Cooking Quidnunc: August 2014

Toronto Beer Week 2014

http://torontobeerweek.com/

Beer lovers are in luck this September as Toronto Beer Week is back once again to celebrate all things craft beer.

Toronto Beer Week honours the craft beer evolution by showcasing some of the best local craft breweries and the beers they've created throughout a series of events across the city. Over 60 bars, pubs and restaurants in Toronto participate in TBW by hosting various events ranging from beer dinners, cask beer tastings, brewing demonstrations, pub crawls, beer education and just plain ol craft beer drinking! With over 100 events happening in the span of one week, there is sure to be a beer tasting event that suits your brew-mood.

To help you get better acquainted with Craft Beer, I've picked my top 5 Toronto Beer Week events!

1. The Beer Experience - Thursday September 11th

Photo from www.beerexperience.ca

This kick-off event takes place at the Berkeley Church and is a real treat for the cultured beer drinker. Each brewery in attendance has either brewed something unique specifically for this event or will be showcasing something exclusive that has yet to hit shelves. Some of the breweries at this events are Mill Street, Kensington Brewing Company, Muskoka Brewery and many more. Tickets are $25 and this price includes 5 sample tokens. Additional tokens can be purchased for $1 per 4 oz sample. There will also be delectable food items at this event and live-music.

2. Craft Brew Cruise - Saturday September 13th

This is the first annual craft beer cruise and a few time slots are already sold out. Two unique sailings are scheduled on Saturday, September 13th; 3:30pm and 8:00pm. Each sampling session will run for a “three hour tour” on the water aboard The River Gambler. $39.95 gets you a ticket on board, a commemorative mug and 5 sample tokens. Breweries such as Left Field Brewery, Wellington Brewery and Great Lake Brewery are just a few of the great craft breweries in attendance.

3. Brewmaster's Dinner - Friday September 12th

Mill Street Brewpub Toronto and Mill Street Beer Hall are hosting many great TBW events throughout the week. On Sept 12^th the beer pub will host a 5-course dinner paired with 5 different Mill St. beers. The evening will be hosted by Brewmaster Joel Manning and tickets are $59.95. The menu looks incredible and since seating is limited be sure to purchase your tickets fast.

4. Beerworking - Thursday September 17th

This unique event invites young professionals to experience a social community dedicated to beer and finding fun and creative ways for professionals to connect and socialize. Join Crystal Luxmore and Big Rock Brewery at Project: OWL for a good time and great beer. Tickets are $30.

5. Golden TapAwards - Thursday September 17th

This awards event presents the BEST in craft beers decided by you! The event takes place at the Beerbistro and is free to attend. Door opens at 5 pm and you will have the opportunity to sample some of the breweries and purchase full pints after the award show.

Vote now for your favourites: http://goldentap.com/vote/index.php/274435/lang-en

These are just a few of the top events for Toronto Beer Week! The entire list can be found here: http://torontobeerweek.com/calendar/

I hope to share a pint with many of you at one of the greatest weeks dedicated to craft beer!

2 comments

, by Natalie G

the bachelor

The TIFF Bachelor Party

9 comments

, by Natalie G

poutine

Poutineville

http://poutineville.com/

My dreams of an all-you-can-eat poutine place came true with the opening of Poutineville Toronto!

Pountineville opened up its first location in Montreal back in 2011 and since then have opened up many locations throughout Montreal and Quebec City. Co-owners Kosta Kariotakis and Camillo Fresco decided it was time to introduce Poutineville to Toronontians, showering us with a menu of various poutine options that will cater to those who have a special place in their heart for squeaky cheese curds, crispy fries and hot homemade gravy.

Poutineville offers unique poutines to choose from or you can 'create your own poutine' which allows you to pick from a list of over 27 ingredients, 10 different cheeses, four kinds of potatoes and five kinds of sauces. The options are endless at Poutineville and no matter what poutine you pick, you can be sure that all of the ingredients are of high quality using fresh Quebec cheese curds, farm-fresh local Ontario produce and premium meats. For those of you who aren't a fan of poutine aka not a human being, can choose from burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and flame-grilled items.

I was lucky enough to attend the media launch of Poutineville last week and I'm only recovering now from the week long food coma.

Poutineville (house specialty) - $12

Hand crushed potatoes with fresh cheese curds and mozzarella, topped with our slow (8 hrs) home cooked braised beef and wine sauce

Montrealer - $12

Fresh crispy home fries with Montreal smoked meat, sautéed mushrooms, our home made poutine sauce with swiss cheese au gratin and a fried pickle on top

Filet Mignon - $18

Fresh crispy home fries, topped with cubed tender –AAA- filet mignon, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions, fresh curd cheese with a hint of blue cheese and our home made pepper sauce

Pizza Poutine - $13

Hand crushed potatoes with fresh cheese curds, sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, our home made poutine sauce, pepperoni and topped with mozzarella au gratin

The Heart Attack – Over 15lbs – The Biggest Poutine in Toronto - $100

Fresh crispy potatoes, chicken, bacon, hot dogs, minced beef, ham, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, fresh cheese curds, & mozzarella with our home made poutine sauce

Vegetarian Poutine

This was a create your own poutine creation of sweet potato fries, black olives, green peppers, eggplant, roasted red peppers, vegetarian gravy and daiya cheese

Various cocktails made by mixologist Nishantha Nepulangoda,

Wine from Coyote's Run and Steam Whistle Beer

I truly enjoyed every poutine that I tried and finally got out of the ‘classic’ poutine phase. I usually only eat the traditional style poutine, but Poutineville really steps up its game and concocts such innovative poutines that I really can’t deny any of them thus far. My favourite is the Montrealer because of the flavourful smoked meat and swiss cheese topping. The fried pickle on top is an added bonus.

The new Annex Poutineville location can seat over 100 guests and has a full-service bar, lounge area, banquettes and cozy back patio. Your poutine cravings will definitely be met here and luckily Poutineville is opened late for the bar-crowd who seem to always think that poutine is the best thing in the world after a night of drinking (I concur).