cooking knives by nickwheeleroz
It’s that time of year when Toronto food lovers rejoice! Winterlicious, the annual gastronomic event, returns on Friday, January 28. This means the chance to check out some of the city’s best and classiest restaurants, to sample culinary delights by top-notch chefs, all at a fraction of regular prices. Since its inception in 2003, Winterlicious has grown from 35 participating restaurants into 150, turning into a must-taste event for any Torontonian who lives to eat, or who loves experiencing new cuisine.
For Winterlicious, participating restaurants have set up a special prix fixe menu for lunch and for dinner. Both menus consist of three-course meals, with choices in appetizer, entrée, and dessert to allow diners to customize their Winterlicious experience. The prices range from $15 to $25 for lunch, and $25 to $45 for dinner.
With fare ranging from French, to Thai, Italian, Moroccan, and much more, you’re sure to find a menu that caters to your palate, or a dish that you’ve never tried before. For anyone who’s interested in local produce, both for its fresh taste and its contribution to environmental sustainability, a number of Winterlicious restaurants like Red’s Bistro, Veritas, and Auberge du Pommier source their ingredients exclusively from within the province.
In addition to the prix fixe menus at 150 restaurants, Winterlicious also hosts a culinary event series. This program lets Torontonians learn more about food and cuisine in historical and social contexts, with 14 events including cooking classes (“A Warming Winter Menu”), beer tasting (“Artisanal Brewers at Todmorden”), a sampling of dishes from the 30s to the 50s (“The Dining Room”), a Chinese New Year’s Eve feast, and chef competitions (“Fort York Food Fight” and “Rising Chef Citrus Cook-off”).
Although reservations aren’t required to dine at a Winterlicious restaurant, they are strongly advised because spaces fill up very quickly during this once-a-year festival, especially if you’ve set your eye on a particular eatery. RSVP now by calling the restaurant directly; a full list of Winterlicious restaurants is available online. Winterlicious print guides are also available at all participating restaurants and at the Toronto City Hall security desk, on 100 Queen Street West.
Happy winter dining, Toronto!
Dates
January 28 to February 10
Prices
Lunch: $15, $20, or $25, depending on restaurant
Dinner: $25, $35, or $45, depending on restaurant
Culinary events: ticket prices vary
Locations and contact info
Visit the Winterlicious official website for restaurant locations and phone numbers.
Winterlicious official logo
