Weekly Eater: Toronto food events for July 9 to 15

Weekly Eater: Toronto food events for July 9 to 15

The Fringe Festival will be reprising The Stop’s Night Market with its Power of Food Day on Wednesday (Image: Yves Freypons)

Monday, July 9

  • 86’D With Ivy Knight: Party like a Maritimer by enjoying shellfish provided by Confederation Cove Mussels and Rock Lobster Food Company. The Drake, 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042. Find out more »
  • Piola’s Monday Night Mixer: Piola’s weekly aperitivo italiano, with cocktail and beer specials and complimentary snacks. 1165 Queen St. W., 416-477-4652. Find out more »
  • An Introduction to Wine Appreciation: An LCBO-led tasting and lecture that will demystify the wine world. This degustation will focus on the four principal wine categories: white, red, sparkling and fortified. Kingsway LCBO, 2946 Bloor St. W., 416-239-3065. Find out more »
  • Five-Day Kids’ Summer Cooking Camp: A five-day camp that runs Monday to Friday, hosted by The Chef Upstairs. July 9 to July 13. 516 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-544-9221. Find out more »
  • Locavore Food Camp: A different five-day program that offers city kids a variety of hands-on opportunities designed to increase their physical fitness and help them understand the importance of making healthy food choices. July 9 to July 13. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave. Find out more »


Tuesday, July 10

  • Escape the City—Canoe and Beach Dining Adventure: Paddle to the island with the Culinary Adventure Company for a gourmet beach picnic. 416-565-1730. Find out more »
  • Burger Festival: Chef Marian Staresinic demonstrates easy-to-follow steps to create a rainbow of international burgers, including Thai pork burgers, Middle Eastern burgers, Californian chicken burgers with avocado and classic huntsmen cheese burgers. LCBO Summerhill, 10 Scrivener Sq., 416-922-0403. Find out more »
  • Alfresco Cocktail Party: Enjoy a bite-sized menu designed by Chef Paula Bambrick that will marry well with cocktails. The offerings will include marinated goat’s cheese, grilled swordfish and pineapple skewers with Asian pesto, gazpacho shooters and mini crab cakes with lime aïoli and sweet chili sauce. Kingsway LCBO, 2946 Bloor St. W., 416-239-3065. Find out more »
  • Family Pizza Nights: Join Evergreen and Pizzeria Libretto for fresh, homemade pizzas from their wood-fired oven. All proceeds benefit Evergreen’s children’s food programs in Chimney Court. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave. Find out more »
  • How to Raise a Healthy Eater: An interactive workshop that will provide you with simple, practical strategies for feeding your family at any age and stage. Merchants of Green Coffee, 2 Matilda St. Find out more »

Wednesday, July 11

  • A Chef’s Tour of Little Italy: Join the Culinary Adventure Company on a behind-the-scenes tour of Little Italy’s finest kitchens. 416-565-1730. Find out more »
  • Gladstone Culinary Tour—Little Italy: Join Gladstone executive chef Michael Smith for his monthly celebration of Toronto’s cultural diversity. Four-course menu with wine pairings. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635. Find out more »
  • British Columbia’s bounty: This tutored tasting will focus on two distinct B.C. regions: the coastal areas of Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys in the south. Kingsway LCBO, 2946 Bloor St. W., 416-239-3065. Find out more »
  • The Depanneur Workshop—Make Your Own Condiments: Learn to make ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, preserved lemons and crème fraîche with Kate Leinweber. The Depanneur, 1033 College St., 416-828-1990. Find out more »
  • The Power of Food Day: A mini version of The Stop’s enormously successful Night Market in partnership with the Toronto Fringe Festival and Tosho Knife Arts. Honest Ed’s Alley, 581 Bloor St. W. Find out more »

Thursday, July 12

  • Bees, Mead and Cheese: Le Dolci has partnered up with Niagara’s Rosewood Estates Winery for a tasting led by Kyrstina Roman. Enjoy an informative honey sampling and bee education, followed by an exclusive tasting of mead and cheese pairings. Le Dolci, 1006 Dundas St. W., 416-262-3400. Find out more »
  • Little India Food and Cultural Walking Tour: Learn about Indian culture and explore the restaurants, markets and food shops of this neighbourhood with the Culinary Adventure Company. 416-565-1730. Find out more »
  • Trendy Wines of Spain with Tapas: What better way to celebrate the wrapping up of the Euro Cup than with an in-depth sampling of wines from one of the Old World’s most exciting wine-producing countries? LCBO Summerhill, 10 Scrivener Sq., 416-922-0403. Find out more »
  • Mediterranean Cruise: Chef Jenelle Regnier-Davis leads a culinary tour that will explore what the Mediterranean has to offer. The itinerary for the evening includes stops in Greece, Spain, Italy and Turkey. Dish Cooking Studio, 390 Dupont St., 416-920-5559. Find out more »
  • Boys’ Night Out: A celebration of guys’ stuff cleverly disguised as a sophisticated wine tasting. This fundraiser in support of prostate cancer research will feature fine wine, steak, live entertainment, motorcycles, barbecue, auctions and, erm, hot cars. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave. Find out more »
  • Indulge: With a backdrop of live music (R&B, roots, jazz, country and pop) provided by Toronto-based musicians, enjoy a Thursday afternoon of international tastes. David Pecaut Square, 55 John St. Find out more »
  • Weekly Drop-in Pork Ninja Dinners: Jason Rees (who heads the competitive barbecue team the Pork Ninjas) dishes up his pulled pork topped with creamy coleslaw and served on The Dep’s house-baked organic white buns. The Depanneur, 1033 College St., 416-828-1990. Find out more »
  • Tiki 101: Tikiphile and mixologist Trevor Burnett teaches a class on how to craft Polynesian-themed cocktails. The two-hour class will include a history lesson of the mid-century explosion of tiki drinks and culture. Participants will also craft classic tiki favourites such as the Painkiller and the Scorpion Bowl. BYOB, 972 Queen St. W., 416-858-2932. Find out more »

Friday, July 13

  • Global Wine Tour—Art of Wine and Cheese: Taste a flight of eight types of wines, each paired with a different cheese. Global Wine Tour Harbour Square Suite, 33 Harbour Sq., 416-909-0460. Find out more »
  • World Café at the Harbourfront Centre: Returning for 2012. Enjoy a variety of ethnic treats from vendors that change every weekend. This weekend: Latin cuisine from Aqui Columbia and a taste of the Philippines provided by Casa Manila, as well as Japanese, Quebecois and Jamaican delights. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 235 Queens Quay W. at the Harbourfront Centre, Lakeside Terrace. Find out more »
  • Bar Gilead Series: A Friday evening series at Jamie Kennedy’s Gilead focused on exploring tapas and cocktail culture. 4 Gilead Pl. 647-288-0680. Find out more »
  • Taste the Passion of Peru: A pop-up restaurant, Restobar Peru, will spend the weekend serving up Peruvian classics including seafood ceviche and a colourful array of fresh fruit and pisco cocktails, including the traditional pisco sour. Friday to Sunday. The Lounge, 99 Sudbury St. Find out more »
  • Carl Heinrich at Hockley Valley: The young chef, who’ll be opening the Richmond Station this summer, returns to the site of his Top Chef Canada victory to cook a four-course meal reminiscent of the one that netted him the prize, with wine pairings from Malivoire. Hockley Valley Resort, 793522 Mono 3rd Line, R.R. #1, Orangeville, 1-866-HOCKLEY. Find out more »
  • Night It Up!: Nearly 100 vendors dish up every possible permutation of Asian cuisine you could possibly want. Proceeds from the three-day event go to support Make-a-Wish Canada. Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. Find out more »

Saturday, July 14

  • Cooking Basics for Teens: The Toronto Public Library hosts a workshop aimed at teaching teens how to prepare easy, delicious, fast and healthy food. Ages 12 to 19. Don Mills Library, 888 Lawrence Ave. E., 416-395-5710. Find out more »
  • Discover Greektown on the Danforth Walking Tour: Explore this quickly changing neighbourhood with the Culinary Adventure Company. Sample some Greek mezes, indulge in Greek wine tasting and find the perfect addition to your kitchen while gourmet shopping. Culinary Adventure Co., 416-565-1730. Find out more »
  • Riverside/Leslieville Food and Cultural Walking Tour: Join the Culinary Adventure Company on an epicurean tour of Queen Street East tasting Ontario wines, oysters, olive oils, cheeses and much more. 416-565-1730. Find out more »
  • Stop Market Café: Enjoy a weekly meal sourced from ingredients found at the adjacent farmers’ market. Proceeds from the sales of food at the café are reinvested in The Stop’s programs. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Green Barn, 601 Christie St. Find out more»
  • Baking and Buttercream: Learn how to bake and finish the perfect cake. Bonnie Gordon College, 868 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-440-0333. Find out more »
  • Chocolate and Cheese Crawl: Why choose one when you can have both? ChowBella Culinary Experiences hosts a chocolate and cheese tour of Queen and King West’s food shops. Find out more »
  • Rusholme Park Supper Club: Alexandra Albert continues her tour of Southern American cuisine with a dinner focused on South Carolinian dishes such as frogmore stew (a lowcountry shrimp boil with smoky andouille sausage). This event was rescheduled from last week. The Depanneur, 1033 College St., 416-828-1990. Find out more »
  • Hands in the Bowl: The Evergreen Brickworks invites children (ages four to seven) and their caregivers to roll up their sleeves and learn how to mix, grate, mash and then eat their delicious creations—using only their hands. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave. Find out more »
  • Festival of India: This two-day Indian celebration culminates in an epic Centre Island party with music, dance and drama performances, a South Asian bazaar, face painting and a free vegetarian feast. Find out more »
  • Night It Up!: Nearly 100 vendors dish up every possible permutation of Asian cuisine you could possibly want. Proceeds from the three-day event go to support Make-a-Wish Canada. Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. Find out more »

Sunday, July 15

  • 24th Annual Oyster Festival: Freshly shucked oysters, lobster galore (of course), and, most importantly, a shucking competition, all in support of Environmental Defence. Alley beside Rodney’s Oyster House, 469 King St. W. Find out more »
  • Canning 101—Pickling and Preserves: Learn to make pickles and chutneys with Montreal’s Preservation Society. They will discuss history, pickle and chutney theory and basic canning safety. Bento Miso, 862 Richmond St. W., Ste. 300, 416-848-3702. Find out more »
  • Cupcake Bouquets: Confectionary novices learn how to create dazzling edible floral centrepieces. In this introductory class, you will be taught how to create chrysanthemums, roses and zinnias. Bonnie Gordon College, 868 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-440-0333. Find out more »
  • West Queen West Tasting Tour: Join ChowBella founder Trina Hendry for a food-focused tour of the burgeoning westernmost strip of Queen Street. You’ll be treated to a tea demonstration, an olive tasting and a sampling of Parisian delights, among other gourmet goodies. Find out more »
  • Introduction to Cake Pops: Learn to make and decorate these trendy treats. Le Dolci, 1006 Dundas St. W., 416-262-3400. Find out more »
  • Bread Basics and Beyond: Learn foolproof tips for baking bread in your home oven without any special equipment or skills. Bonnie Gordon College, 868 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-440-0333. Find out more »
  • Night It Up!: Nearly 100 vendors dish up every possible permutation of Asian cuisine you could possibly want. Proceeds from the three-day event go to support Make-a-Wish Canada. Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. Find out more »

Farmers’ Markets:

  • Sorauren Farmers’ Market: Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the field house at Sorauren Park. 50 Wabash Ave.
  • East York Farmers’ Market: Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 850 Coxwell Ave.
  • Riverdale Farmers’ Market: Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 201 Winchester St. (in Riverdale Park)
  • Ryerson University MyMarket: Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gould St., east of Yonge
  • SickKids Hospital Farmers’ Market: Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 555 University Ave.
  • Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market: Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Northwest corner of Trinity Bellwoods Park near Dundas St. W. and Shaw St.
  • 401 Richmond Farmers’ Market: Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 401 Richmond St.
  • Nathan Phillips Square Farmers’ Market: Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 100 Queen St. W.
  • Queens Quay Terminal Farmers’ Market: Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 207 Queen’s Quay W.
  • Bloor-Borden Farmers’ Market: Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Green P Lot, Lippincott St. and Bloor
  • Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market: Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 873 Dufferin St. (in Dufferin Grove Park)
  • East Lynn Farmers’ Market: Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 1949 Danforth Ave.
  • Metro Hall Farmers’ Market: Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. David Pecaut Square, 55 John St.
  • North Civic Centre Farmers’ Market: Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
  • Toronto Botanical Gardens Organic Farmers’ Market: Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 777 Lawrence Ave. E.
  • St. Lawrence North Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. 92 Front St. E.
  • Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 550 Bayview Ave.
  • The Stop Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St.
  • Withrow Park Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 725 Logan Ave. (in Withrow Park)
  • Junction Farmers’ Market: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Green P Lot, 385 Pacific Ave.