural intrigue, especially for visitors. TASTEOFTORONTO.COM

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PHOTOS: GEORGE PIMENTEL (TASTE OF TORONTO); GIZELLE LAU (TORONTO BEER WEEK)

Summerlicious

Toronto Beer Week Say cheers to our region’s craft beer scene. Toronto Beer Week (Friday, September 15 through Saturday, September 23, 2017) celebrates the hops and dreams of 35 craft brewers and brewpubs. With more than 75 participating bars, pubs and restaurants (including insider faves Amsterdam BrewHouse and Mill Street Brew Pub), it’s a breeze to organize the ultimate craft beer crawl. TORONTOBEERWEEK.COM

#BeerLove If you can relate to the event hashtag, consider the three-day Toronto’s Festival of Beer (Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30, 2017), a must on your summer social calendar. The festivities take place at Exhibition Place’s breezy Bandshell Park (not far from the waterfront), and include music headliners Sloan, plus live grilling demos, culinary stations and more. Love beer? Here’s your chance to sample brewskis from local, Canadian and international breweries, big and small. BEERFESTIVAL.CA

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo For those who pride themselves on staying on the cutting edge of wine and cocktail trends, the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (Thursday, November 16 through Sunday, November 19, 2017) is the place to sip, sample and savour. From tutored wine tastings to a tasting bar, the show’s focus is on wine, spirits and craft beer. But you won’t go hungry here: a gastro stage and dozens of gourmet food exhibitors keep guests well fed. FOODANDWINEEXPO.CA

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UPFRONT

HOW TO EAT… RAMEN

Toronto is a rich stew of ethnic diversity, and so too are the city’s food options. Want to try something new but are feeling a little intimidated? Here’s our step-by-step guide that will have you eating ramen like a pro.

Take a moment to breathe in the delicious umami scent. It’s good for your sinuses, but it’s even better for your soul.

Eat noodles first. The noodles soak up the flavour of the broth, so be prepared for a full mouth experience.

Pick up the chopsticks. Ramen isn’t the watery broth you make out of a packet when you have a cold, it’s a full noodle experience that requires proper utensils.

Slurp away. Diners are expected to slurp their ramen, so don’t be afraid of making some noise, loud and proud.

Daydream of next bowl. With so many different kinds of ramen, your tastebuds will never get bored.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

Enjoy the broth. Finish your flavourful journey by savouring the rich broth.

Check out SeeTorontoNow.com for more in our series of fun “how-to” guides to help you navigate the featured dish!

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Eat the other toppings. Once you’re done with the noodles, tuck into the other delicious parts of the ramen like menma (bamboo shoots), negi (shredded onions) or moyashi (bean sprouts).

WAKE UP TO TORONTO’S BEST BRUNCH SPOTS

PHOTOS: AYNGELINA BROGAN/FLICKR (MILDRED’S TEMPLE KITCHEN)

Torontonians live to brunch. Restaurants and cafés across the city serve up classics like omelettes, pancakes and eggs Benedict, plus global dishes from around the world, all weekend long. Slow down this Sunday and graze like a local at one of Toronto’s brunch hot spots.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen Dedicated to providing warmth, great service and a unique culinary experience, Mildred’s is known for their freshly baked scones and biscuits. A diverse menu of exquisitely prepared brunch options guarantees you will leave Mildred’s with a full belly. Quench your thirst with one of their delectable tea blends or freshly squeezed juices. 85 HANNA AVE. @SeeTorontoNow

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MUST-TRY ITEMS • SCONES •M ILDRED’S FAMOUS CRUNCHY GRANOLA • HUEVOS MONTY

FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

UPFRONT

Rose and Sons You may have to wait in line to have brunch at this bustling restaurant opened by Anthony Rose and Chris Sanderson, but it’s well worth the wait. Aside from delicious food—with unique options such as fried chicken and grits—Rose and Sons also boasts stylish diner-style décor. 176 DUPONT ST.

MUST-TRY ITEMS • FRIED CHICKEN AND GRITS • ALL DAY BREAKFAST • COCA-COLA BRISKET BJ’S CORNBREAD

One of the hippest brunch spots in Little Portugal, Saving Grace has perpetual lineups on weekends—and for good reason. With fresh salads, crispy French toast and savoury options like poached eggs and sandwiches, Saving Grace has something to offer everyone. Aim to show up 15 to 20 minutes before the restaurant opens at 10 a.m. to secure a seat. 907 DUNDAS ST. W.

MUST-TRY ITEMS • FRENCH TOAST WITH CARAMELIZED BANANAS AND MAPLE SYRUP • RAJASTHANI EGGS • ANGELA SANDWICH

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PHOTOS: K AYLA CHOBOTIUK (SAVING GRACE); ERIC SEHR/FLICKR (LESLIEVILLE)

Saving Grace

Lady Marmalade Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood is known for its abundance of brunch spots, and Lady Marmalade is among the best it has to offer. Dig into dishes prepared from freshly sourced local ingredients while admiring the art on the walls. Be sure to ask about the weekend special. 898 QUEEN ST. E.

MUST-TRY ITEMS •H UEVOS RANCHERITOS •L ADY MARMALADE BENNIES •C REPE CROQUE MONSIEUR

LANDMARK CAFÉS

Exploring the city sights? Here’s where to grab a java nearby.  SIGHTSEEING AT The Distillery Historic District  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Balzac’s Coffee Roasters Café (1 Trinity St.)  SIGHTSEEING AT KoreaTown  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Snakes & Lattes (600 Bloor St. W.)  SIGHTSEEING AT Kensington Market  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Jimmy’s Coffee (191 Baldwin St.)  SIGHTSEEING AT Queen Street West cultural district/Trinity Bellwoods Park  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT White Squirrel Coffee Shop (907 Queen St. W.)  SIGHTSEEING AT Queen Street West cultural district/Trinity Bellwoods Park  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Nadège Patisserie (780 Queen St. W.)  SIGHTSEEING AT Riverside  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Dark Horse Espresso Bar (630 Queen St. E.)

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 SIGHTSEEING AT Little Italy  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Café Diplomatico (594 College St.)  SIGHTSEEING AT Yorkville  TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT Zaza Espresso Bar (75 Yorkville Ave.)

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UPFRONT

NEIGHBOURHOOD EATS

Here’s where local foodies eat, sip and shop in three delicious ’hoods.

SOUTH CORE

This bustling South Core neighbourhood around Union Station, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre includes the city’s central business and entertainment districts. Accordingly, there’s a lot to choose from on the culinary front, from luxe financial hot-shot hangouts to casual sports bars and vibrant lounges—not to mention drool-worthy gourmet shops.

FOR A COFFEE BREAK Enjoy coffee with a view at We Brew Café (225 Queens Quay W.), a mod coffee shop (with patio) right on the Lake Ontario waterfront.

FOR A SIT-DOWN MEAL The SOCO Kitchen + Bar (75 Lower Simcoe St.) channels the contemporary vibe of the neighbourhood it’s named after. For upscale dining, book a table at Harbour Sixty Steakhouse (60 Harbour St.), known for its steak and seafood.

E11ven Union Station

PHOTO: LODOE LAURA (UNION STATION)

FOR DRINKS A renowned restaurant in its own right, E11even (15 York St.) boasts an extra-long communal table, ideal for après-conference or pre-show drinks and conversation. Choose from 40 wines by the glass.

FOR THE PERFECT FOODIE SOUVENIR The Union Pearson Express outpost of the Drake General Store (61 Front St. W.) offers cool-kid souvenirs, including quirky tableware, Canadian-made candy and maple syrup.

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Remely’s

SCARBOROUGH

This east-end district is a hotbed of authentic ethnic dining, courtesy of the Greater Toronto Area’s East Asian and Caribbean diaspora. (In fact, some foodies consider it to be the best ethnic food suburb in the world.) Although it is home to a variety of international cuisine restaurants, Scarborough is where Toronto foodies flock for excellent Filipino, Indian, and Hakka-, Szechuan, and Uighur-style Chinese food.

FOR A COFFEE BREAK If you love your coffee with homemade, Austrian-style pastries (and who doesn’t?), set your GPS for Gerhard’s Cafe (1085 Bellamy Rd. N.).

FOR A SIT-DOWN MEAL Filipino food is h-o-t among foodies; find out what the fuss is all about at Remely’s (4830 Sheppard Ave. E.). Lamb kabobs steal the show at Xin Jiang (3636 Steeles Ave. E.), known for Northern Chinese food with peppery bite. For a unique take on weekend brunch, head to Saravanaa Bhavan (Woodside Square, 1571 Sandhurst Circle)

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Nicey’s Take Out for a South Indian–style breakfast buffet. To taste the results of 30-plus years of Caribbean jerk expertise, order up at Nicey’s Take Out (54A Moracambe Gate).

FOR DRINKS With their chic, lounge-y vibe, dozens of hot and cold tea-based drinks and desserts, tea rooms beat bars in this

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neck of the woods. Jump on the Taiwanese-style bubble tea bandwagon at Green Grotto (385 Silver Star Blvd.).

FOR THE PERFECT FOODIE SOUVENIR Head to Al Premium Food Mart (1970 Eglinton Ave. E.) for cool-looking Asian cookies, candies and sauces to bring back home with you.

FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

UPFRONT

Byzantium

CHURCHWELLESLEY VILLAGE

Home to Toronto’s LGBTQ community, the ChurchWellesley neighbourhood is known for its plethora of bars, lounges, restaurants and cafés, many with patios, perfect for warm-weather people-watching. Whether you seek a quick coffee, a multi-course dinner or a martini flight, this is the ’hood to find it.

FOR A COFFEE BREAK

FOR A SIT-DOWN MEAL Byzantium (499 Church St.) is the grand dame of Toronto’s restaurant-slash-martini-bars—it was the first, and many say, it’s still the best.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

Fabarnak But it’s also a stellar finedining establishment, with an eclectic menu and chic backyard patio. For a lazy weekend brunch, head to Hair of the Dog (425 Church St.).

FOR DRINKS For a fine, well-priced martini, head to Boutique Bar

(506 Church St.), or get your groove on at Crews & Tangos (508 Church St.) next door.

FOR THE PERFECT FOODIE SOUVENIR Bring home some local preserves or baked goodies from All The Best Fine Foods (483 Church St.).

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PHOTO: PAULA WILSON (BYZANTIUM)

Fabarnak (519 Church St.) isn’t just a great café to grab your morning latte; it’s also a social-enterprise initiative that provides job training to individuals with employment barriers, who work under professional chefs and front-of-house staff.

CHEF’S PICK Ever wonder where notable chefs eat out?

We asked Christina Tosi, MasterChef judge and owner/baker of Toronto’s Milk Bar, where she brings out-of-town visitors.

Buca

“Love the vibe, and love knowing I can duck in and grab a killer bowl of pasta done right and open a bottle of Barolo. Sometimes I sit indoors, but I love the outdoor evening people-watching, too. It’s consistent and killer every time.”

PHOTOS: WINNIE AU (CHEF CHRISTINA TOSI); RICK O’BRIEN (BUCA); K AYLA CHOBOTIUK (DUMPLING HOUSE); JOHN CULLEN (BAR ISABEL)

604 KING ST. W.

Bar Isabel

“I love the old-world spirit of the place, and I love octopus, but don’t often love it out. Except for here! The pan con tomate, the patatas bravas! Love the tapasmeets-entrees vision of the place. It’s transportive in its food and charm. And the cocktails are pretty killer, too.” 797 COLLEGE ST.

Dumpling House

“I need very little else in this world. I go so far as to eat it multiple days in a row. I walk over for lunch and dinner and walk back. It’s the perfect, most soothing and delicious routine.” Christina’s pick: lamb dumplings. 328 SPADINA AVE.

FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder

Meat up!

BY AMY ROSEN PHOTO BY PAULA WILSON

am lounging at one of a dozen picnic tables on a bustling Parkdale patio, friends in tow. There are pretty umbrellas and twinkling string lights and, in front of us, plates piled sky high with food. The guys at the neighbouring table want to know what we’re eating, so we offer them a couple of unctuous, sticky ribs and crispy fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese by way of explanation. They pour us beer, and suddenly there’s laughter and messy faces, fried chicken and collard greens, and we’re all having a grand old time enjoying great food and good cheer. Just a few years ago, this scenario wouldn’t have happened: remember when fine dining used to mean starched tablecloths and sitting straight? Yet Electric Mud BBQ (electricmudbbq.com) is just one in a lineup of new Toronto restaurants enlivening the city’s dining scene by pumping up the food—and the fun. Mostly casual, ever eclectic, helmed by young chefs and serviced by waiters in plaid and bartenders with interesting facial hair, Toronto’s restaurant scene has changed so much so fast that one can barely remember what it tasted like before. And from BBQ joints to power steaks, burger bars to nose-to-tail eateries, meat is the heart of the matter.

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FOOD ST YLING BY CHANTAL PAYETTE

DRESS COMFORTABLY—YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO MAKE ROOM FOR DINNER.

Porchetta & Co.

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St. Lawrence Market

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FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

Momofuku Noodle Bar

PORKING OUT

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Electric Mud BBQ (banhmiboys.com) serves one of the most crave-worthy dishes in town: a winning mashup of French loaves, grilled pork belly, kimchi and optional Kewpie Japanese mayo.

LOCAVORE TASTES

But you’d be wrong to think that Toronto is all about bacon on a bun. The locavore movement has been a driving force behind both kitchen creativity and the ingredients on the plate. Many chefs are personal friends with their farmers and butchers, which leads to more faith in the products and, in turn, using every last bit of the animal. Thoughtful ingredients and creativity are also top of mind—and seasonal menu—at locavore favourites like Edulis (edulisrestaurant.com), which serves braised cockscomb. Parts & Labour (partsandlabour.ca) and Beast (thebeastrestaurant.com) offer whole-animal www.SeeTorontoNow.com

PHOTO: GABRIELE STABILE (MOMOFUKU NOODLE BAR)

“Why not pork? It’s delicious. It’s magical. It’s amazing!” says Porchetta & Co.’s (porchettaco.com) owner, Nick auf der Mauer. His Dundas Street West restaurant specializes in one thing only: marinated pork shoulder wrapped in prosciutto and pork belly before being slow roasted to a cracklin’ finish and sliced into hefty sandwiches. “I wanted to do something with pork that nobody else was doing, and I feel Porchetta & Co. resonates with a lot of people.” It certainly did with culinary crown prince Anthony Bourdain, who featured it on his show The Layover. “I don’t know if the concept would have worked five years ago, but Toronto now has some of the best food in the country, and in my own little way I like to think Porchetta & Co. has contributed to our city’s nickname,” says auf der Mauer. He’s referring to Hogtown, so named for the smell that once wafted down Front Street from Old Toronto’s 19th-century abattoirs (the city was once a major pork processing centre). Today, his shop is filled with an aroma so heavenly it’s sure to give the nickname even more longevity. But he’s not the only one dishing out pork for the masses. Pig is also big at the aforementioned Electric Mud BBQ via everything from pork rinds to so-called crack rolls, which are white buns smothered in pork drippings. Momofuku Noodle Bar (momofuku.com) steams up soft pork belly buns, while the venerable Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market keeps turning out their peameal bacon sandwiches. Meanwhile, Queen Street West’s Banh Mi Boys

cookery, which includes pig head tasso, tongues, pork hocks and venison. A passionate Toronto chef who thinks that local food “cooks better, looks better and tastes better,” especially when it comes to meat, is David Lee of Queen Street West’s Nota Bene (notabenerestaurant.com). “Cumbrae’s côte de boeuf is the mother of all steaks,” says Lee of Stephen Alexander’s celebrated butcher shop mini-chain, a go-to for some of the city’s top toques. “I’ve visited the Cumbrae farms, and the animals there are very happy and well fed. And the meat is dry aged on the bone, which makes all the difference,” he adds. Though Nota Bene is known for its extravagant dry-aged steaks, onion rings and creative “in-betweens” (smoked chicken soup with goji berries, tuna tartare, etc.), the emphasis is always on local and seasonal. It’s one of a number of next-generation steak houses, among them Richmond Station (richmondstation.ca), Marben (marbenrestaurant. com), Jacobs & Co. (jacobssteakhouse.com) and Bymark (bymark.mcewangroup.ca). At Bestellen (bestellen.ca), where the dry-aging meats can be seen through a refrigerator window in the middle of the buzzy College Street restaurant, the menu includes beef tartare and the Bestellen burger. The menu isn’t light, but it’s thoughtful enough to include some veggie options (baby kale salad and pasta). Another favourite is executive chef Teo Paul’s UNION (union72.ca) on Ossington, which looks like a Parisian bistro in small-town Ontario: beautiful and endearing. Same goes for the Ontarioraised juicy, fatty, honest, earthy côte de boeuf, with amazing frites and local vegetables.

BURGER LAND

But if I’m really being honest— and of course I am!—when I’ve got a craving for meat, my go-to gotta-have-it is a big fat burger. Luckily for me, Toronto’s in the midst of an all-out burger war, with no end in sight. Thankfully, in this war we’re all the victors, as most of the burger joints specialize in fresh beef, great fries…and extra napkins. The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder’s (thestockyards.ca) burgers hit the spot with griddle-smashed flair. Yet it’s The Burger’s Priest (theburgerspriest.com) that gets the Holy Trinity of freshly ground, griddled patties, cheese and bun down to perfection, making believers of even the biggest skeptics. The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder

PHOTOS: PAULA WILSON (STOCK YARDS); K AYLA CHOBOTIUK (BESTELLEN)

Bestellen

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FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

BBQ FEVER

Barque Smokehouse

With Wet-Naps in hand and barbecue sauce on face, we end this culinary romp where we began, with lowand-slow-cooked meat on our plates and a song in our hearts. Because the biggest thing happening in Toronto right now is downhome, rib-sticking BBQ. Be it my favourite brisket from Leslieville Pumps (leslievillepumps.com), Barque Smokehouse’s (barque.ca) sampler platters of smoky goodness, or the mobile BBQ that is Hogtown Smoke (twitter.com/hogtownsmoke), the city’s first food truck with on-board smoker, most diners agree BBQ is key to the city’s meat renaissance. Locals engage in heated debates about who’s got the best BBQ in town, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: Toronto’s not a city you’ll leave hungry.

VEGAN CITY

Woody Harrelson likes Toronto’s food. And there’s a reason for that: the yoga-loving thespian is a vegan, and there’s no city with more creative vegan food than here.

i Vegan comfort food spot

The Hogtown Vegan (hogtownvegan.com) is the type of place where you can trick your carnivore friends into eating crispy soy “wings,” chili “cheese” fries and shiitake fried “clams” (you’ll find there are a lot of air quotes in vegan cuisine).

i Live Organic Food Bar

(livefoodbar.com) and Rawlicious (rawlicious.ca) take things one step further by dishing up raw cuisine (meaning no ingredients have been cooked above 48˚C/118˚F).

i Then there’s Bunner’s

i The stalwart Urban

Herbivore (herbivore.to) has super-tasty BLTs, in this case smoked coconut “bacon,” lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

Rawlicious

i But let’s say you’re a

vegetarian and not a vegan. Then, my friend, the city is your oyster (mushroom). Toronto is so veggie friendly that most restaurants offer at least a few vegetarian dishes. If you’re a strict vegetarian,

your first stop should be Fresh (freshrestaurants.ca), but then do stop by Hawker Bar (hawkerbar.com), which boasts Singaporean street food, like vegetarian laksa with banana fritters for dessert.

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PHOTO: ROHIT SETH (RAWLICIOUS)

(bunners.ca) and Kensington Natural Bakery (kensingtonnaturalbakery.ca) for baked all-vegan treats.

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TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

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Four of Toronto’s leading chefs give us the lowdown on what makes our culinary culture sizzle.

David Lee

BY SURESH DOSS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Nuit Regular

ver the last decade, chef David Lee has been credited with putting Toronto on the culinary map. His oeuvre ranges from fine dining (Splendido) to the contemporary and distinctly anti-white-tablecloth Nota Bene, which he opened in 2008. He’s shifting gears once again with his latest project, Planta, an upscale plant-based restaurant in Yorkville. Toronto’s Thai food obsession has matured during the past 10 years, thanks mainly to Nuit Regular. The executive chef and co-owner of Sukhothai, Pai and Sabai Sabai moved to Canada 11 years ago and has been fervently converting the masses to the wonders of traditional Thai cooking practically ever since. Regular has singlehandedly expanded Toronto’s palate beyond pad Thai. Donna Dooher, chef and co-owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, is largely credited for kick-starting Toronto’s brunch craze nearly three decades ago. Dooher put her 30-plus years of expertise to good use authoring two cookbooks, the bestselling Market to Table and the award-winning Out to Brunch with Mildred Pierce. A former pastry chef, Elia Herrera has had a culinary career that has placed her in some of Toronto’s most revered kitchens, including those of Canoe and Mistura. Today, she’s executive chef at Los Colibris (Mexican fine dining) and El Caballito (Mexican casual). @SeeTorontoNow

Part chef, part ambassador, Herrera focuses on introducing palates to authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Though distinct in their respective approaches, Lee, Regular, Dooher and Herrera have all raised the bar on the city’s dining scene, making names for themselves in the process. We sat down with the four chefs to get the lowdown on what makes our chefs tick and our foodies talk. You’ve all been cooking in Toronto for many years. How have you seen the city evolve? DAVID LEE: Ten years ago, restaurants were fairly generic. They were all wearing one hat, and no one was really focusing on things like charcuterie or plant-based food. Now there are specific restaurants—chefs are narrowing the type of food they want to serve. ELIA HERRERA: People are adventurous now, compared with a decade ago. We go out to eat for fun, and we go out often. I notice that my diners are willing to spend more money for the full experience. NUIT REGULAR: When I first moved here, I found that people didn’t really know about authentic Thai food. When I started cooking, people would question it because they didn’t believe me that it was authentic Thai! It was a struggle to show people how traditional dishes were made. Over the years, people started to get more and more educated about international food.

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Donna Dooher Elia Herrera

What defines Toronto’s food culture? NR: Toronto’s strength is its diversity. When I moved to Canada 11 years ago, I got the chance to try so many different types of foods, from Ethiopian to Indian. Everywhere you go, there are so many different cultures represented in food. FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

DONNA DOOHER: The diversity of the city, for sure. Our country’s open arms welcome new cultures that bring wonderful flavours to the nation’s table. DL: It’s the story of migration and of people moving from place to place and bringing something along with them. Especially young chefs: they travel a lot and bring back a lot of inspiration with them. It’s also the nature of genetics in Toronto: there are a lot of people cooking what they were taught—what their grandmothers cook.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen Pai

Is there a “Toronto flavour”? DL: Our flavour keeps changing. It’s changed a lot in the last 10 years and continues to change. But I think multiculturalism is at the core. NR: Toronto’s food scene is reflective of the people who live here and who want to share their culture. There are a lot of Asian communities, so there’s so much Asian food! We have so many different foods, it just shows us how diverse Toronto is. EH: People are definitely more educated about food now than they were a few years ago. So I would say that there is no specific flavour, but there is a mix of flavours from various backgrounds. Where do chefs and restaurant types gather after their shifts end? DL: We [Lee and staff] go out a few times a year, usually to Chinatown. Peoples Eatery has great cocktails. My staff love it. I’m also a big fan of pho, so I go to Pho Tien Thanh, at Ossington. NR: We [Regular and staff] love to go to places on Dundas West near Ossington. We go to Hanmoto a lot for snacks and drinks. Kensington Market reminds me of home, so I love it there as well. And we also like the Entertainment District, because it’s walking distance from Pai, and at the end of the night, we enjoy getting drinks and snacks while hanging out with our staff. DD: When I first came to Toronto in 1984, the booze cans were

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

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Los Colibris

popular with the after-hours scene and Liberty Village was not what we know today. The Orbit Room was always a favourite, as was the Bovine Sex Club. Now I go home to bed. [Laughs.] What are Toronto’s best foodiepleasing neighbourhoods? EH: Kensington Market! It’s so amazing: it’s become Little Mexico. DL: I’m fascinated with the casual, cool feel of the west end, from Bar Raval westward [West Queen West, The Junction, etc.]. The food scene has developed so much there. We are living in the age of independent restaurants, and the west end is the breeding ground for a lot of little hipster restaurants. DD: I’ve always lived in the west end. Before Roncesvalles was hip, it was chockablock with eastern-European restaurants, @SeeTorontoNow

food shops and bakeries. Many have moved along, but a few of the good ones still offer great borscht and cabbage rolls. Where do you eat with your family? NR: I am lucky that my kids like to be adventurous with food. They want to try different things. We go to Little India for family meals, or sometimes we will go to Chinatown. DD: Our kids have grown up in the restaurant business, so they know and love great food. We’re always trying out new places. From diners to white tablecloths, we love it all. What’s next for Toronto? DL: Plant-based eating is going to take off—not to be trendy, but rather that people will realize that it’s inevitable that we are conscious of what we eat. I think full-service restaurants

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will start to come back as well: restaurants that have good acoustics, where you can hear yourself having a conversation. NR: We’ll see more microregionalization of food. People don’t want a country’s food anymore—they want food from a specific city or village. People also want to see refined international food, not just street food. EH: We’re going to see more fusion-style food, with cultures mixing and inventing new styles here in Toronto. This is especially so with the young chefs, who are learning and cooking with one another. DD: Toronto is an incubator for hospitality innovation. Toronto, as well as the rest of the country, is a food and agriculture mecca. We grow, process and cook some of the very best. FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS

6 family restaurants locals love Sightseeing works up an appetite! Luckily, Toronto boasts a smorgasbord of dining choices for hungry, hungry families. Here are six great options locals swear by.

QUEEN MARGHERITA PIZZA 1402 QUEEN STREET EAST, AND OTHER LOCATIONS

“We love the pizza, the wine list, the generally speedy service – plus crayons, colouring pages and kids’ menus. But mostly the excellent pizza!” KID PICK: PIZZA!

–Tamara Robbins Griffith

THE SENATOR

249 VICTORIA ST.

“It’s old-school Toronto and close to everything. We love the cool, diner vibe. We usually go to the Senator, then head over to the Eaton Centre or City Hall.”

KID PICKS: BUTTERMILK PANCAKES OR GRILLED MAC AND CHEESE

–Robin Stevenson

QUICK BITES

Great ways to taste Toronto while you’re on the run. moderately priced. It’s a bit of an institution with multigeneration families. I like the open face tuna melt.”

The vegetarianfriendly banh mi sub is a delicious mix of Vietnamese and French flavours.

-Jennifer Potts

KID PICK: MACARONI AND CHEESE

JAWNY BAKERS

804 O’CONNOR DRIVE

TERRONI

57A ADELAIDE ST. EAST, PLUS OTHER LOCATIONS

“The ambiance is great: it’s always hopping so you don’t have to worry about your kids making noise. The menu has so many delicious dishes. Finally, it’s an adult restaurant, so I don’t feel like I’m compromising my dining experience to go out with my family.” KID PICKS: PIZZA, TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE, GNOCCHI

–Danielle Bianco Eveleigh

UNITED BAKERS DAIRY RESTAURANT 506 LAWRENCE AVE WEST

“A classic, old-school diner with a large menu with lots of choices, quick service, generous portions and it’s

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

“The food quality is consistent and they are geared towards families, with a relaxed environment. They offer crayons and colouring pages as well as kids menus.” KID PICKS: RIBS, PASTA

-Stephan Howard

BARRIO COREANO 642 BLOOR ST WEST

“It’s so unexpected, because it’s a full “grown-up” restaurant, with amazing food and a trendy vibe, but they make child-friendly versions (i.e. no spice) of their dishes. Plus, the staff are so nice to children! Going at kids’ dinner time – 6 p.m. – makes it way easier to get a table!” KID PICKS: QUESADILLA, CHURROS, DULCE DE LECHE

–Rebecca Zamon

TRY: NGUYEN HUONG FOOD CO (322 SPADINA AVE)

What could be better than a hot pastry pocket filled with gently spiced meats and veggies, Central American style? TRY: JUMBO EMPANADA (245 AUGUSTA AVE)

Nosh on oldschool Jewishdeli classics like smoked meat and Swiss on rye. TRY: CAPLANSKY FOOD TRUCK (@CAPLANSKYTRUCK FOR LOCATION)

Grab a dozen deep-fried Indian samosas: they disappear quickly, especially when paired with sweet tamarind dipping sauce! TRY: MOTI MAHAL (1422 GERRARD ST EAST)

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PHOTOS: ISTOCK (TOP); DYLAN + JENI (TERRONI)

Terroni

King Street West

Dark magic

Get ready for grown-up fun.

PHOTOS: CANADIAN TOURISM COMMISSION (KING STREET); GEORGE PIMENTEL (THE ONE EIGHT Y); ANNA ENCHEVA (LULA LOUNGE); JOE FUDA (REPOSADO)

When night falls, the stars come out, DJs spin, and the city’s lounge scene kicks into high gear. Whether you seek an after-work cocktail or a decadent evening out, these eclectic nightclubs and lounges serve up both glamour and sophistication.

BRASSAII

Known to attract A-list celebrities during events such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Brassaii is the lounge of choice for many socialites and local media moguls. The lively weekly programming, including dance parties and DJ sets, draws a trendy crowd who cool off on the cobblestone courtyard patio—considered one of the best in the city. 461 KING ST. W., 416-598-4730, BRASSAII.COM

LULA LOUNGE The One Eighty

THE ONE EIGHTY

This resto-lounge on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre building in Yorkville has been voted Toronto’s best view. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room offer a stellar view of downtown and uptown, and north and south patios offer stargazers a chance to camp out with a cocktail. The award-winning One Eighty also boasts a menu consisting of innovative tapas-style appetizers perfect for sharing. 55 BLOOR ST. W., 416-967-0000, THE51STFLOOR.COM

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Lula Lounge specializes in world music, offering salsa dance classes on weekends, and Friday night jazz performances. There’s never a dull moment in this colourful lounge in Little Portugal, where Toronto’s salsa community lets loose. 1585 DUNDAS ST. W., 416-588-0307, LULA.CA

Lula Lounge

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Reposado

REPOSADO

Tequila lovers, rejoice— Reposado has the largest selection of premium tequila downtown. Come for the cocktails and tapas and stick around for the live gypsy jazz and swing performances, which transform the small bar into something of a speakeasy on weekends.

136 OSSINGTON AVE., 416-532-6474, REPOSADOBAR.COM

WAYLA BAR

WAYLA, a.k.a. “What Are You Looking At,” brings a colourful crowd to the otherwise sleepy intersection at Carlaw and Queen East. The no-frills, casual bar-lounge (think: exposed brick and concrete floors) is a great spot for conversation, but on weekends a raucous lineup of themed parties (think: ’90s and Divas Divas Divas) heats up the dance floor. 996 QUEEN ST. E., 416-901-5570, WAYLABAR.CA

FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS

Fan fare

Where to catch our teams on home turf, ice and hardwood, plus where to chow down and fuel up like a fan. BY STEPHEN KNIGHT Brazen Head Irish Pub

TORONTO FC

TORONTO ROCK

Get your kicks with Toronto’s footy team at BMO Field (bmofield.com).

Toronto’s lacrosse team regularly rocks Air Canada Centre.

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

BMO Field is just a free kick away from Liberty Village, one of Toronto’s hottest neighbourhoods, so look for fellow soccer lovers at Brazen Head Irish Pub (brazenhead.ca) or Williams Landing (williamslanding.ca). Togs in TFC red and white are strongly recommended.

 CATCH THE GAME

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

If you like your music and conversation loud, try the boisterous Jack Astor’s (jackastors.com) at Front Street West and University Avenue. For an urbane take on the traditional pub, there’s The Fox (foxonbay.ca), on Bay Street near Queens Quay East.

TORONTO RAPTORS

 CATCH THE GAME

Air Canada Centre (aircanadacentre.com) is where Toronto’s NBA team reaches for the rim.

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

A three-pointer away from Air Canada Centre is Hoops (hoopssportsbarandgrill. com). With a multitude of televisions on the walls and in private booths, you won’t miss a thing. Or for healthy, marketplace fare, hit Marché (marche-restaurants.com) at Brookfield Place.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

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PHOTOS: LOUIS AU /MLSE (RAPTORS); ZUMA PRESS/ALAMY (MAPLE LEAFS); NILE LIVESEY/FLICKR (REAL SPORTS); TORONTO ARGONAUTS (ARGONAUTS); AMIL DELIC/FLICKR (FC)

 CATCH THE GAME

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS  CATCH THE GAME

The Leafs always pack Air Canada Centre.

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

Located just outside Air Canada Centre, Real Sports Bar & Grill (realsports.ca) is the place to be if you believe that bigger is better: it includes a two-storey big-screen TV. Get there early on game night. Or try the coconut shrimp at Canyon Creek on Front Street West (canyoncreekrestaurant.ca).

Real Sports Bar & Grill

TORONTO ARGONAUTS  CATCH THE GAME

The Double Blue pass the pigskin at BMO Field (bmofield.com).

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

After the Boatmen have played, head on over to Shoeless Joe’s (shoelessjoes.ca) on King Street West for post-game noshing. Or grab a pint at the Wheat Sheaf (wheatsheaf.ca), one of the city’s oldest taverns.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS  CATCH THE GAME

Rogers Centre is a hit with Toronto’s boys of summer.

 CHOW DOWN AND CHEER ON

PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK

On home game days, O&B Canteen (obcanteen.com) offers $5 pints of locally famous Mill St. craft beer in honour of the Jays. Wayne Gretzky’s (gretzkys.com) on Blue Jays Way is popular with fans streaming out of Rogers Centre on a summer day.

Wayne Gretzky’s @SeeTorontoNow

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FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS

Craft crawl

Taste the city in five beers. Here’s where to sample some must-try local brews, plus a step-by-step guide to getting there by transit or on foot.

Housed in a former railway roundhouse, this indie brewer has been perfecting its Pilsner since 2000. Take a brewery tour to see how the barley gets from the sacks to the trademark green bottle. Tours start at $12, scheduled every half-hour daily; reserve online. TRY: Unfiltered Steam Whistle is Pilsner taken before the full process is completed. It’s a super fresh lager that’s only available at the brewery.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

391 KING ST. W., BARHOPBAR.COM

With 36 ever-changing taps and rotating cask selections, this friendly hipster haunt serves up refined pub fare and curates the best beers from Ontario.

From Bar Hop, walk south on Spadina, then go east on Bremner, past the CN Tower, to Steam Whistle Brewing (a 15-minute walk).

TRY: Sample a seasonal brew from Toronto’s Bellwoods or Left Field breweries.

THE TTC HAS A “TRIP PLANNER” THAT CAN SHOW YOU WHICH ROUTE TO TAKE.

TTC.CA

From Steam Whistle, walk east on Bremner, go south on Lower Simcoe Street toward the lake, then walk west on Queens Quay to Amsterdam BrewHouse (a 10-minute walk).

PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK

255 BREMNER BLVD., STEAMWHISTLE.CA

BAR HOP

ROUND 3

STEAM WHISTLE BREWING

ROUND 2

Breweries are popping up in neighbourhoods all over the city. And the outfits that started the city’s craft beer boom are opening newer, bigger hubs, too. Take our crawl to sample the wares in a range of settings, from brewery tours to waterfront views to cozy pubs where rarities and one-offs are always flowing.

ROUND 1

BY CRYSTAL LUXMORE

C’EST WHAT?

67 FRONT ST. E., CESTWHAT.COM

Serving nothing but craft beers and global pub grub, this cozy subterranean craft beer hub has been in business for 29 years. It boasts 42 taps from breweries across Ontario and Quebec.

From C’est What?, walk half a block east on Front to the LCBO (a one-minute walk).

TRY: Venture outside Toronto to try some killer ales from Ontario breweries such as Gravenhurst’s Sawdust City and Collingwood’s Side Launch.

LCBO

87 FRONT ST. E., LCBO.COM

This craft-beer-rich liquor store is a great place to pick up a few souvenir bottles. Look for Toronto’s Junction Craft Brewing and Great Lakes Brewery selections.

ROUND 4 From Amsterdam BrewHouse, take the 509 Harbourfront East streetcar and get off at Union Station. Walk east on Front to C’est What? (a 15-minute ride and walk).

AMSTERDAM BREWHOUSE

PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK

245 QUEENS QUAY W., AMSTERDAMBREWHOUSE.COM

From the LCBO, walk east on Front to Parliament, go south on Parliament to Mill Street, then walk east to The Distillery Historic District. Go south on Trinity, then east on Tank House Lane to Mill Street Brew Pub (a 15-minute walk).

ROUND 5

Take a seat on a Muskoka chair on the lakefront patio, order a pizza to soak up those suds, and gaze out at the Toronto Islands. This location holds a large brewpub, a small on-site craft brewery and a retail beer store. This fairly new brewpub was opened by Toronto’s original microbrewer. Tours and tastings are offered daily. TRY: Testify Brett Pale Ale, refreshing and tart, made with a different type of hop every time.

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QUICK STOP

THE BEER HALL AT MILL STREET BREW PUB 21 TANK HOUSE LANE, BEERHALL.MILLSTREETBREWPUB.CA

With taps dedicated to Beer Hall–only brews, this modern take on a German beer hall also boasts one of the best patios and the biggest, juiciest duck wings in the city. TRY: Tankhouse Bierschnaps. The Mill Street Brewery is the only place in Canada that makes its own version of bierschnaps, a traditional German-style dry spirit distilled from beer.

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FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS Kanpai Snack Bar Cabbage Patch Kids

Junked Food Company waffle sandwich

SHORT ORDERS Small-plates cuisine goes casual. Bar Fancy olives and pork sausages

BY SIMONE OLIVERO

Here’s to elevated nibbles and complex culinary masterpieces served up snack size until late.

i TAPAS & APERITIVOS

The Italians and Spanish practically invented the art of snacking. For classic tapas like jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas and roast bone marrow, Bar Isabel (797 College St.) rightfully occupies one of the top spots in the city with its creative interpretations. On a similar note, Bar Buca (75 Portland St.) serves up Sicilian-style goat-andricotta meatballs, soppressataand-baby-octopus skewers and house-made burrata stuffed with pesto, making every hour aperitivo hour.

Bar Buca polipo

Peoples Eatery grilled short ribs Bar Buca costolette di manzo

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

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PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK

Kanpai Snack Bar Player Hater

Bar Fancy chicken wings

Bar Buca sardella calabrese

i CUTLERY-FREE

DaiLo Jellyfish Slaw

An early adopter, 416 Snack Bar (181 Bathurst St.) opened in 2011, offering small plates that adhere to the resto’s No. 1 rule: no cutlery. Seriously, you won’t find a fork here. Steak tartare, steamed buns and even a sushi salad are presented as glorified finger food. The same motto goes for its sister restaurant, Peoples Eatery (307 Spadina Ave.). Paying homage to the neighbourhood’s Jewish and Chinese history, the menu features latkes and smoked fish alongside General Tso tofu and Peking duck.

DaiLo Hakka brown wontons

i ASIAN FUSION

Taiwanese night market treats are on order at Kanpai Snack Bar (252 Carlton St.), where wok-fried chicken, fried tofu and five-spice pork pair perfectly with Canadian brews and handcrafted cocktails. At LoPan (503 College St.), DaiLo’s upstairs bar, Asian riffs on North American classics like KFC popcorn chicken are served dim-sum-style until 2 a.m.

Junked Food Company Smash Bag nachos

Peoples Eatery seasame noodle bowl

i CURATED CRAVINGS

There’s nothing fancy about the signature Smash Bag nachos from Junked Food Co. (507 Queen St. W.): they’re prepared right in the Doritos bag with toppings like Dr Pepper pulled pork and mac ’n’ cheese. If fried chicken is more your flavour, Bar Fancy (1070 Queen St. W.) offers a special of $2 fried chicken (and half-price oysters) between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Plus, “dirty” nachos— complete with a Cheez Whiz–like topping—make the rounds until late. PHOTO: PAULA WILSON; FOOD ST YLIST: CHANTAL PAYETTE

PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK

416 Snack Bar oysters

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FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS

A movable feast

Guided tasting tours enhance the shop-dine experience. BY SHERYL KIRBY

Check out SeeTorontoNow.com for a list of restaurants that call the city home.

Foodie tours provide a toothsome, bite-by-bite taste of any city. After all, how better to discover the lay of the culinary land than by shopping like a local or prepping like a chef? Wondering where to start? Here are some options that will whet your appetite. Food tours combine guided sightseeing with cooking crash courses. Try Culinary Adventure Co. (culinaryadventureco.com) for tours of the city’s hottest neighbourhoods, including Riverside and Leslieville. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday this year, the “limited-edition” Made in Canada tour serves up a contemporary take on maple syrup, poutine, craft beer and many other Canadian culinary icons. To explore locally-sourced food and Kensington Market

drink, try Toronto Food Tours which offers tours, classes and tastings, showcasing the cultural diversity of the city. Likewise, Shirley Lum’s A Taste of the World (toronto walksbikes.com) peripatetic tours of Kensington Market and Chinatown should be on any food lover’s list of cool things to do in the city. With Ontario Wine and Culinary Tours (ontariogroupoftouringcompanies.com), you’ll discover where Toronto’s top chefs dine on their days off.

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

TOCA

SHOP & COOK

A creative option is to take a cooking class at the worldrenowned St. Lawrence Market (stlawrencemarket.com), where chefs collect products from vendors and guests join in for a hands-on evening shopping trip, class and dinner at the on-site Market Kitchen. Or sign up for food Prep School with FoodiesOnFoot.ca, and learn some tricks and tips in an interactive setting.

Culinary Adventure Co.

Market Kitchen

CHEF’S TABLES

Those wanting an up-close experience should sit at the chef’s table in a restaurant kitchen. Trevor Kitchen and Bar (trevorkitchenandbar. com), TOCA (tocarestaurant. com) and Local Kitchen & Wine Bar (localkitchen.ca) are some of the choicest options. Restaurants with bar seating at an open kitchen also make for great dinner entertainment. Prime seats can be found at Buca’s Yorkville location (buca.ca) and Restaurant Chantecler (restaurantchantecler.ca). Ringside seats generally need to be booked in advance, so plan ahead. Most find the extra step worthwhile: after all, aren’t some of the most unforgettable meals served with a generous side of spectacle? www.SeeTorontoNow.com

PHOTO: CLIFTON LI (KENSINGTON)

FOOD TOURS

List serve

Here are our top five picks for the best places to sip, savour, and see and be seen.

5 BARS WITH A VIEW A cold drink and city-watching from the best seats in the house—what could be better?

5 TASTY FOOD TRUCKS

5 PERFECT PATIOS

Keep an eye open for these delicious food trucks. Follow Toronto Food Trucks @foodtrucksTO on Twitter to find your faves during your visit.

From boozy brunches to leisurely nightcaps, Toronto’s patios add ambience to your cocktail enjoyment.

1. CAPLANSKY’S DELICATESSEN

The craft brewhouse by the lake pairs its signature pours with a beer-infused menu. Curl up in a Muskoka chair for a truly Toronto experience.

Caplansky’s is famous among Torontonians for its deli-style hot smoked meat sandwiches. Mmmmmm. CAPLANSKYS.COM

1. AMSTERDAM BREWHOUSE

245 QUEENS QUAY W.

2. THE FOOD DUDES 1. DRAKE HOTEL

Arty Queen West boasts the Sky Yard, where you can gaze at the stars (especially during the Toronto International Film Festival) and enjoy drinks, whether it’s July or January. 1150 QUEEN ST. W.

2. LA SOCIÉTÉ

This très chic French bistro on Bloor Street is the perfect place to sip champagne and watch the fashionistas of Mink Mile walk by. 131 BLOOR ST. W.

3. MURPHY’S LAW PUB AND KITCHEN

Grab a pint at this Beaches neighbourhood pub, which boasts a breezy rooftop patio and a wide selection of beers on tap. 1702 QUEEN ST. E.

PHOTO: THE DRAKE HOTEL (DRAKE)

4. THE CHASE

Take a break from the bustling Financial District at this elegant penthouse patio. Say cheers with cocktails or pick from an extensive wine list.

Mac & Cheese Balls, Vegan Chop Chop, Captain Crunch Fish Tacos—those are just a few of the options from this beloved food truck and catering company. THEFOODDUDES.COM

3. GORILLA CHEESE

Grilled cheese sandwiches like you’ve never experienced before.

GORILLACHEESE.WORDPRESS.COM

4. FIDEL GASTRO’S

Ever had a spaghetti and meatball sandwich? Try that or another creation from the food truck deemed the country’s best, by Canadian Living magazine. FIDELGASTROS.CA

5. BUSTER’S SEA COVE

Buster’s is a mainstay in the St. Lawrence Market, and its seafood food truck is a huge hit with “afishionados.” Try the fish tacos or seafood rolls.

2. THE PORCH

The patio of the Entertainment District’s Rock ’n’ Horse Saloon conjures a party-hearty vibe with margaritas, lounge seating and an outdoor kitchen that offers shared plates. 250 ADELAIDE ST. W.

3. MILL STREET BREW PUB

The Mill Street Brewery’s charming cobblestone patio is a well-preserved vestige of The Distillery Historic District’s 19th-century industrial roots. 21 TANK HOUSE LANE

4. O’GRADY’S ON CHURCH

10 TEMPERANCE ST.

This traditional Irish pub in the LGBTQ-focused Church-Wellesley neighbourhood is the place to be in summer, especially during the Pride Toronto festival. 518 CHURCH ST.

5. THOMPSON TORONTO

5. ALLEN’S RESTAURANT

BUSTERS-SEACOVE.COM

The bar of this opulent hotel offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramas of Toronto. Enjoy creative cocktails at an Entertainment District hot spot. 550 WELLINGTON ST. W.

@SeeTorontoNow

In summer, the spacious and leafy back patio of this intimate Irish pub on the Danforth beckons. When the weather is fine, a chef cooks meals over charcoal. 143 DANFORTH AVE. FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

SECOND SERVINGS

Most restaurants on this list include organic, vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, all-natural, gluten-free and/or heart healthy options on their menus.

Dine & fly 10 best places to grab a quick bite or a stellar meal at YYZ.

Toronto Pearson International Airport has a fleet of foodieapproved restaurants, bars and cafés to choose from, many helmed by Toronto’s top chefs. Whether you’ve got time to spare, or want a quality meal in a hurry (or to go), your options are as unique—and multiculturally diverse—as the city you’ve just visited.

Restaurant Makeover chef Massimo Capra’s Boccone Trattoria Veloce (Terminal 1, after Canadian security, Level 2, near Gate D41) offers casual Italian panini, salads, pasta and mains, with rustic touches and a full bar.

For more freshly made Italian pasta, pizza and antipasti, check out chef Rocco Agostino’s Corso (Terminal 3, after Canadian security, departures level, near Gate B29). The chef and co-owner behind the city’s popular Pizzeria Libretto, Agostino had a specialty pizza oven built for the airport trattoria.

Acer (Terminal 3, after international security, departures level, near Gate C36) serves contemporary Japanese cuisine by chef Guy Rubino. Choose from eclectic sushi rolls, heaping bowls of ramen or pull together a snack from various small-plate appetizers. Build your own gourmet burger or try one created by Toronto chef Mark McEwan at Nobel Burger Bar (Terminal 3, after U.S. security, dep artures level, near Gate A13).

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK

Enjoy Indian street fare at Toronto chef Hemant Bhagwani’s Marathi (Terminal 1, after international security, Level 2, near Gate E78). Its menu includes the fusion Butter Chicken Naan Panini and classics like shrimp vindaloo. Try the Indian breakfast. www.SeeTorontoNow.com

PHOTO: ISTOCK (CORSO)

Toronto favourite Zane Caplansky brings his crowd-pleasing, traditional deli offerings (which he refers to as Jewish soul food) to Caplansky’s Deli (Terminal 3, after Canadian security, departures level, near Gate B39). Classics like bagels and lox, BBQ beef brisket and blintzes populate the menu.

8 7

Feast on dim sum and entrees by Toronto’s most internationally acclaimed Master Chef, at Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee (Terminal 1, after international security, Level 2, near Gate E73). Lee, whose cuisine merges flavours and cooking techniques from classical French and Chinese traditions, was named one of the “Ten Chefs of the Millennium” by Food & Wine magazine.

Unwind with a cuppa Dragonwell green tea or Alpine Punch rooibos. With over 150 different blends to choose from, DAVIDsTEA (Terminal 1, after Canadian security, Level 2, near Gate D37; Terminal 3, after international security, departures level, near Gate B27) has got you covered, no matter how arcane your tea tastes. (Don’t forget to buy loose-leaf tea to take home!)

9 PHOTO: EDWARD POND (CAPLANSK Y’S)

Enjoy a quick meal, or grab a nutrish-and-delish carb + protein bowl to bring with you on your flight. Freshii (Terminal 3, after U.S. security, departures level, near Gate A19/B19) is a fave for its healthy fast food and smoothies.

Savour comfort food made from seasonal produce and locally-sourced ingredients at The Hearth by renowned Toronto chef, Lynn Crawford (Terminal 1, after U.S. security, Level 2, near Gate F60).

@SeeTorontoNow

FOOD & DRINK TORONTO

TORONTO FOOD & DRINK