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Fort York National Historic Site stands as a testament to Toronto's rich history, playing a vital role in the community since its establishment in 1793. This landmark not only preserves the legacy of the War of 1812 but also serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the past. The fort's historical significance is complemented by its ongoing engagement with the community through various educational programs and events.

The site is a hub for cultural exchange, where history meets contemporary community initiatives, making it a cherished spot for both education and recreation.

Visitors can explore the preserved buildings and participate in reenactments that bring history to life, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of the community.

Fort York collaborates with various local organizations to enhance its community impact. Notable partnerships include:

Cultural organizations for events and exhibitions.

Local artists for community art projects.

Fort York hosts a variety of events throughout the year, celebrating both its historical significance and the vibrant culture of Toronto. These events include:

Historical reenactments that engage visitors with the past.

Seasonal festivals that highlight local culture.

Workshops that educate participants about historical crafts.

Fort York is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that its operations respect the environment and promote community well-being. Initiatives include:

Using eco-friendly materials in restoration projects.

Implementing waste reduction strategies during events.

Engaging the community in sustainability workshops.

Visitors often share their experiences at Fort York, highlighting its significance in their lives. One visitor remarked, "Fort York is a well-preserved historic site that connects me to my roots. Seeing the soldiers march under the Union Jack evokes a sense of pride and nostalgia."

Join us at Fort York National Historic Site to explore the rich tapestry of Toronto's history. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, there's something for everyone. Visit us at 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON, and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped our city.

The Story of Fort York National Historic Site

Established in 1793 by Lord John Graves Simcoe, Fort York National Historic Site is a cornerstone of Toronto's history. This site not only marks the founding of Toronto but also serves as a testament to the resilience of its community. After being rebuilt following the War of 1812, it stands today as a preserved historic site where visitors can explore the original buildings and experience the echoes of the past.

1793: Fort York is established as a military outpost.

1812: Fort York is rebuilt after the War of 1812.

1934: Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

2010: Major renovations enhance visitor experience.

Fort York has become a vital part of Toronto's cultural landscape. The site not only preserves the military history of the area but also serves as a gathering place for community events and educational programs. Its proximity to modern urban life juxtaposes the historical significance, allowing visitors to appreciate both the past and present.

The legacy of Fort York is shaped by many individuals, from its original founders to the modern-day staff who maintain its historical integrity. The Fort York Guards, once responsible for its defense, have transitioned into educators, sharing the fort's rich history with visitors. Their passion and dedication ensure that the stories of those who served and lived here continue to resonate.

Over the years, Fort York has adapted to the changing needs of the community while preserving its historical essence. The introduction of interactive exhibits and guided tours has made the site more accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. This evolution reflects a commitment to education and heritage conservation.

As Fort York National Historic Site continues to thrive, it remains a vital link to Toronto's past. The dedication to preserving its history while engaging the community ensures that future generations will appreciate the significance of this landmark. A visit to Fort York is not just a trip through time; it is an invitation to connect with the rich tapestry of Canadian history.

Fort York National Historic Site Overview

Located at 250 Fort York Blvd in Toronto, Ontario, Fort York National Historic Site is a remarkable 43-acre landmark that showcases the original buildings from the War of 1812. This historic site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, where Lord John Graves Simcoe founded Toronto in 1793. The fort has been meticulously preserved, allowing guests to experience the charm of its barracks and displays while witnessing reenactments of soldiers marching under the Union Jack.

Rich historical significance and well-preserved buildings.

Free admission, making it accessible for all.

Engaging tours that provide insights into Toronto's history.

Some reviews mention inconsistent tour guide quality.

History enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Canadian heritage will find Fort York a captivating destination. It is also suitable for school groups and educational tours.

Expect to spend 2-4 hours exploring the site.

Check for seasonal events and activities.

Limited parking is available; consider public transport.

Fort York National Historic Site stands as a testament to Toronto's rich history and heritage. With its engaging tours and well-preserved structures, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. Visitors are encouraged to explore the site and immerse themselves in the stories that shaped the city. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Fort York is a meaningful destination that enriches your understanding of Canadian history.

Toronto

North America

Canada

Overview of Fort York National Historic Site

Fort York National Historic Site, located at 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, is a remarkable 43-acre landmark that showcases original War of 1812 buildings and the historic battle site. Established in 1793 by Lord John Graves Simcoe, this site has witnessed significant events in Canadian history, including its reconstruction after the War of 1812. Visitors can explore the well-preserved barracks, monuments, and displays that narrate the stories of soldiers who once marched under the Union Jack. The juxtaposition of historical architecture against Toronto's modern skyline creates a unique atmosphere, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

While Fort York is primarily a historical site, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences that enhance their visit. The site often hosts events and activities that reflect the culinary traditions of the era, providing a taste of history through themed food offerings during special occasions. Although there are no permanent dining facilities on-site, nearby restaurants and cafés in the Old Toronto neighborhood offer a range of options for visitors looking to enjoy a meal after exploring the fort.

Nearby cafés and restaurants in Old Toronto

Fort York is situated in the vibrant Old Toronto neighborhood, surrounded by a mix of historic and modern architecture. Nearby attractions include the iconic CN Tower and the bustling waterfront, making it an ideal spot for a day of exploration. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or delve into the rich cultural offerings of the area, including galleries, shops, and parks. The fort's location provides a unique opportunity to experience the contrast between Toronto's historical roots and its contemporary urban landscape.

A: Yes, tours are available at the top of each hour.

Embark on a journey through history at Fort York National Historic Site. With its rich heritage and engaging activities, it’s a perfect destination for families, history buffs, and anyone looking to explore Toronto's past. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped this vibrant city.

43-acre landmark with original War of 1812 buildings & 1813 battle site, plus a visitors' centre.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3NU9TcnVBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJIf-jex81K4gRG9Y_vJpWT6c/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3NU9TcnVBRRAB

Very well preserved historic site. Fort York is located on its original site, where Lord John Graves Simcoe founded Toronto in 1793. It was also rebuilt here after the war of 1812 when Canada defeated the United States army. This had an unexpected personal connection to me as I lived in the Lord Simcoe apartments in Victoria BC. Although the city has grown up around it, and the CN tower can be seem as a giant in the distance, this site maintains a historic charm and feel as you view the barracks and displays and see the soldiers marching under the original Union Jack.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURJeUxMQkxREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJIf-jex81K4gRG9Y_vJpWT6c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURJeUxMQkxREAE

Fort famous for the battle during the War of 1812 where British soldiers blew up their own gunpowder magazine to cover their retreat. U.S. forces captured the fort and the city of York (as Toronto was called) but soon withdrew. It was cool seeing 19th century buildings against the backdrop of Toronto's modern skyscrapers. Entrance is free and there is a tour at the top of each hour. Would recommend entering through the visitor centre where there is a cool hallway with ambient noises and a video to set up what happened at the fort.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNzhxZ29nRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJIf-jex81K4gRG9Y_vJpWT6c/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNzhxZ29nRRAB

Nice Historic Sites with lots of monuments to see!!!! I was surprised that still lots of military houses and its inside are being preserved excellently well!!! Those historic sites all had nice interiors to see, and lots of old relics and weapons to look through!!! Old guns, cannons, relics and old clothings were interesting for me to see!!! My favourite was the 3rd barracks with lots of cannons and guns, swords are placed inside it!!! It was really an interesting experience for me to do… and if I have a chance, I want to go there again and read the informations about the Fort York old army base’s history and its origin all again!!! 😊😊😊

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYbk03Q2xnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJIf-jex81K4gRG9Y_vJpWT6c/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYbk03Q2xnRRAB

The site gets a Smashing IT!

But the tour guide and the people that work at this historical site get a big thumbs down 👎

Historical Site.

Now, I have been visiting this site since I was a young child.

While studying theatre at York University, we put on a play called School for Scandal.

And we performed it at Fort York.

I played the role of Mrs. Candour. 🎭

Now, the issue with Fort Yok today is that the caretakers have switched hands and moved from the Fort York Guards to the City of Toronto.

If anyone remembers the Fort York Tour Guides, they were exceptional proud of their job and embraced the historical importantance of Fort York in a very unique and in an in-depth manner. That was very moving. 🪖

Also, the Fort York Guards all had military experience, so their perspective was personal.

That's what is missing from the City of Toronto tour guides today at Fort York.

Today's tour guide appeared to be very agitated by my questions, and there was a tab bit of sarcasm in his tone.

He also left out many important facts about the history of Fort York.

I also didn't appreciate being rushed out at closing time.

I am not sure that it was a good idea to hire this particular staff to manage such a valuable and historical packed place.

They really don't treat the visit or the experience with the respect that it deserves.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmX0l6U3l3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJIf-jex81K4gRG9Y_vJpWT6c/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmX0l6U3l3RRAB

2024 December 4.5★
A place to visit and learn about the battles of early Toronto in this FREE historical museum. Learn about the early war with the US.
Staff nice and helpful.
Lots to see and do. Events during Halloween and throughout the year.

Expect to spend a 2-4 hours here.
Limited Parking outside through Green P.

Visit Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto, ON

Fort York National Historic Site menu overview in Toronto Canada at 250 Fort York Blvd M5V 3K9 ON CA.

Discover a delicious and diverse menu that perfectly complements your visit to the historic Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto. This thoughtfully curated selection offers something for every palate, emphasizing fresh, flavorful ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere for food enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Begin your culinary journey with an array of starters designed to awaken your senses and set the tone for a memorable meal.

Crisp Garden Salad with seasonal vegetables and a zesty house dressing

Hearty Soup of the Day, crafted from fresh local ingredients

Artisan Bread Basket served with herb-infused butter

Savor a selection of main courses that balance classic comfort with modern flair, showcasing the best of Toronto's vibrant culinary scene.

Slow-Roasted Herb Chicken served with seasonal vegetables

Seared Atlantic Salmon with a citrus glaze and wild rice

Vegetarian Risotto with seasonal mushrooms and fresh herbs

Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable desserts that bring a satisfying close to your meal.

Classic New York Cheesecake with berry compote

Chocolate Lava Cake with a molten center served warm

Refresh yourself with a curated selection of beverages, from artisan coffees to handcrafted cocktails, designed to complement every course and mood.

Freshly brewed coffee and a variety of loose-leaf teas

Seasonal handcrafted cocktails and mocktails featuring local ingredients

Explore exclusive specials that highlight the heritage and flavors unique to this historic Toronto landmark, crafted by expert chefs to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Explore Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto! Immerse yourself in Canada's military history and stunning landscapes. Visit today!

Explore 5-Star Hotel Near Fort York, Toronto

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Fort York National Historic Site

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Taste of Toronto

Disclaimer: I won 2 complimentary tickets from Yelp Toronto Giveaway. So we ended up just paying for the food. Love the set up and location of Taste of Toronto. This is the first time I ever been to Fort York. Getting there was easy as Streetcar 509 get me right to the entrance. The ground is spacious and I like the white tent like set up giving it an English Garden gallery vibe. I was expecting the worse since I attended the Saturday Evening Session but was pleasantly surprised that the event was well organized and it was not too crowded. Maximum wait for me was less than 10 minutes for anything. Most of the restaurant vendors did have good time management and kudos for all the kitchen staff working so hard keeping us all fed and wait time to the minimum. We ended up trying Little Sister's Pork Belly ($8), Morimoto Toronto's Uni Carbonara with a bottle of S.Pellegrino ($8) and THR's Lobster Grits ($10). Each dish was well presented with good flavours. There are also a lot of free sampling and tasting in various food vendors, For wine tasting, they are going for $1 each or so. Love the different demo. Getting into Master Cooking Classes were impossible with the limited first come first serve openings but watching the cooking class was just as fun. American Express Lounge was a nice touch from AMEX as it has free samples and free bottle water to keep you hydrated. I would come back next year on a nice day to spend a few hours to wander around and sample some food. The longest line being Richmond Station and Drake. I would suggest to skip those as it really was no point spending your time lining up for food.

My wife and I receive tickets to this event through Yelp which was awesome. Thanks! Taste of Toronto is an almost perfectly executed event in so many ways. It's in a great venue at the Fort York Garrison. The size and layout are perfect for the event. It's compact enough to not have to walk far for anything, but still leaves enough space to not feel crowded. The pre-paid 'crown' system is a great idea to keep lines moving quickly by by-passing cash and machines at the food vendors. The festival also does a great job of ensuring diversity, so you truly can choose from a breadth of food varieties. I'll get my negative critique out first in that the value for food is average at best at some vendors, to downright poor at others. In fact, after you get used to high prices, the places with seemingly 'great' value only seems that way after you've seen other places charge so high for very small portions. I went to Carver first, and they were charging $10 for what is perhaps 1/3 of a normal sandwich. Pretty good ingredients yes, but nothing THAT exotic to justify the cost.It wasn't the only thing I saw with gourmet prices for relatively mainstream food. You'll need to spend at least $30 to be relatively full, and realistically even more to feel you truly experienced the event. But as I said earlier, some vendors were better than others for value. I tried: I) County General: After completely avoiding Carver, I came here. Pretty tasty fried chicken with Asian influence, but a fairly small portion. Not a huge regret, but I wish I had more patience at the time to look for something else with better value. 2) Fat Pasha: Similar portion size of chicken to County General, but also came with hummus, pita and olives. Pretty enjoyable, with a nice taste of charcoal on the chicken, though it had evidently been off the grill for a few minutes before being served. Man, that hot sauce was great. 3) Pilsner Urquell: WONDERFUL beer in a good size cup for $6. Nothing but praise here and I'll have to try and find them...sad it may not be easy to find it on draught again though. 4) Cider: ...I forget the name. A purchase came with a voucher for a free can at the LCBO which gave it great value. 5) Little Sister: My wife ordered the chicken sate and I had the raw tuna in olive oil over cabbage. Both were pretty good (though the tuna would be clutching at straws to say there was Indonesian influence), but we had buyer's remorse once we saw their fried chicken coming out. Fortunately, my friend ordered that eventually and i got to try it. LOVED the fried chicken, though the sate sauce on fries was surprisingly a not so good combination. We also ordered cupcakes from a vendor whose name I unfortunately forget, and an all-natural fruit Popsicle. We really enjoyed our time at this event. They managed to take a great concept and execute into a wonderful event which checks virtually all the boxes you'd want in a food event. I'd still wish for prices to be a little more reflective of the portion sizes; but if you do some research and show some patience, you can still find some pretty good value.

Huzzah! I won 2 tickets from the Yelp Toronto contest, so on opening night, we decided to come! Parking:We paid $20 for parking which was about 5 minutes walk away. Not bad. Tickets: We had a bit of difficulty getting our tickets. There was some confusion as to who was supposed to give us our tickets, but it got sorted out eventually. We got our pre-tickets, then had to proceed to a table across the walkway where we filled out our pre-tickets (names and emails), then received our actual tickets. I asked where we could get crown cards, and was told to walk back right next to where we had received our pre-tickets to buy them. We lined up again, and once we reached the front of the line, we were told that we had lined up in the wrong place, and that we could buy the cards inside the event. I informed them that we had been told to line up where we did, so they discovered there had been some miscommunication and they let the pre-ticket people know that they did not sell crown cards. This was my first time at Taste of Toronto. I expected there to be more people (I'm used to Taste of Asia and Night It Up crowds). I'm thankful that there weren't more people. I knew about the restaurants and their menus ahead of time, so I came with a list of dishes I wanted to try. I knew there would be sampling opportunities. However, I thought there would be more free samples, and fewer samples that we had to pay $1-3 for. These were not, to my knowledge, on their site. Restaurant dishes: For the most part, I had hoped that these would have been larger for the cost. I was more than slightly disappointed by most of them. The Bar at Alo - Foie gras ($6) and Hamachi carpaccio ($8) - I believe it was my first time having foie gras. The texture was what I expected. The taste was not. There were two pieces about the size of lifesavers, each covered in rice pearls, and there was supposed to be some form of umeboshi (pickled plums). The foie gras was smooth, and the rice pearls were crispy. Taste-wise, it was all just tart. Creamy, buttery, and tart. The tartness threw me off. Not a fan. The hamachi ceviche was one of my top 3 foods of the night. Five decent sized chunks of really tasty hamachi. The avocado added some creaminess and the radish some crisp/tart notes. The hamachi was the highlight though. Miku - Kaisen duo ($8) - Two prawns in a cilantro based sauce. Prawns were fresh. I'm not a fan of cilantro. Huh. Reading the description. It says wasabi chimichurri. I would not have known. Albacore tuna and wakame tartare was not particularly noteworthy either. Given that this was the restaurant I was most excited to try, I was a tad disappointed. Side note. Their opera cake ($6) was the size of a chocolate truffle, and was served with yuzu lemonade? I can't figure out how to justify the price. Barque - Brisket burnt ends ($8) - Three small pieces of burnt ends slightly bigger than the average dice, seved on crispy rice. Crispy rice reminded me of grilled polenta. The burnt ends were also slightly disappointing. Tasty, but not crisp on the outside nor juicy on the inside. Avocados from Mexico (not an official restaurant) - salmon poke ($2) and avocado popsicle ($2) - the price for these was not bad. It was essentially a two bite salmon poke on some thin cracker (rice cracker?) with a lovely sesame sauce. Good-sized salmon chunks. Avocado popsicle had a good avocado taste. Very refreshing. Totally worth it. Mamakas Taverna - Lamb kontosouvli ($10) - Best dish of the night! Good portion for price. Very tasty. We watched them grill the lamb on spits outside. The bulgur salad was delicious as well. The tzazkiki was very refreshing. The lamb had plenty of lamb taste. Good mix of fat and meat. Warning. Bone-in. This was so good that my brother and I immediately decided that Mamakas was the one restaurant we would actually consider going to out of the ones we tried tonight. Other things to note: Maille mustard - $2 gets you a small bottle of make-your-own mustard mix. Mine was maple blueberry dijon. That $2 also includes a cocktail (apple juice, vodka, some kind of mustard, thyme, ice). Mustard was fun. Cocktail tasted like watered down apple juice with a hint of alcohol. Too much thyme for me. Their truffle mustard was very tasty though. Upper Canada Cheese - They had samples of their Guernsey Girl cheese, but pan fried. It was ridiculously good. Third of our top 3 foods of the night. I'm not a cheese fan, but this was delicious and buttery and firm and smelled amazing. I ended up buying a wedge of it. One of my top two cheese experiences. Ever. Metro - Their masterclasses fill up really quickly. Get there early! They have these beach towel things that they're giving out for free, so if you see some people from Metro, ask them for one. Watermelon juice and lemonade free too. Paper straws. Awkward. I had fun because I didn't have to pay for admission, but if I had to pay, I probably wouldn't go again.

Contrary to a lot of reviews below, I absolutely loved Taste of Toronto. Our group wanted to try a variety of options, so we pooled our money and loaded it on 1 card. Surprisingly, the wait time to try top restaurants were not bad at all. We pretty much got a taste of every dish at every place. By the end of the night, I was holding my magnum ice cream with a big smile on my face. My friends were all struggling to walk and wanting to roll home instead. The main dish that made my night was: Splendido - "True North Atlantic Salmon Sashimi from Atlantic Canada - Avocado, sesame, race cakes." This dish had the "Wow factor." After having a slice, I was in shock. I honestly could not stop talking about how delicious this dish was that night. I had to get a second order immediately. The sauce had the perfect amount of flavor without being too strong to cover the taste of the freshly sliced Salmon Sashimi. The texture from the avocado compliments the tenderness and chewiness of the Sashimi perfectly. Amazing! What I really like about this festival is that you get a taste of the food from top restaurants around Toronto. I will definitely be trying Splendido shortly in the future. I look forward to Taste of Toronto next year and I highly recommend others to join me as well!

Disclaimer: I won 2 free tickets from Yelp Giveaway! Thanks Yelp & Chantal :)) -- My First Impression -- I have never been to Taste of Toronto (TOT) before. Given that their ticket prices were quite expensive ($29 each without including any additional food/beverage/experience related expenses), I was hesitant to attend the event. Thanks @Chantal from Yelp Toronto for hosting the giveaway, I finally had a chance to attend this foodie event. We attended the Sunday event. After reading fellow yelpers' reviews, we were there half hour before the event began to make sure we could pick up the tickets and enroll in the Metro Master Class smoothly. When I talked to the tickets attendant, she couldn't find my name on the list. I had to show her my message from Chantal @Yelptoronto in order to prove I was entitled for free tickets. She then pointed me to the VIP line, but we were then asked to join the general admission line later on. The instructions there were quite confusing. When it reached noon time, we were allowed to enter the venue and I rushed to the Metro Master Class booth to sign up for a free cooking class. We were lucky enough to Chef Claudio Aprile's cooking class. The cooking class was interesting and Chef Aprile was a great teacher! We received a free apron, a cooking book, a Metro tote bag and a bottle of spice for participating in his lesson. We later also went to the Taste Theatre session by Chef Aprile again! Before we left the venue, we went to the Maille Mustart workshop to make our own mustard and participated in the mustard sommerlier workshop to learn the basic technique to prepare mustard marinate. -- Food and Drink -- 1. Root Beer Pork Rib (jalapeno corn puree, corn nuts, pickled fennel) from Rasa - 10 crowns - The rib was very tender! Unlike normal BBQ marinate, Rasa' marinate was on the tangy and sour side! Perfect for hot weather! There were 4 baby pork ribs. In terms of the quantity at TOT, the size was not bad. 2. Siracha Soy Fried Chicken from the Drake Hotel - 10 crowns - Originally, we were going to order the ribs from The Drake Hotel, unfortunately it was already sold out by the time we reached their booth. However, they offered some new items that were not on their original menu. The sirach soy fried chicken was very moist and juicy. It was more on the salty side and it wasn't spicy at all. This was my husband's favorite dish at TOT. 3. Churro Nest (with housemade dulce de leche or vanilla bean hard ice-cream) from El Caballito - 8 crowns - After seeing so many Instagram photos of this dish and how my cousin mentioned this was one of the best dishes he tried at TOT, I had a high expectation for this dish. It was mediocre. Since I went during the Sunday session, they no longer had the crunchy topping on the ice-cream. The churro nest was overcooked and hard to cut through. 4. Station Burger (milk bun, beet chutney, onion ring) from Richmond Station - 10 crowns - I was shocked they only gave us half of the burger. The beet chutney was too runny and it made the bottom of the bun really soggy. I wasn't a fan of it. 5. Aburi Oshi Sushi (Salmon Oshi and Ebi Oshi 2 each) from Miku Restaurant - 10 crowns - My cousin reminded me to try this dish at TOT and it didn't let me down! The aburi sushi was so delicious! I personally liked the salmon one better! :) 6. Green Tea Opera and Yuzunade (green tea genoise, matcha butter ceam, dark chocolate ganache, adzuki bean cream, hazelnut wafer) from Miku Restaurant - 6 crowns - This was the last dish we tried at TOT. I could taste the different layers of flavors and textures in the dessert. This was definitely the perfect way to end our meal at TOT. Their green tea genoise and dark chocolate ganache complemented each other perfectly! The hazelnut wafer was super crispy! The tangy and refreshing Yuzunade help to clean up our palette after we finished the cake! -- Overall -- I had a lot of fun participating in TOT. Some of the menu items were overpriced, but being able to participate in the Metro Cooking class definitely made my money worth it. I would revisit TOT in the future.

This review is for the event itself, not for the food or vendors. I won 2 general admission tickets (thank you, Yelp Toronto). If you purchased these tickets in advance, Thursday and Friday sessions were $19 each and weekend sessions were $25. Purchasing at the door cost $30. I understand there are significant costs associated with events like this: venue, set up, scanners, promotions, people, etc. Did you know the card itself costs a buck? Food wise, the dishes run between 6-10 "crowns" which are actually the equivalent to dollars. Load up your card and scan away! There were definitely enough restaurants to choose from. Most were well-known establishments. It's too bad there's a fee to make a return if you had unused crowns. There were some vendors who provided complimentary samples. Considering the entrance fee, this was a nice surprise at the event. If you had an AmEx card, you were able to access their lounge area which was actually a pretty nice space. Two bars were available for purchasing drinks, tables, seating areas, even mats on the grass for you to have a picnic with your food. If you like hands-on cooking demos, and if you were quick enough to sign up, Metro hosted some pretty good sessions led by celebrity chefs. There was a main stage where celebrity chefs would prepare various dishes and provide a pretty good show. I was lucky enough to watch Chef Morimoto cut up a decent 130 pound tuna. I believe there was also the opportunity to have a small round-table discussion with various chefs, hosted by Toronto Life. All in all, it was a well organized event. Line ups were very civilized and entry times were staggered to prevent over capacity. Purchasing last minute at the door was a bit much but if you got to see a favourite chef or two, I think it would still be worth it.

Taste of Toronto 2016 Review This past Saturday I attended the evening session of Taste of Toronto at Fort York which ran from 5:30pm - 10pm. Taste of Toronto is essentially a food and drink festival that showcases some of the signature dishes from some of Toronto's finest restaurants, along with cooking classes and the opportunity to sample gourmet food and drinks at Fort York. Tickets for two were approximately $33 plus tax if bought in advance with an AMEX card which was one of the event sponsors. Once we picked up our tickets, we walked right in without any real lineup. So to pay for food and drinks, you get a crown card and load the card with money. Food dishes ranged from $6-$10 per dish and drinks ranged from $4-$6. They recommend you load approximately $30 per person. It's better to not overload your card because you can always top up but if you overload and you don't end up spending everything, you have to apply for a refund online and there was something like a $3.50 processing fee also. Venue: Fort York is a great central location for this event. Very spacious place and great layout for all the vendors and ample room to walk around. Alcohol/Food Vendors: Me and my friends ended up trying quite a few dishes, some were memorable, some not so much. So I'll mention the three dishes that we thought that really stood out from the rest from what we tried. Miku: Aburi Oshi Sushi (4 pieces). This dish which ended costing $10/crowns was fantastic. Seared on top, fresh ingredients and perfectly executed that melted in your mouth. Lamb Club: Lamb Cutlets (One cutlet). This dish which ended up costing only $4/crowns was fantastic, really simple but perfectly seasoned and cooked, tender and juicy with just the right amount of fat. Mamakas Taverna: Lamb Kontosouvli (One piece). This dish which ended up costing $10/crowns was pretty good. Spit roasted Ontario lamb with a bulgar salad, tzatziki and oregano. Great seasoning and good flavour from the spit roast. Overall, it's a pretty good event for foodies even though it's a little on the pricey side since the dishes are sample sizes. Really well organized but hopefully they can add some more well known vendors because if you didn't get there early, some of the lineups ended up being 30 mins to 1 hr for some vendors but that also attests to the popularity of the event too. It's a great event for people of all ages whether you're young or old and a great option for couples and first dates or just looking to kill a few hours with friends. It's something I will be attending in 2017.

I got free tickets at the LCBO for Taste of Toronto and this was one food festival I didn't want to miss out on. I went to the Friday July 3rd 2015 afternoon session (12-4pm) and as expected, lines were pretty minimal and there weren't many people there. After entering, I knew what I wanted to experience first. I headed straight to the Metro Master Class, as described in the information booklet, "The Metro Master Class offers visitors the unique opportunity to pick up hints, tips and techniques from some of the city's leading chefs in a series of interactive cooking demonstrations using the freshest ingredients provided by Metro". But as we lined up in front of the tent, we were quick to discover that all the sessions had been booked for the afternoon. I would suggest getting there right when it opens if you are interested in getting a spot for this event. We did a quick round to see the overall festival and I must say, I think that Fort York was a great venue for this festival. The historical site was a nice contrast to the 2-year old event. Although the main focus was Taste, being able to walk around the old buildings and seeing the soldiers walking around was definitely an interesting and unique feat. "Crowns" is the currency used at this festival, at first I wasn't too enthusiastic about paying for a card ($1) just to use as currency but as we explored the festival more, I completely understood it. It was a great convenience not having to dig around my pockets and purse to search for loose change, or having to handle money while working out a balancing act with food. 1 Crown is equal to $1 and each dish is generally 6, 8, or 10 Crowns. However, I noticed that we were spending a lot of our Crowns on the Exhibitor booths which varied in pricing (1 Crown to 10 Crowns). We originally loaded up $30 (or 30 Crowns) on our card for 2 people but ended up spending about $45 at the festival. After hearing about Iron Chef Morimoto was opening a restaurant in Toronto, I was ecstatic that I would be able to have a preview taste of his menu. At the Morimoto Toronto booth, I opted for the Uni Carbonara (quail egg, smoked bacon, parmesan) which came out to 8 Crowns. The line-up was fairly long at this booth but the wait wasn't too bad as we got our food within 5-10 minutes. I might have set my expectations too high as I felt it wasn't as good as I had imaged it to be. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't much of a stand out dish to me. We ended up trying the CSB (char siu bao) bbq pork buns from R&D. It cost us 6 Crowns but it was well worth it as if we were to go to R&D restaurant it would have cost $8. It wasn't a traditional bbq pork bun, the bun had a nice subtle sweetness on top and the bbq pork wasn't as saucy as it generally is in the buns. Overall, the bao was pretty delicious and I wouldn't hesitate ordering another one. We also tried a Lobster Roll from Matty's Seafood priced at 5 Crowns. (I wanted to mention this exhibitor because of the quality and taste of the food was excellent). I enjoyed the Lobster Roll a lot. The lobster mixture wasn't overwhelmed with fillers or excessive mayo. It was served in a nicely toasted bun which made the dish very pleasant. I was able to catch one of the showings at the Cadillac Taste Theatre (as stated in the brochure, "The Cadillac Taste Theatre in partnership with Metro and All-Clad will host live demonstrations from a selection of Toronto's best chefs and some special guests! These leaders in world cuisine will create gastronomic delights, live to the audience on the latest appliances from Electrolux").The session was featuring Eric Chong & Alvin Leung (First season winner of Masterchef Canada & Michelin Star chef and a judge on Masterchef Canada) creating Chong's Masterchef Canada winning dish of Lobster Chow Mein. It was a great experience to see amazing chefs cook and being able to interact and ask questions. Being an event that has an entry fee, this festival wasn't as busy as it would have been if it were free. To me, it was an amazing experience to be able to learn new things from great chefs, taste amazing food I probably would have never tried, and meet chefs and foodies alike. The cost of the festival is kind of steep but actually being able to have space to walk around and explore was a nice change. I would suggest to anyone attending the festival to go at a time where it won't be too busy as there's so much to see and taste and so little time.

Thank you based Yelp Toronto & Chantel for the 2 free tickets! Arrived on Saturday around 6pm, and the parking lot was completely full. I turned on my parking-spot-finding instincts, and we turned right onto Stratchan Ave, and then the 1st right onto a side road w/ a dead end called Ordance St. (PARK HERE - IT'S FREE - As opposed to the $20 flat rate for the parking lot - You're welcome) Loaded up the Crown card w/ $60.00, and I thought that this was the perfect amount. Here are the cliff notes: 1) Went to Miku first. The pressed aburi sushi was godly. My date and I agree that it was the best dish that we had. Even though it's $10 for 4 pieces, I think that the quality was awesome, and brought such a unique experience. 2) P.E.I. Oysters at Piano Piano ($8 for 4 oysters). Not worth imo. They served the oysters w/ some onions and other garnish. They tasted like normal oysters, weren't that big, and probably would've tasted better w/ cocktail sauce. 3) Lamb from Mamakas - $10. Imo, this was the 2nd best dish, and the portion size was good. They were fire-roasting them right in front so you know it's legit. The tzatziki was lit as well. The only downside was that they only had plastic knives and forks, so it was quite a struggle to carve the piece of lamb they gave you off of the bone. 4) Churro Nest from El Caballito - $8. I think that the presentation of the dessert was cool, but it's exactly how you'd imagine it to taste like - a churro and vanilla bean icecream. Enjoyable none the less. 5) Avacado Popsicle - $2, Salmon Poke $2. The Salmon Poke was okay - just 1 cracker w/ the salmon stuff on top - kinda messy. I liked the Avacado Popsicle - pretty refreshing. There was barely any lineup, so this booth was good. 6) Takoyaki - $6, Octopus - $10 from the Kinka Family. I liked the takoyaki - never had it before, so it was a cool experience. The octopus wasn't worth it imo. It was slightly burnt and we struggled to finish it. 7) Some rando cider - $3 for 1/2 cup. Regrets: 1) We managed to book the Wine-Tasting at 8:45pm, but I thought that it was free or only a few $$, so when we got there, we didn't have enough Crowns to pay for it, so we gave up our spot :\. Apparently it's $5 each, so that's good to know for next time. 2) Didn't get a chance to make the mustard at Maille, but everyone told me it was legit and only costed $2. 3) Tried to sign up for a Metro Master Class at 6pm, but they were completely booked for the night. 4) Forgot to get the free icecream sandwiches at Ace Bakery and the Nespresso cup. 5) Wanted to get the Pineapple drink thing, but it was $10, and didn't have enough. Pro-tips: 1) If you go on Saturday/a busy time, then arrive the earliest possible and signup for the Master Class and Wine-Tasting right away. Apparently, people were sprinting to sign up lol 2) It got super busy around 8pm - lineups got way too long - probably 45-1hr wait. Make sure you go early, as there were virtually no lineups or max 10 minute wait. Overall, it was a good time and I'd go again if the entry tickets were free. Thank you based Yelp Toronto & Chantel once again.

One of the best food festivals in Toronto. Well organized, great vendors, and very enjoyable event. I went with a small group of friends and we had a great experience. I liked that there were set times to attend, this way it was not overcrowded and the lineups for food was very reasonable. Also, it was cashless so they only accept credit card which makes payment nice and quick. Most restaurants had dishes from $10 to $12, and a big platter option at a higher cost. What attracted us to come was the list of participating vendors. Some highlights for us included Aburi Sushi from Miku, Porchette Panini from Bar Buca, Grilled Chorizo Verde and Piri Piri Chicken at Bar Isabel, Buttermilk Fried Sammy from Nota Bene, Taiwanese Fried Chicken from Kanpai Snack Bar, and Brisket and Ribs from Barque. There were many more vendors that I wish I could try, but was too full.

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