Toronto skyline

Although I’m in the midst of preparing for my big move to Madrid, I thought it would be quite boring for you to read about things like giving away 90% of my clothes, unlocking my iphone and opening bank accounts.  Eh, who am I kidding? It’d be boring to write about so I’ll discuss it later haha.  Instead, let’s talk about my second favorite activity besides traveling…eating!

Butter tarts at Dark Horse Espresso bar in Leslieville

Earlier this summer I took a trip to Toronto for the North American TBEX conference, a conference targeted to travel bloggers (the next TBEX is in Dublin in October!).  It was my first trip to Toronto and I was really excited. Everything I had heard about the city, from the gorgeous skyline to the diversity and super clean subway system had me very intrigued.  As an attendee of TBEX, I was able to sign up for three press tours of the city, and OF COURSE I had to choose one that focused on food.

Fresh seafood at Hooked in Leslieville

Now. I’ve been on many a food tour in my day, but the Riverside/Leslieville Food and Culture tour with Culinary Adventure Company was definitely one my favorites.  Toronto is home to over 200 cultures, easily reflected in the wide range of cuisine available and you can bet that Culinary Adventure Company offers a tour that will fit your palate’s specific needs.  Lucky for me, Leslieville is a foodie paradise.  Our tour hit all of the culinary gems in this up-and-coming neighborhood, standouts being a specialty olive oil store, a charming espresso bar and a sustainable seafood market.   Company owner and private chef Scott Savoie led our tour as he regaled us with tales of Leslieville’s past and it’s transformation into a culinary community.  We visited 7+ establishments before ending with a full lunch at Tabülè, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant.  Seriously guys, if you’re going to go on one of these tours, wear your eating pants.

Olive & Olives specialty olive oil shop

Walking food tours can be tough. Most of them last for at least three hours and chances are you’re going to come across some food you don’t like or some presentation that is incredibly boring.  I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to food tours and for the first time, I wasn’t bored on this tour! In my experience, hyper-local restaurants and stores have more interesting stories, and that was definitely the case in Leslieville.  If you’re ever in Toronto and in an eating mood (who isn’t?), make sure to look up Culinary Adventure Company.

Fun fact! Leslieville is a popular film location, including the BEST SHOW EVER: Degrassi

If you’d rather food hunt on your own, the St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District can’t be missed!

Scenes from St. Lawrence Market

Have you ever been on a food tour? What did you love or hate about it? Ever been to Toronto? Where did you eat??

Had to include this shot of gelato at Soma in the Distillery District 🙂

Thank you to Culinary Adventure Company for hosting me on the Leslieville food tour as a TBEX attendee. All opinions are my own.