The Pitmaster’s Feast is the Toronto barbecue event of the summer, and it just got even better

Now that warm weather is finally here, it’s officially barbecue season, a time for grilling and smoking every piece of meat we can get our hands on. To help kick off the best part of the year, Longo’s and Toronto Life are teaming up to host the Pitmaster’s Feast on Tuesday at The Carbon Bar—one of the city’s top destinations for classic southern barbecue with an elevated dining experience. Fewer than 20 tickets remain, so you’ll want to get yours now, especially if you also like wine. Here’s why.

Chef Jonathan Viau has put together a menu that combines the best of traditional American barbecue with contemporary, global influences: think cheddar hush puppies, wild shrimp with lemon aïoli, sweet potato and brisket croquettes, pulled pork tacos and king fish ceviche. The main event is The Carbon Bar’s signature Pitmaster Platter: a heap of slow-smoked brisket and tender pork ribs alongside crunchy buttermilk fried chicken. And make sure to save room at the end of the meal for a rocky road sundae or a slice of banoffee pie. The evening will feature specialty cocktails, and the meal will be paired with bold Italian wines by Ruffino. Master of Wine Eugene Mlynczyk—one of only five Masters of Wine in Canada—will be introducing the wine pairings, and if anyone knows how to pair big wines with bold barbecue, he’s the guy. 

Limited tickets are available, and the $120 all-inclusive price covers food and drink, gratuity, tax and fees. This event is sure to sell out and tickets must be purchased in advance, so order yours today.

If you can’t get enough of chef Viau’s internationally accented southern cooking after the Pitmaster’s Feast, he’ll be hosting a class at the Longo’s at Maple Leaf Square on June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will learn how to prepare all kinds of stuff, from eggs with a southern twist to black-eyed pea hash with cider smoked trout to buttermilk bacon pancakes. Tickets for the cooking class are $40, or $25 for Longo’s Rewards members. Wine is included, and tickets can be purchased in store or by phoning 416-366-1717.