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.

Although virtually every other large-scale event in Toronto has been cancelled for the foreseeable future, “Immersive Van Gogh” will run strong – safely, of course – all summer long. After months of isolation, you’re going to want to get tickets for this one. Though videos of the over-the-top art affair will inevitably make their rounds on social media, it’s the type of thing you need to experience for yourself to fully appreciate.

Located in the Toronto Star building, the exhibit takes over the space that once housed the newspaper’s printing press. Guests can expect 600,000 cubic feet of stunning projections, as they ride a 35-minute-long roller coaster of rediscovery (or discovery) of Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scene, to his famous portraits and still-life paintings. It’s a completely new way to take in the famed artist’s work.

This includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889).

“Immersive Van Gogh” is designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi, with its moving and often dreamy soundtrack by Luca Longobardi. Both visionaries are changing the way we experience art, pioneering blockbuster immersive digital art experiences in France with Atelier des Lumières.

In response to COVID-19 and subsequent physical distancing requirements, the show was adapted to allow for the option of a drive-in experience, “Gogh By Car.” As the world’s first drive-in digital art exhibition, this initiative allows 14 cars to access the exhibit via drive-in, so guests can take in the magic from the comfort and socially distanced safety of their cars.

Personally, however, I recommend the socially distanced walk-in option – something that’s facilitated by clear circles on the ground – because it lends itself to a more truly immersive experience, free of cranking your neck to look out the window (but that’s just me). Those who purchase tickets to “Gogh by Car,” however, also receive free walk-in tickets.

The first socially distanced walk-in option begins July 1 in Gallery 1; Gogh by Car begins July 3 in Gallery 2. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

The post It’s Gogh Time: Dreamy ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ Exhibit Opens July 1 appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Located steps from St. Clair subway station, the 3,500-square-foot Delisle Space offers a clean canvass to transform for events of all varieties.

The capacity of the new hidden gem of a space – which officially opened for business last summer – was on full display at the venue’s official launch party on Thursday, February 21, when 160 industry insiders were invited to explore the venue and mingle throughout three spacious, light-filled rooms.

With things like an art deco entrance, timber floors throughout, three large skylights to let natural light shine through, and clean white walls, the venue is easily transformed to accommodate private events (from weddings to product launches), corporate off-sites, gallery showings, and photo shoots. The open and airy space flows seamlessly between four areas, allowing you to create different environments in each.

Slate Asset Management – the owner of The Delisle Space and eight office properties in the Yonge and St. Clair area – worked with Toronto’s beloved Love By Lynzie event planning team to bring the launch party to life, partnering with local vendors to provide a unique and memorable evening for guests.

Talking points included eats from some of Toronto’s most delicious providers, including Elle Cuisine, Gusto 54, No Small Feast Food + Gatherings, and Provisions Catering. Passed canapés and food stations served up things like panzanella skewers, truffle and aged cheddar perogies, sticky toffee pudding, deconstructed bao buns, tacos and risotto.

Greenhouse juice, a recent addition to the Yonge and St. Clair area, teamed up with Aviation American Gin to offer guests premium kombucha and a specialty cocktail, The Bees Knees. The eye-catching décor, floral arrangements, and velvet furniture (provided by Divine Furniture Rentals) focused on muted pinks, blues, and purple tones.

Other perks of the evening include live sketches from artist Stephanie Anne, who created custom watercolour illustrations within minutes as a personal takeaway from the event, multiple #TheDelisleSpace photo installations that aptly made their way to social media, a set-list of nostalgic way-back hits from DJ Sam Louis, and a projected time-lapse video of Toronto in the main room provided by EpiQ Vision.

The Delisle Space is the latest addition to the exciting revitalization in the neighbourhood, which includes the entry of places like Mary Be Kitchen, and Arthur’s, with Buca, IQ, and Playa Cabana locations all coming soon.

For more information, visit This Open Space.

The post There is a New Event Space in Town at Yonge and St. Clair appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Taking over Toronto’s Daniels Spectrum, Fashion Shoot Extravaganza (FSE) invited a slew of the city’s most fashionable to celebrate the creative talents required for an editorial shoot that are usually kept behind the scenes – in the most glamorous, sensory-filled way possible.

Upon entry, editorial-worthy guests were invited to walk the red carpet and snaps shots in front of a stunning wall of roses – a conversation piece that set the stage for the impressive sense of discovery that waited.

The unique event concept – the brainchild of Marie Copps of COPPS Productions Ltd. – is the first event to combine and showcase the finest in high-end fashion design, production, makeup, styling, photography, and theatre to form an all-in-one, never-before-seen immersive fashion experience. Allowing the magic that goes on behind the curtains to shine, the event invited its well-heeled guests to partake in every aspect of a high fashion shoot with everything from engaging lounge areas, to a fully immersive fashion shoot that offered an unmatched peek behind the scenes.

The show itself told the story of a girl as she navigates the various stages of her life. This was showcased through the shooting of four editorial themes: Whimsical/Fantasy, Edgy Evening/Dark Wedding, Fetish/Burlesque, and Millionaire Lavish Party/Ball, and featured designers like Cherry Burgundy, Rita Tesolin, Lucian Matis, Rhowan James, Karen, Maison Chardon, Jaycow, Steven Lejambe, Sharleez Bridal, and House of Sass & Magic.

In the VIP area was a behind-the-scenes dressing room where the a-list guests could enjoy the model treatment themselves thanks to on-site makeup artists who were there to offer touch-ups. Another talking point included the first appearance of the world’s largest freshwater pearl compliments of Ascentia Diamonds.

Naturally, it all made its rounds on the social media accounts of those lucky enough to find themselves in the company of people like hosts Melissa Grelo and Jess Allen (The Social), special guest Joan Kelley Walker (Real Housewives of Toronto), and other social scene and fashion world staples. Walker graced the venue in support of the Breakfast Club of Canada. Attendees were welcome to support the initiative – which provides nutritious meals to children in need – by making donations for a chance to win prizes.

In a time when one fashion show can blend into another, the general consensus was that the eye-opening spectacle for the senses won’t soon be forgotten. The evening of fantasy and luxury sets the stage for what we can expect from Marie Copps and COPPS Productions Ltd.

Check out the entire talented Dream Team of FSE 2019 here.

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