#1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event
Top philanthropists open their homes for private dinners hosted by chefs from Toronto and beyond. The 2013 fund-raiser—benefiting the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine—was slated to feature several Hollywood celebrities. Next: October 31-November 2, 2013
#2 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (new to the list)
The three-day epicurean festival features gourmet fare, natural foods, exotic ingredients, and expert speakers. The city’s best food trucks serve their fare outside. Next: April 4-6, 2014
#3 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #9)
The Toronto Festival of Beer, or Beerfest, turns 20 in 2014, riding a wave of enthusiasm for local and craft brews. More than 30,000 beer lovers flocked to Bandshell Park at the Ex in 2013, with tickets selling out four months in advance. Next: July 25-27, 2014
#4 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (new to the list)
The country’s leading foodservice and hospitality symposium unites influential chefs, food writers, food and wine experts, and business leaders to educate one another, share resources, and network. Next: May 12, 2014
#5 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event
Canada’s biggest hospitality industry event, the show attracted more than 13,000 visitors in 2013. Next year it will honour Faema Canada and Cambro, again at the Direct Energy Centre, where it has signed an agreement to stay until 2018. Next: March 2-4, 2014
#6 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event
More than 1,500 wines, beers, and spirits from around the world are on offer at the three-day, 40,000-guest event, which includes a gala, tutored tastings, and exquisite cheeses. Next: November 14-17, 2013
#7 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event
The Oscars of Ontario’s wine industry celebrated 25 years in 2013. Forty local wines were featured and paired with plates created by celebrated local chefs, presented in a new format: a black-tie-optional gala. Next: February 28-March 2, 2014
#8 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (new to the list)
The launchpad for up-and-coming restaurateurs has become so successful since its inception in 2011 that organizers are planning to hold the event every month, starting in spring. Next: March 2014
#9 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (new to the list)
The outdoor night market at Markham Civic Centre mimics those found in Asia, offering authentic noodles, meats, and sweets. More than 120,000 people attended in 2013, raising about $10,000 for this year’s charity, Second Harvest. Next: July 11-13, 2014
#10 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #12)
The Asian night market, hosted by T&T Supermarket at its waterfront location, draws an urban foodie crowd. Entertainment, rides, and carnival games round out the offerings. Next: Summer 2014
#11 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event
The food-centric street party had a record-breaking 20th anniversary in 2013: Attendance reached 1.4 million, Parmalat and Astro created the world’s biggest bowl of Greek yogurt, and the largest Greek Zorba dance in history was held. Next: August 2014
