Enjoying and appreciating culinary excellence is something to be celebrated in Ontario. It’s not surprising that the province is host to a multitude of food festivals every year. Come and experience the diverse flavours offered by chefs and restauranteurs who share their culturally infused dishes at these mouth-watering food festivals.
Bon Appetit – Ottawa
Nearly 100 restaurants and caterers partner with dozens of wineries and breweries to put on this gourmet event in Ottawa. This year the event is being held May 3rd at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Landsdowne Park. Thousands of people come each year to enjoy gourmet food samplings prepared by the region’s top chefs. Tickets go for $75 each and include a $45 tax receipt with proceeds donated to local charities including the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
Summerlicious/Winterlicious – Toronto
Twice a year Toronto’s top restaurants offer specially created three-course prix-fixe menus at a reduced cost of normal fare. For foodie’s it’s like Christmas – you make a list and check it twice. The same restaurants don’t necessarily participate in the program each year so you have to be selective where you make your reservations. Most restaurants offer a prix fixe menu at both lunch and dinner but some of the more popular spots only have a dinner menu available.
This is the best time to experience the culinary prowess of world renowned chefs at the city’s most popular eateries without breaking the bank.
Taste of the Danforth – Toronto
Typically held on the August long-weekend, this Greektown festival draws in crowds by the hundreds of thousands. Last year over 1 million visitors hit the Danforth for the city’s favorite street festival.
Taste of the Danforth has loads of activities for the whole family. There are three stages providing free entertainment all day long including music, dance and comedy performances. The Kids’ Fun Zone will keep your children busy for hours. The licensed beer gardens give adults a nice break from all the excitement. Walk the strip and grab samples and coupons from one of the many exhibitors.
Make sure you come ready to eat because the food stations are endless and you’ll want to try one of everything!
Taste of Kingston – Kingston
Now in its 13th year, Taste of Kingston is a much smaller food festival than the above mentioned but its simplicity and affordability make it a great day to spend with your family outdoors. This annual festival taking place in July is held downtown by the waterfront at Confederation Park.
Participants purchase $1 coupons that are redeemed for food samples from various restaurant booths. Prices range from $1-$5 per sample, depending on the size. Proceeds from Taste of Kingston go to the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston.
