The crisp days of fall are almost here, and with the change of season comes an exciting line up of food events. Many of the events tie in with the spirit of Thanksgiving and giving thanks in a meaningful way. Here are some of the top things to check out on Toronto’s food scene this October:
Tribe Five Dinner
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Engage with five female chefs from Ireland, Mexico, China, and Pakistan as they present unique dishes from their culture’s cuisine for a five-course vegan dinner. Proceeds go to the Stop Community Food Centre’s Healthy Beginnings Program. Admission is $55.
Where: Rickshaw Bar, 685 Queen Street West
When: October 1 (7pm)
Empty Bowls
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Join the potters and other artists who will donate more than 400 bowls filled with soups made by some of Ontario’s top chefs. All proceeds go to Anishnawbe Health Toronto. Last year, more than $15,000 was raised for this worthwhile cause. Admission is $55.
Where: Gardiner Museum
When: October 11 (5-7pm)
Smoke’s Poutinerie: World Poutine Eating Championship
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Everyone in Canada loves poutine. Now in its 9th year, join the top professional poutine eaters from around the world. Amateurs are also strongly encouraged to participate. There will be live music and heaps of poutine at Yonge-Dundas Square all day.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: October 13
Vegan Oktoberfest
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Finally, an Oktoberfest without meat. On October 14 at noon, get a taste of vegan schnitzel and black-eyed pea sausages. All products are served on biodegradable dinnerware. Admission is $5.
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
When: October 14 (12 pm)
Italian Wine Expo 2018
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Enjoy Italian snacks and 5 token wines for $25. The public tasting goes from 5-8pm, but those interested in the full event, which includes a media tour or walk-around trade tasting, spots are limited and a reservation is a must.
Where: 251 Queen Street West
When: October 15 (1:30-7:30 pm)
Canadian Pizza Summit
If you are a pizzeria owner or employee, want to get into the pizza making business, or just love pizza, this trade is perfect. On October 15, you can see more than 12 exhibitions, and hear keynote speakers. Admission is free.
Where: 672 Dupont Street
When: October 15
Cask Days
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Now in its 14th year, Cask Days celebrates the old-fashioned way of making beer. No metal kegs or refrigerated coolers in sight. The event will highlight some of North America’s finest beers and ciders. Admission varies.
Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: October 19 – 21
Toronto Soup Festival
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If you crave soup and want to support a worthwhile charity, this event is perfect for you. Second Harvest, the largest food rescue and redistribution group in Canada, works to decrease hunger in Toronto. Get your soup on as you support this amazing organization. This two-day festival, offers decadent soups, artisan exhibition, baked goods, live entertainment, and cooking demonstration. Admission is $15.
Where: 100 Garrison Road
When: October 20 – 21
Eat to the Beat
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Attend this event with 60 talented female chefs, for a culinary experience of a lifetime. The event will raise money to help women with breast cancer. Now in its 23rd year, there will also be an online auction site. Admission varies.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall
When: October 23 (7-10 pm)
Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2018
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Participate in the celebration of the top 10 new restaurants in Canada. Food critic, Nancy Matsumoto, who travelled the country under fake names trying the new contenders, will reveal her choices. The restaurants will present dishes to a panel of industry experts. Admission is $90.
Where: Scotiabank Arena
When: October 25 (6-10 pm)
Featured Image: Instagram/ @enroutemag