Toronto a Foodies Town

This last summer, we went to Toronto for different reasons; the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower, but what we discovered was something much different.  Even though we enjoyed these things to our surprise, Toronto has some great food.  I would say for a city its size some above-average food.  What was impressive was the quality and availability.  Everywhere we went, there was a good restaurant or coffee shop.  Heck, the downtown food court felt like a collection of high-end gourmet restaurants.

Part of the reason for this excellent food culture in Toronto that it has a European feel to it.  Like food in Europe, it feels fresh and locally sourced.  Driving into Canada, you do notice is the lack of billboards and the overall cleanliness.    If you can't go to Europe because you are afraid to fly, go to Canada.  Now back to the food because I'm getting hungry.

The food scene in Toronto is anchored by its two city markets, St. Lawrence and Kensington. St. Lawrence Market is the old English market in the city downtown.  This traditional indoor market in a large building screams English with its vibrant seafood, butcher shops, and bakeries.  Kensington Market, a bohemian collection of streets and shops west of Chinatown, is an eclectic collection of food and culture from all over the world.   All food on the planet has a residence at Kensington.  These two markets opposites in nature come together to drive the culinary culture in Toronto.

As for the meals, they still linger in my mind, like an out-of-body experience.  There was a vegan Chinese restaurant where the tofu tasted like steak.  The gourmet sandwich shop with the deli quality roast beef piled high.  The Smoked Fish with fresh bread and antipasto.  Then the numerous Chinese fusion/curry dishes that we had that were so unique.  It’s going to be hard to eat at an American Chinese Buffet after this for sure. 

So, get your passport and drive to Toronto and eat this food. You will be a better person for it, and your taste buds will thank you.  It must be done before you die; there are no excuses.