“We could go to St. Lawrence Market .. But Kensington, I hear, is worth checking out as well .. And have you heard of a place called Evergreen Brickworks?! No? Oh, I insist you go there Elena … Especially as the #foodlover traveller you are!”
Numerous were the pieces of advice my Toronto friends had for me ahead of exploring Canada’s largest city, at the north-western tip of massive Lake Ontario. But they all centered around one crucial aspect: In order to get a feel for modern-day, multi-ethical Toronto (considered one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the whole wide world, where even 911 responds in up to five languages), you really are best advised to eat your way through the city.
And this is exactly what we did.
A good place to start food-touring downtown Toronto, is the “food oracle” of St. Lawrence (Food) Market.
Highly praised for their “peameal bacon”, St. Lawrence Market really counts as a #1 food market choice in town – and righteously so. It sticks out like a delicious little rectangular h(e)aven in the midst of otherwise impersonally high, sky-soaring buildings. We chose “The Culinary Adventure Co.” to guide & “story-tell” us around the market, and did well in doing so: Our guide Ian is commonly referred to as “the St. Lawrence Market guy” and really knows the many little backstories to one of Toronto’s most popular foodie attractions. Besides, him and his company offer a Food Tour called “VIP Early Access Tour of St. Lawrence Market”, starting at 8.30 a.m. It thus allows you a much calmer, more intimate tasting tour around the market ahead of most of the tourist crowds that follow. A piece of advice: Don’t drive there in the early morning hours. Walk and / or take public transport to the market: We know from personal experience, that Toronto traffic can be very crazy should you attempt to use your own vehicle!
Next up, we find ourselves crossing downtown Toronto once more, allured by the promise of our #KensingtonKrawl Food Tour run by Savour Toronto.
What could be a more apt name for a food tour company than “Savour Toronto“, I muse ahead of my tasting experience with Cindy, our food tour guide for the day? Cindy, we learn, also runs her own food blog & tasty Instagram account and takes us on a tasting tour of a kind: A good dozen of food, drink & storytelling stops are included in Savour Toronto’s three-and-a-half-hours tour around Kensington Market and their many vendors, food shops & coops. Indeed, I am now confident to say, you cannot experience the neighbourhood of Kensington, Toronto, without eating your way through it. So, again, best hire your wittiest, most knowledgeable local guide for the day to guide you through.
Finally, follow a very good friend’s recommendation and head out to a place called “Evergreen Brickworks”. You will be surprised, and not only that: You will just love the foodie story that unveils there.
I do not remember having eaten such a good salad on all of my Canada travel adventures. So far, of course. Definitely, the fresh food at Café Belong in Evergreen Brickworks is not just prepared, but rather, “crafted”. Made with love. And utmost attention to detail, reflected in the tasty origin of all their flavoursome ingredients. Such is the story of #FeastON, a hashtag acronym used to “refer to the ‘Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance’. I have been at the forefront of developing this organisation many years ago, and I am please to tell you everything you need to know about your foodie trips around Ontario”, (or even the world!), Rebecca McKenzie tells me upon meeting her for the first time during lunch at Café Belong in Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto. Oh, Rebecca. I am SO impressed with your work, and cannot believe our paths crossed sweetly, and innocently, just now on Instagram. Little did I know, that Rebecca thanks to her many, many networks and contacts would still get me on a beautiful #foodlover #FeastON trip to Prince Edward County, and also explain the entire story behind Evergreen Brickworks and their spot-on commitment to organic, local, quality ingredients for their local cuisine. Check this out.
More travel photos & recommendations on where to eat & travel your way around the city:
I have also produced a travel video that highlights some of my travel adventures in Western Canada, all the way from Vancouver to the vast open plains east of the Rocky Mountains. A fascinating, funky take on what has truly been a life-changing journey. Enjoy with sound & smile 🙂
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/ZKLOJo81x-Q” width=”800″]
Disclaimer: I have been supported on this trip to Toronto by Tourism Toronto & all their #foodlover partners. All opinions are my own.
2 comments
Hi Elena. Thank you for joining us on our “Kensington Krawl” food tour. We’re so glad you had a wonderful experience touring Kensington Market with Cindy. Wishing you many more delicious adventures. 🙂
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you so much for all your assistance. You guys are doing an amazing job helping travellers like us getting to know Toronto through food – an experience I’ll definitely keep recommending!
We will see you for your other tours next time,
Best wishes,
Elena!