Market Street near St. Lawrence Market

For the first time since the pandemic, I was invited to the walking tour of the Feast of St. Lawrence event again.  This year, instead of a dinner under the stars, it has transformed into a “picnic dinner under the stars” on Market Street instead.

We visited 5 locations on the walking tour to check out the food that will be offered this year for the main event.  Proceeds from the event go to Second Harvest.

Tasting at the Omni King Edward Hotel

Firstly, we met as a group on August 6 at 11:15 a.m. at the Omni King Edward Hotel (37 King St. E.) where we got to taste the Summer Corn Cobb Salad with Seared Citrus Yuzu Salmon, Candied Maple Bacon, Avocado Mousseline, and Blue Cheese Tartine.  Chef Elaine Wong spoke to us about why they decided to make this salad for this year’s event.

Main: Summer Corn Cobb Salad with Seared Citrus Yuzu Salmon, Candied Maple Bacon, Avocado Mousseline, and Blue Cheese Tartine

The sample we got to try

The second stop was supposed to be at Hot House Restaurant and Bar (35 Church Street) where we would taste the Summer Corn Gazpacho made with Ontario corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.  The chef was Curt Hospedales.  However, we didn’t actually step into this location of the tour for some reason.

Tasting at the C’est What pub/cafe

C’est What (67 Front St. E.) was the third stop where we tasted the Vegan Spring Rolls served with a Spicy Sesame Dipping Sauce as well as a Seared Korean-Style Tofu atop a Bed of Kale, Fresh Onion, Glass Noodles served with a Light Kimchi-Infused Cucumber Dressing and Garnished with Sesame Seeds.  The Chef was Danyil Panasyev.

It was my first time to this pub/cafe and I was so impressed with how large the underground space was.  They were also very generous and served us a very hefty portion of the vegetarian appetizers.

Main: Seared Korean-Style Tofu atop a Bed of Kale, Fresh Onion, Glass Noodles served with a Light Kimchi-Infused Cucumber Dressing and Garnished with Sesame Seeds

The sample we got to try

How the dishes will look at the picnic

The large platter of vegan spring rolls we got to sample

We were also generously served 4 of their craft beers to sample:  Blak Katt, Ginger Wheat, Hemp Haze, and Mocha Porter.

Craft beers: Blak Katt, Ginger Wheat, Hemp Haze, Mocha Porter

Food and drink tasting at CC Lounge

The fourth stop of the tour was at CC Lounge (45 Front St. E.).  Here, we tasted the Korean-Style Miami-Cut Short Ribs with Grilled Togarashi Corn which was also served with their Fresh In-House Kimchi.

The ribs were tasty, as well as as the grilled corn.

Main: Korean-Style Miami-Cut Short Ribs with Grilled Togarashi Corn, Fresh In-House Kimchi

The sample we got to try

As CC Lounge is a whiskey bar, they also served the cocktail named “The Toronto” which contained Gibsons Whisky, Fernet-Branca, Orange-Infused Simple Syrup, and Garnished Bitters.  The Chef was Rodney C. Best.

Cocktail: “The Toronto”
-Gibsons Whisky, Fernet-Branca, Orange-Infused Simple Syrup, and Garnished Bitters

Tasting at Cirillo’s Culinary Academy

Last but not least, we finished at Cirillo’s Culinary Academy (118 The Esplanade) where we first tasted freshly cut German Currywurst with a Soft Pretzel Bun from Chef John Cirillo.  As Cirillo’s will turn into a Beer Garden for the Feast of St. Lawrence this year on Saturday, August 13, they wanted to feature an appropriate snack.

Samples: German Currywurst with a Soft Pretzel Bun

We also had the Polish Apple Cake with Dulce de Leche dessert from The Chefs’ House George Brown College.  Missy Hui was the Executive Chef at the Chef’s House.

Dessert: Polish Apple Cake with Dulce de Leche

The sample we got to try

This year’s main event Picnic Dinner on Market Street is on Friday, August 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. where guests will pick up a pre-purchased picnic basket and enjoy it on Market Street.  Picnic Basket for two are $125 and can be purchased on the website.

FTC Disclaimer:  Although I was invited to a complimentary tasting at The Feast of St. Lawrence Content Creator Walking Tour, the opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the event hosts or the businesses.