The new year means a whole new calendar of Toronto food events to mark down.
While the cold weather might tempt Toronto foodies to stay inside, there’s plenty of delicious reasons to go out to eat: everything from guided booze tastings to themed dinners and festivals.
Here are the top food events happening in Toronto this January.
Vegan Supper Club Series: Haitian Independence Day
Enjoy this five-course tasting menu in celebration of the Haitian Independence Day. The vegan and gluten free menu will feature dishes like Soup Joumou, Fritay, Smoked Eggplant ‘Touffé’ Ragout with Milet Croquet, and more.
When: January 6, 7 pm
Where: Urban Acorn, 1 Wiltshire Ave Unit S, Toronto
Price: $50
Say Cheese!
When: January 12, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Shore Leave, 1775b Danforth Avenue, Toronto
Price: $50
BUGS
This culinary documentary is all about eating insects. The bug-eating travelogue follows three gastronomic researchers discovering local delicacies, traditional harvesting practices and new entrepreneurs banking on the sustainable food that the UN predicts will become a part of global diets.
When: January 13 to 19
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Price: $9.73
Kamayan – A Hand-to-Mouth Filipino Feast
Tickets are selling out fast for this informal and communal Filipino feast of finger foods. On the menu, Lumpia Shanghai, Roasted Adobo Pork Belly, Sisig Wings, and more.
Where: Platito, 35 Baldwin Street, Toronto
Price: $60
Wild Winter Wonderland
Antioxidant-rich blueberries take centre-stage at this inaugural even at the Evergreen Brick Works Winter Village. Shop at the farmers’ market, grab a bite to eat at the Street Food Market, and enjoy chef demos, tastings, and family activities while you’re there.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Price: Admission is free
Asean Festival 2017
Representing ten Asian nations, this food festival and cultural event is presented by the Malaysian Student Association at UofT. Expect to mow down on Southeast Asian delicacies while live musicians and dancers keep attendees entertained.
When: January 21, 3 pm to 9 pm
Where: Kerr Hall West, 31 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Price: $10
Chinese New Year Dim Sum Dumpling Class
Chef and instructor Vanessa Yeung of Aphrodite Cooks celebrates the Lunar New Year with a hands-on dumpling making class. Learn traditional recipes adapted with modern day flavours including Ginger Chicken Potstickers, Siu Mai, Vegetarian Water Dumplings and Fried Sesame Balls.
When: January 21, 3 pm to 9 pm
Where: Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen Street East, Toronto
Price: $45 to $65
An Intro to Mezcal at El Rey
El Rey, Bartender Atlas and Los Siete Misterios join forces for this educational seminar focused on Mezcal. Learn about the historical relevance of mezcal in Mexico, production regions and different varieties of agave while tasting rare products and snacks.
When: January 22, 3 pm to 5 pm
Where: El Rey Mezcal Bar, 2a Kensington Avenue, Toronto
Price: $70
Winterlicious
More than 220 Toronto restaurants will participate in this city-sponsored festival featuring prix fixe menus and mouth-watering culinary events. Winterlicious kicks off at the tail-end of January and runs into February.
When: January 27 to February 9
Where: Participating restaurants across Toronto
Price: Lunch menus from $18 to $28, dinner menus from $28 to $48
Bollywood Brunch
Chef Kirti Singh serves up a spread of Indian-inspired dishes at this Indian pub on St. Clair West. On the menu, look forward to eggplant and eggs, cigars and curry, cocktails, chai, and more.
Where: Ji Restaurant, 760 Saint Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Price: $35