Food definitely doesn’t take a backseat to carnival rides and games at this sprawling fair. Countless calorie-cravers hit the CNE grounds for its creative culinary scene alone. Doing so means a visit filled with shameless indulgence, discovery, and countless flavours from around the world. 

Here’s some of what you can expect on the culinary front at CNE 2024 (aside from leaving feeling more than well-fed – that’s inevitable). 

Super-Sized “Snacks”

This year’s vendors are going big, with massive versions of beloved food items that will soon make their way to Instagram. Those with a soft spot for samosas will appreciate a giant foot-long, potato and pea-filled samosa from Bombay Spice Street that begs to be shared. On the sweet side, the super-sized samosa is only outmatched by a 15-inch diameter donut from Pancho’s Bakery that weighs over two pounds and is designed as a sweet treat for sharing and – of course – social media. 

Deep-Fried Deliciousness

The CNE wouldn’t be the same without an assortment of deep-fried deliciousness. This year’s must-try creations include a deep-fried butter chicken lasagna from Rick’s Good Eats Food Truck, a deep-fried pickle Oreo from Sam’s Grill, foot-long deep-fried mozzarella stick hot dogs from Pizza Pizza, cheese-packed birria beef taco bombs from Deep Fried Co., and dreamy “Taylor’s Version” cheese curds from The King of Curds, which are complete with “wildest cream” icing, “bejewelled” edible shimmer, a side of cotton candy, and a friendship bracelet. 

Summertime Spice

Spicy food lovers have no shortage of items “with a kick” to choose from. This means everything from Farm to Fryer’s whole Japanese-style soft shell crab-on-a-sick that’s drizzled with ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce – a quick crowd pleaser at the media preview – to wasabi ice cream from Caf-Eh TO. The wasabi-flavoured soft serve ice cream is served in a charcoal cone and topped with orange sugar pearls and roasted seaweed. To wash it all down, there’s the refreshing jalapeño lemonade (with an appreciated bite) from Alijandro’s Kitchen. 

Colourful Creations

If bright and bold temps your palate, the CNE is packed with colourful culinary creations this year. One of the most eye-catching (and healthiest) options is the Uni-Corn from Freshly Roasted, a fresh corn-on-the-cob that’s covered in rainbow-hued queso. The more adventurous set may opt for the Kool-Aid fried chicken sandwich, a chicken filet topped with a Kool-Aid reduction on a bun. Other colourful creations include the fruity cereal-crusted chicken tenders (why not combine two childhood favourites?) from Lucky Chicken or Real Fruit Splash’s purple lavender lemonade. 

Sugary Sweets

The sweet tooth is easily satisfied at the CNE – and 2024 is no exception. Eva’s Original Chimneys is serving up a creme brûlée Chimney Cone, with a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar in a hand-rolled traditional Hungarian pastry ‘Chimney Cone.’ Meanwhile, Fried Chicken Sandwiches is offering their Crookie Sandwiches, a hybrid pastry of cookie & croissant that can be enjoyed on its own, or as part of a fried chicken sandwich. Those willing to take a gamble in the sweet versus salty department can opt for O’Mochi’s Sweet Or Salty Mochi Funnel Cake. The exclusive flavour reimagines the classic funnel cake with a signature mochi donut in a sweet or spicy flavour – that is a mystery in every batch.

Comforting Crowd-Pleasers

Other notable food offerings – especially for those who arrive hungry – include things like The Super Fly Noodle from Super Noodle Co., which offers extra-large portions of “floating” sauced instant noodles, topped with a choice of protein and unlimited toppings. Right up there in the taste department are the Banh Mi Tacos from Los Vietnamina, which brings zesty flavours of Vietnamese Banh Mi combined with a Latin flair to create Saigon fried chicken or crispy fish Banh Mi Tacos. 

We’re no experts, but we’ve been to many CNEs in our years, so here’s a word of advice: you may want to work your way through the Food Building or food trucks after you’ve hit the ride-packed midway.

Find more info on CNE 2024 here. 

The post The CNE Kicks Off Today in its Food-Filled Glory appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Inspired by one of the more delicious food vendors, FUWA FUWA Pancakes, you might want to try this recipe for Souffle Pancake Sundaes at home! If you’ve ever had the Japanese style pancakes you know why we are all raving. The fluffiness raises the bar on pancakes and we are definitely “EX”cited to make these at home!

BTW, the CNE is now on until September 4! Remember to bring your antacid pills! Take a quick look at all the wacky foods offered this year: www.theex.com

If you can’t make it out the the CNE this year…or want to keep living those end of summer dreams, try making this Dairy Farmers of Ontario recreated recipe.

Souffle Pancake Sundaes

Serves 2 plates with 3 pancakes each

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup local Ontario whole milk
• 6 tbsp cake flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1-2 tbsp local Ontario unsalted butter
• 4 scoops local Ontario vanilla ice cream
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate sauce
• Other toppings of choice: cookies, pretzels, fruit.

Directions:

1. In a clean dry bowl, whip the egg whites using hand or stand mixer.

2. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Fold in the lemon juice. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, milk and yolks.

4. Gently fold the meringue into the batter until a smooth mixture forms.

5. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan to medium low. Grease the surface with a small amount of butter.

6. Place the mixture into a piping bag. Pipe 3/4 cup portions directly onto the surface of the pan. Let cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for about 3 more minutes or until cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.

7. Stack 3 pancakes then top with ice cream, cookies, sprinkles, and toppings of choice.

The post Recipe for Souffle Pancake Sundaes by CNE appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Bring your appetite (and your Rolaids)! And remember to save room for Tiny Tom Donuts — a CNE tradition in itself! Here’s what else to put on your EAT EVERYTHING checklist at this year’s Exhibition. By the way, don’t even attempt to count calories — you’ll walk them off anyway! Ready?

The CNE opens August 19 to September 5, 2022. Be sure to plan ahead to also catch the new nightly drone show, acrobats, immersive multi-media show NEVAEH & The Northstar, Gaming Garage, Celebrity Kitchen Stage, the new Double-Decker Merry-Go-Round, Canadian International Air Show (Labour Day Weekend), the Mardi Gras Meet up and Celtic Celebration! Visit the official website for complete details and schedules!

State Fair Hot Dog by Tuxedo Franks: all beef hot dog topped with aged cheddar cheese sauce and caramel popcorn. Weird but flavourful with a crunch is a great choice for curious carnival food lovers.

Peach Mango Spice Cream by One Shot Swirl: if you like sweet heat, this one is for you. This “fire and ice” soft serve ice cream kicks it up a notch with Tabasco. Take note of their challenge and pop in that red hot chili pepper!

Cinnamon Curd Crunch by The King of Curds:  deep fried cheese curds topped with cream cheese icing, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Actually like a warm hug with a bit of a crunch.  They tell us it’s like a cinnamon roll. Cheese is mild so yeah, kinda.

Croffles by Fuwa Fuwa: from the popular fluffy Japanese pancake company comes these pretty croissant waffle desserts. Flavours include Tiramisu, Oreo, Chocolate Banana or fruit. Delish!

Seoul-ful Taters by GYOT: It’s all about the tater-tots from this food truck that will be on site! With a variety of toppings from Jambalaya to Mexican. The Seoul-ful Taters is with Bulgogi (beef), kimchi, and taters! Honesty, AMAZING. (look for their food truck)

Pickled Ice Cream by Whip it Real Good!: perhaps appealing for the pregnant demographic? We’ll let them be the judge. But they also offer a icy delicious Dole Whip Pineapple Split.

Ketchup and Mustard Soft Serve by So Cute Ice Cream: already buzzing as the “must try” food item of this year’s CNE will surely keep the conversations going. Remember ketchup is made of tomatoes…which is considered a fruit. They are also offering Pickled Lemonade! Pucker up to this tangy twist on summer’s favourite drink. It’s not as sweet as a straight up lemonade and tolerable. Also try the Mac and Cheese Lemonade. Good luck.

Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich by Legend Dairy Waffles & Cream: If you love a traditional ice cream sandwich then this may not be too far of a stretch to try!

Purple Slime Soda and Rainbow Slime Candy by Eative: The purple soda is actually made of blue matcha (aka butterfly pea flower) packed with antioxidants and really pretty! It glistens with edible glitter dust under the colourful lights (battery operated light up bottom). The rainbow slime candy will appeal to the littles or anyone who needs a sugar fix or, as the vendor says “wants a taste of joy and happiness”. We’ll go with that.

Leaning T.O.wer of Pisa by San Francesco: Inspired by one of the world’s most famous architectural wonders! Here you’ll get a waffle cone topped with fried meatballs, cheese topped with cotton candy and sprinkles. Maybe one of the most instagrammable food offerings this year!

Squid Ink Korean Corn Dog by Salt Spring Concessions: one of the biggest street food trends continues strong. Here your corn dog gets all dressed up and ready to go. Made with a hot dog spliced at the ends to resemble a squid then wrapped in cheese and rolled in squid inked batter, and panic crumbs! Great for those who want to eat and keep moving.

Deep Fried Dim Sum by Farm to Fryer: This food vendor serves up our favourite bite sized asian goodies …but fried (of course). Try dumplings, gyoza and rice cakes with sriracha mayo), Squid Cakes, Cheesecake Chimichunga with Pop Rocks and more.

Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese by The Lobster Pot: is it even summer without a taste of lobster? This substantial and popular dish is full of goodness – and you can eat the bowl too.

Cookie Butter Fries by Dutch Frites: cookie butter had a renewed interest over the past couple of years and this creation has us eating all our feelings.

Flaming Hot Cheetos Smash Burger by Bacon Nation: This popular burger gets a new twist this year with a Flaming Hot Cheetos Bun. Wedged in with the burger is thick cut maple bacon, cheddar cheese, chipotle mayo, and extra flaming hot Cheetos. Bacon Nation is also responsible for the Flaming Hot Cheetos Burrito and the Flaming Hot Cheetos Chicken Burger. You’ll also find the super gooey 10″ Fried Mozzarella Stick here. You’ve been warned.

Two-Foot Long Taco by Machette: this taco is stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and your choice of chorizo, ground beef or mushrooms. Reminds us of the street foods at mercados in Mexico!

Light Saber Cotton Candy: Be the envy of all Star Wars fans when you pull out this epic sized cotton candy treat served on a light saber! The force will definitely be with you on this one!

Cookies ‘n Cream Timbit Poutine by Tim Hortons: Apparently the chocolate “poutine” and the birthday cake sweets were so popular a few years back, they’ve decided to bring them back. Exclusive to the CNE. Sorry, no TimBiebs here.

Donut Pulled Pork Sandwich by Krispy Kreme: Succulent pulled pork and creamy coleslaw nestled between two original Krispy Kreme donuts.

The post Here’s your CNE food “no-calorie-counting” bucketlist appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Originally named the Canadian National Championship, it was founded in 1881 and was the third oldest tennis tournament in the world (founded only after Wimbledon in 1877 and the US open in 1880). Initially, the tournament was only an amateur competition, aspiring to one day join the far away big leagues that had not yet resided in Canada. Promoted as “the first tournament in the Dominion”, it brought much anticipation to the tennis fans of Toronto.

On the very first day of its opening, the esteemed lieutenant governor of ​Ontario​, ​Sir John Beverley Robinson​, and his wife Mary proudly took their places in the centre of the lush green grass courts to commence the first match. The crowd jittery with excitement was awestruck as they witnessed the high-speed matches occurring within feet in front of them. The power yielding slices and the robust serves that seemed to send the ball hurling at lightning speed held their utmost attention in tandem with nothing else.

The 1881 winner of the first ever Canadian National Open was Isidore Frederick Hellmuth (CAN) who crushed his opponent W.H. Young (CAN) in a 2 set match with a score of 6-2, 6-2. After his dominating victory, the crowd burst out into animated congratulations with a civilized applause, as he was awarded the signature silver cup with a wide grin plastered across his face. One differentiation of the tournament in the 1880s to today, was its previous absence of prize money. While today the most recent winner was granted $2.8 million, with the previous award for a championship match well played being a simple silver token of congratulations and one’s own self satisfaction, it ensured that within the community of fans and players that the spirit and love for tennis was truly alive and well.

In its early days, the tournament was held at a much smaller stadium than the grandiose Aviva stadium that we have become accustomed to in the world of modern day sports, and thus was a far more sophisticated and intimate affair. While since its beginnings the tournament has cycled through a multitude of various locations and titles, during the first years the momentous events took place at the then quaint Toronto Lawn Tennis Club in the Rosedale neighbourhood. There, the bleachers were able to hold roughly 200-300 people, which dawns a stark contrast to today’s Aviva stadium which bears a capacity of nearly 12,000 spectators.

In addition, the clothing worn by the tennis players at the time shows a sharp divergence from that of modern day tennis players. In many of the first matches, the male and female players can be seen dressed modestly in full length trousers and polo shirts, and mid calf length dresses, respectively. Players of the late 1800s to mid 1900s can also be seen in the images carrying thicker, smaller framed racquets, that more closely resemble the badminton racquets of today.

Soon after its initial conception, the tournament became open to both men and women in 1883, and included a mixed doubles event in 1882, thus taking a step in the right direction of becoming the expansive and widely known tournament that it is today. Between 1899 to 1924, 2 Canadians ruled the women’s singles tournament. A powerhouse named Violet Summerhayes of Toronto won 6 times within just 7 years between 1899 and 1905, while her successor, Lois Moyes Bickle of Vancouver, picked up the baton going on to win the ladies singles 10 times between 1906 and 1924.

Days spent at the tournament were about much more than a breadth of obligatory corporate affiliations and a simple need to escape the summer boredom that seems to plague those of today, but rather they were centred around a communal love for the sport of tennis. The circular perimeter that enclosed the club acted as a barrier into a separate realm. One that wasn’t filled with the pressures of everyday life, but rather was characterized as an entrance into a day of excitement where the best tennis players in the area would appear right before your eyes. Children, men and women of all ages would gather to witness the gloriously clean strokes and the intense dedication of the payers to the game.

We took a look at vintage tennis photographs from around Toronto in a previous article.

The post A Brief History of The Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The CNE is one of the largest family-friendly fairs in North America that attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year. The iconic fair has been a tradition for many families since it began in 1879.  It’s featured entertainers and performers, agriculture, food, carnival rides and games. The CNE also employs over 5000 people each year.

Established as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition Association, the event changed its name in 1912 to the Canadian National Exhibition Association to reflect its growing popularity as no longer a local attraction, but a “Show Window to the Nation.”

The CNE has operated almost every year during its 142-year history, including throughout the First World War (1914-1918), when it staged military demonstrations and formations as part of the overall CNE experience. However, during the Second World War (1942-1945), the CNE was closed when the site was transformed into a Training and Recruitment Centre. It remained closed in 1946 to allow time for the military to move out.

In addition to the two World Wars, the CNE has demonstrated its resiliency and resourcefulness throughout its history including surviving through the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918/19; the Polio epidemic of 1937 and 1951; SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003, the electrical blackout on the Eastern Seaboard that same year which closed the CNE for its first four days in August; and the H1N1 (the Swine Flu pandemic) in 2009.

The post CNE announces decision to cancel 2020 fair appeared first on Toronto Guardian.