The 2009 Picnic at the Brickworks held some unexpectedly delicious surprises this year. With over one thousand people in attendance and only in its third year, the Slow Food Toronto fundraiser, in partnership with Evergreen, is fast becoming the “go-to” food event in the city. This year’s theme- “Saving Diversity” gave the day’s offerings a global twist. From Africa to Latin America, several countries were represented, even by restaurateurs and chefs who normally don’t cook in their chosen culinary traditions for the day.
Latin for a Day
Parkdale’s new Local Kitchen and Wine Bar featured cochinita tacos (with Fred De Martines’ Tamworth pork) with Ontario pickled red onions. And while Fabio Bondi and Michael Sangregorio are Italian through and through, Bondi’s wife is Mexican, so he had a leg up on getting the flavours of the south down pat. Jason Bangerter and the boys at Canoe provided an Argentinean plate that was for the hardcore meatatarian. From steak tartare to Argentine style meat-filled mini-empanadas and “parillada” (grilled meat)- the Oliver and Bonacini gang did a fine job channeling any gaucho’s favourite eats.
Marina Queirolo of Sûrkl Empanadas got into the spirit of the day by wearing her new gaucho pants and serving up the best empanadas in town- including the lemony flavoured mojella (or sweetbread) with a side of chimichurri. Torito’s Luis Valenzuela made an achiote shredded mini-chicken burger using poultry from Blue Haven with tremendous success.
Moving on to Eastern Europe and Canada
Anne Yarymowich’s blueberry pierogies and sweet cream were a hit as were the elk burgers Langdon Hall offered using Lyle Reneker’s elk. John Sinopoli’s mini kiwi berries set in Cave Spring Riesling gelee was one of the most memorable mouthfuls all day. Fresh, bright, refreshing and crisp- this could be a palate cleanser in the finest of restaurants anywhere. And the most intriguing part of this all is that the mini kiwi berries are being grown right here by Barrie Hills Farms! After hearing the oohs and ahhs around the Table 17 booth, it's easy to believe we’ll be seeing mini kiwi berries make appearances in dishes ranging from apps to desserts in and around Toronto.
End of Day Treats
Sticking to the fruit theme, Xococava’s German plum sorbet from Warner’s Farm made with a splash of Croatian Slivovitz was the perfect way to cap off an afternoon of eating, drinking and mingling with other food enthusiasts. And just when it got too chilly after the rain subsided and the winds kicked up, a warming cup of Chocosol’s chocolate Tejate did the job of restoring balance to a bountiful day! Can’t wait to see what 2010 will do to top this amazing display of culinary prowess!
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