I had the opportunity this week to listen to some of the most passionate and dedicated people involved in the food tourism industry in Ontario. From hardworking proud farmers, to inspired chefs, those in the culinary tourism industry descended on the MaRS centre in downtown Toronto to discuss all things fresh and local at the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) Summit.
Celebrity Chef Michael Smith drove home the critical message that at our essence, humans gather, prepare, and share food. It is this basic human element which has brought about the surge in food television and the popularity of culinary tourism. There are so many inspired people in Ontario and throughout Canada committed to bringing this experience to the masses .
In Ontario, OCTA has helped set up culinary destinations such as the Taste Trail in Prince Edward County, the Village of Blue Mountain’s Apple Pie Trail, and Savour Stratford Perth County. These destinations offer some fantastic ways to go out and experience the food revolution that is taking place. Passionate people who want to share their love of food with you.
What I really loved was discovering that the culinary experience does not have to be reserved for vacations. Culinary tourism has so much to offer families in their own cities and towns. It’s an opportunity to get you involved in learning about nutrition, where our food comes from, and what local food is all about. Not a “locally grown” section in the grocery store, but a connection that is tapped into by meeting and discussing food with the people who nurture and prepare it.
In Toronto, I was able to visit the Evergreen Brick Works, a restoration project that proudly weaves nature and community together. Through programs such as their weekly farmers market and year-round garden, the site challenges visitor’s to engage with nature. While speaking with Chef Brad Long about his upcoming slow-food Belong Cafe, which will be opening at the Brick Works in 2011, it is evident that the entire site is commited to educating the public about the benefits of eating healthy, nutritional food, and the importance of incorporating this into our lifestyles at home.
At the Fairmont Royal York we met with Executive Chef David Garcelon and head beekeeper Melanie Coates (yes, the hotel has a head beekeeper!), and learned the commitment that the Royal York has to using fresh and local ingredients. The highlight was visiting the hives and garden… 14 floors up on the hotel’s rooftop. Families can tour the garden and bee hives, and guests can further enjoy a Saturday morning walk around the St Lawrence Market with the Chef to help plan out that evening’s dinner menu.
We made a lunchtime stop at the Drake Hotel’s new BBQ restaurant where Chef Anthony Rose spoke of how his ingredients are sourced from local Ontario farms. Aside from the delicious morsels served up by the Drake, they also take pride in highlighting that local does not mean overpriced. With all offerings under $10, stop by the Drake BBQ Thurs to Saturdays from 6pm for a delectable treat.
Lastly, we had a tour of The Stop Food Community Centre. While The Stop has its roots as a food bank, it has converted a deserted TTC repair site into a thriving community hub focused on programs that provide healthy food and build food skills. The site has a greenhouse, a community kitchen, cooking classes, drop-in meals, a food bank, outdoor bake ovens, and food markets. Once a month The Stop’s acclaimed chef Chris Brown, former Executive Chef of Perigee Restaurant, prepares an intimate dining experience in support of The Stop’s programs that fight hunger featuring local, sustainable food, savoured in the greenhouse.
I’ve lived in Toronto my entire life, and was blissfully unaware of the culinary treasures at my fingertips. I implore you to do your own culinary exploration and experience what your community has to teach you about the food we eat and how it makes its journey to your plate. Whether on the road, or in your own backyard, allow culinary tourism to unveil a world of delicious adventure.
Wait. There’s an herb garden on the roof top of the Royal York!? That’s amazing! (Great shot, BTW!)
Great post, Gav!