Gimmicky Food for the Win! {TO Food Fest}

August 18, 2014

{Liquid nitrogen fresh berries ice cream by Ice Volcano Ice Cream - $5}
I came back again for more great eats after my first visit at the TO Food Fest last year. Like previous years, the event brings together aspiring chefs, local hidden gems and top reviewed restaurants in Toronto. Just when I thought this year's is going to excel last year's to bring in a more diverse culinary experience, the high level of creativity is what attracts the crowd and excites my taste buds.

Here is a list of the food I've tried at the TO Food Fest this summer.



{Empanadas - baked pastry stuffed with a choice of beef, chicken, pork or veggies - $3} 
The empanada is a bit plain and to the dry side, the dipping sauce saves this dish from being ordinary compared to others in the food scene. 

{Island Oyster set, incuding Kusshi, Il De Magalen, Little Neck Clams - $5}

{Bulgogi beef fried rice ball and Pork belly fried rice ball from Me.n.u- $6} 

I finally get to try these fried rice balls from Me.n.u this year. I remember the line up for these are huge last year and their rice balls were all sold out by 3 o'clock. These asian inspired rice balls are handmade and deep fried with mozzarella cheese, veggies and your choice of asian meat inside.


{Pineapple bao with spicy mayo, shallots, cucumbers, mango slaw, beef brisket, and hoisin from Baos & Buns- $5}

One of the my favourites this year! This sandwich is loaded with toppings and you can choose between mexican bun or pineapple bao, beef brisket or grilled chicken. It not only has an interesting and tasteful combination but it is also one of the best bang for your buck. I just wish they'd toast the bun...

{Hawaiian BBQ pork and chicken skewers by Liko's Hawaiian Barbecue - $5}

These barbecue skewers are marinated in their Hawaiian barbecue marinade and cooked on flaming coals so they have that awesome smokey flavour.

{Crispy chicken skewer with the option of spicy mayo, sweet chili or nanban from Gushi Japanese Street Food}
Gushi chicken has one of the longest line ups at the event this year. It is not surprising to understand why because these skewers are soaked in their special garlic sauce before they are fried to perfection, leaving the outside extra crispy and the inside very juicy.

Ice creams are no doubt one of the most popular items in any summer festival and Ice Volcano Ice Cream has taken their desserts to the next level by combining simple chemistry reaction with cream, sugar and liquid nitrogen. Part of the hype of these ice cream is that they are made on-site before your eyes in under a minute. How the ice cream is presented in front of you with the smokey effect and LED lights is also what attracts the crowd with the cameras.  

Other honourable food mentions that day:

{By MeatVentures}

{Bacon creme brulee by MeatVentures}

{Cheesy Mac, Wonton bomb and Yaya wing stuffed wings by Stuffed & Co.}

{Assorted buns by Hot Bunzz}

{Sate babi, babi on a bun, Perkedel, Mie Kuah Kacang and Rissoles by Babi and co}

{Dutch Fries and poutine by Dutch Frites}




There are certainly a lot more food at the event I wanted to try but judging by the line ups, the popularity seem to lean on those that have an unique twist and creativity. I really hope that TO Food Fest will continue to grow and bring in more food lovers and culinary talents every year. 

Happy eating!

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About [span]me[/span]
Hello, I'm Lorita. Hoping to inspire you to explore and create things that make life a bit more fun and beautiful.


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