by Jennifer D’Agostino
The month of November brings in the cold weather and along with it, lots of food festivals, dinners and dining events. Toronto’s foodie scene hosts craft beer events, holiday markets and a chocolate festival this month! There’s a lot to eat this month, Here are top 19 food festivals and dining events to relish in November! [Photo courtesy of the Vegetarian Association]
Harvest Table Dinner with Chef Jamie Kennedy
For one night only, Jamie Kennedy is back in Toronto. As a part of Harvest Wednesdays at the Gladstone Hotel series, Jamie Kennedy prepares a meal using ingredients from local producers. The meal is intended to spark a conversation about eating locally for a global change.
Toronto Chocolate Festival
The Toronto Chocolate Festival is back this year and is packed with events for every chocolate lover! From the annual Chocolate Ball to a Chocolate Afternoon Tea, this fest celebrates all things chocolate. This year there’s a Christmas Chocolate and Pastry Fair, where chocolatiers and pastry chefs showcase their products and services.
Chef Series at the Miller Lash House
The Miller Lash House is hosting a chef series with Chef Rene Kramer. The award-winning chef hails from Zurich, Switzerland where he was awarded the Top Apprentice of Movenpick Restaurants. He will be creating a European-style menu that includes pan-seared scallop, bruschetta di zucca, whisky glazed Ontario hangar steak and smoked Ontario honey cheesecake.
In Conversation with Lidia Bastianich
Celebrity chef and television personality, Lidia Bastianich is hosting a discussion and demo at George Brown College. Bastianich will still down with George Brown’s Alison Fryer to discuss her approach to cooking, hosting a party and her many years in the culinary industry. There will be a reception afterwards with wine, cheese and more.
Knight School: Mongolian Dumplings
Ivy Knight hosts an evening filled with dumplings! Learn how to cook Mongolian dumplings with Nuka Batsaikhan, who has called kitchens like the Drake Hotel, and Rose & Sons home. The workshop includes deep fried dumplings and condiments.
Lobster & La Marca Prosecco Brunch
Carens Rosedale is offering a luxurious brunch, that pairs lobster and prosecco. The menu includes a variety of lobster infused items like lobster bisque, lobster croquette and more. There will be lemon tart for dessert.
Toronto Life Dinner at La Banane
Toronto Life magazine is hosting a dinner at La Banane. The four-course meal, created by head chef Brandon Olsen, will be matched with cocktails, spirits and wine. Prince Edward County winemaker Norman Hardie will be in attendance. The menu includes canapés, shellfish soup, tuna with brown butter and duck in Armagnac.
Truffle Week
As a part of the Tastemaker Series, TOCA is hosting a week showcasing white truffles. The menu, created by Chef Oliver Glowig, features luxurious Alba white truffles. The tasting menu is served at the chef’s tables located in TOCA’s kitchen.
El Dorado Rum Dinner
Miss Thing’s hosts a five-course menu expertly paired with El Dorado rum. Chef Paul Hadian has created a menu that includes a unique flavour profile complimentary to rum. Menu items include pineapple fried rice, mango jicama salad, braised brisket and pineapple upside down cake.
Evening at the Market
St. Lawrence Market opens for a special afterhours event. St. Lawrence Market’s vendors will be on hand to treat ticketholders to unique food dishes, drinks and more! Proceeds of this event will be donated to Second Harvest.
An Evening in Iceland
An Evening in Iceland is an event that showcases the food, music and culture of Iceland. Lena welcomes Chef Viktor Orn Andresson and Julia Marteleira, who have created a four-course dinner with wine pairings. There will be live music.
Toronto Chowder Chowdown
Toronto Chowder Chowdown is a competition where local chefs compete head-to-head for the title of 2017 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion! Guests are invited to taste all the delicious chowders, paired with local craft beer, cider and spirits. Participating restaurants include Cluny, Le Select Bistro, The Local Café and Restaurant, Loka, and more.
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
One of the biggest foodie events of the year, the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is back! The four-day event features vendors, local chefs and producers, all showcasing the latest and upcoming products in the industry. There will also be workshops and tastings. Participating vendors include Angry Orchard, Muskoka Brewery, Esk Valley, Thornbury Wines, Alto Vino and more.
Lady Beer Fest
The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies presents their Lady Beer Fest! The event includes local craft breweries and food vendors. The Holiday Maker’s Market is back, which will include a selection of unique local producers. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
Toronto Vegetarian Association Holiday Market
The Toronto Vegetarian Association is hosting its annual Holiday Market that will showcase locally made and cruelty-free products. The unique holiday market will have more than 30 vendors. Proceeds go towards all the local businesses that are part of the TVA.
Chef Lora Kirk + Great Lakes Brewery
Chef Lora Kirk and Ruby WatchCo is teaming up with Great Lakes Brewery to present a four-course dinner. The meal showcases the beer of Great Lakes Brewery and gives insight into the process of creating the beer inspired menu. Jaime Dobbs of Great Lakes Brewery will be present.
Crafts & Beer Market
The first annual Crafts & Beer Market celebrates local handmade artisans from across the province. The one-of-a-kind goods are inspired by the craft beer industry. Each ticket comes with a token for one of the five beers on tap.
Chau Pop Up x Radical Road Brewing
Radical Road Brewing is hosting Chau for another pop-up. Chau serves up modern Asian cuisine alongside craft beer from the hosting brewery! There will also be live music.
Holiday Wine Jam
iYellow hosts its annual Holiday Wine Jam, a wine tasting event that showcases the best for any holiday celebration. Taste more than 70 wines that have been expertly paired with holiday snacks. There will be live music.
