Top chefs pair local food with craft brews at the upcoming Brewer’s Plate Toronto

Six years in and the earnest annual charity beerfest started by Jamie Kennedy, Slow Food Toronto, Local Food Plus and Green Enterprise Toronto to push sustainable food and drink in the city has become oddly almost trendy. There are artisanal beers from small-batch breweries, dishes made from regional ingredients, top Toronto chefs doing the cooking and a conspicuous locavore ethos (with proceeds going to charity). But the trend quotient ends there: the classy event on April 17 costs $125 per ticket, the attire is essentially suit-and-tie and the purpose is to raise dollars for the cause. This year, the roster counts chefs Chris McDonald (Cava), Lora Kirk (Ruby Watchco) and Brad Long (Café Belong), and the long list of local brewers includes microbreweries like Amsterdam and Steam Whistle serving suds alongside smaller shops like Beau’s and Nickelbrook. Find out more at brewersplatetoronto.org.