A Taste of Canada
Happy Canada Day!
Year round, we are asked about Canadian food. What is it? Where do you find the best of it? Last year, the CBC took to the Internet to poll Canadians on determine. People respond in droves, and, came up with this list. A few months back, we were at an event hosted by Environmental Defense at Cafe Belong in which Chef Brad Long addressed this same question. To him, Canadian food is anything grown in our backyards. Foods that come from our soil and sea, by nature, are Canadian foods. With that being said, we have taken some of those foods and made delicious creations from them, that have evolved over the years. Here are a few of our favourite distinctly Canadian foods, and, the amazing people that are working with it and turning it into culinary delights that we can savour in Toronto:
Maple Syrup
The amazing team of Richard Brault and Dianne Croteau at Ninutik [Maple Sugar] are making maple syrup sexy. I cannot think of a more distinct Canadian food, but, for so long, the only way to present it was through tacky maple leaf or pioneer inspired packaging and in its liquid form. The team at Ninutik are elevating maple syrup to a new level. Sleek design packaging, perfect flavour and texture, and, creative maple syrup products make this local, independently owned company your “go to” for any maple syrup inspired gifting (and treating yourself, of course).
Poutine
People immediately think of the distinct face of Smoke’s Poutinerie, with their endless flavours, which are perfect to sop up the remnants of a night out on the town. If you want to step outside the box, however, you must try the lobster poutine (lobster and poutine…cannot get more Canadian than that) from Rock Lobster Co., or, how about the sisig fries from Kanto by tita fl!ps for an entirely new take on this classic.
Doughnuts
Per capita, Canada has the most doughnut shops, and, we consume the most doughnuts. Time to step outside of our Canadian icon, Tim Horton’s, and, experience a whole new breed of doughnuts. While the gourmet doughnut scene is growing larger and larger, in our opinion, there is nothing better that the yeasty goodness from Glory Hole Doughnuts. We have been big fans from the first bite, and, have seen Chef Ashley Jacot De Boinod create countless favourites. From the original Lemon Meringue (which got us hooked), to the Elvis with Marshmallow, to the Salted Caramel & Spicy Pecans, to a whole new collection that was just released, Chef Ashley keeps it fresh and tasty. No Canada Day (or week in general) would be complete without a Glory Hole Doughnut.
Bison Burgers
Based on the sheer volume of gourmet burger shops in Toronto, it is no surprise that we love our burgers. If you are looking for a Canadian twist, then a bison burger is a must. Our favourite, and, the one we point out weekly on our 501 Streetcar Food Tour, is the bison burger on red-fife bannock (also very Canadian) from Keriwa Cafe. While we were unable to find a picture on file, trust us and go. You will not be disappointed.
Lobster Rolls
So many to choose from, but, we will point out our two favourites. We have to start with the deliciously creamy lobster roll from Rock Lobster Co. that put them on the map. Not to be outdone, you must also try the lobster roll from The Happy Hooker. Delicious chunks of lobster meat await your taste buds.
Now that you know where to get some of the best Canadian food, get out there and eat. Don’t forget to share your favourite eats with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages. Better yet, come on our to one of our food tours or events and let’s chat in person. Satisfy your hunger, one good eat at a time!