In this edition of Foodie Fortnight: creepy-crawly canapés, a culinary ode to Patrick Swayze and three more food events coming to Toronto in the next two weeks.
Beer and Bugs This spooky Halloween soirée celebrates the creepy-crawly protein recently hailed by the UN as the solution to world hunger. Attendees can sample five crunchy cricket canapés, each paired with a craft beer selected by Canada’s only Master Cicerone, Mirella Amato. According to one organizer, crickets taste a bit like shrimp, only “nuttier.” Oct. 31. $25. Victory Café, 581 Markham St., eventbrite.ca
Whisky Live The eighth annual event includes dozens of rare and premium pours, a buffet dinner and tutorials on everything from barley-growing to distilling. For an extra $20, connoisseurs can sign up for master tasting classes on specific whiskeys, like Johnny Walker or Tweedale Scotch. Nov. 1. $85. Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, whiskeylivena.com
A-OK Foods: Day of the Dead The soon-to-close Queen West ramen shop pops back up in early November for Dia de Los Muertos (i.e. Day of the Dead), a multi-course Mexican fiesta in honour of the Latin American holiday. Drink pairings are included. Nov. 2. $100. A-OK Foods, 930 Queen St. W., facebook.com
Splendido Black Truffle Dinner Series The Toronto fine-dining institution’s new prix-fixe menu for fall includes a Matsutake mushroom salad, seared foie gras and egg yolk ravioli—all topped with copious shavings of the coveted fungi. Oct. 15–Dec. 31. $85. Splendido, 88 Harbord St., 416-929-7788, splendido.ca
Youngblood Dinner at the ACC An evening event at the ACC inspired by the cult-classic 1986 hockey movie Youngblood, starring Patrick Swayze and a baby-faced Rob Lowe. The sports-themed dinner showcases a cohort of culinary youngbloods, including up-and-coming chefs from Canoe, The Drake and Richmond Station. Nov. 10. $95. Hot Stove Club, Air Canada Centre, 50 Bay St., Suite 500, uniiverse.com
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