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Picnic
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Sometimes you don't even have to leave your neighbourhood to be a culinary tourist. There are great things to discover in our own backyards. For the 4th year in a row, Slow Food Toronto held its annual fundraiser, a picnic at Evergreen Brickworks. This was an opportunity to taste, under one roof, what southern Ontario had to offer. Pairing the best chefs and producers together, along with some great local wine and beer (of course), Picnic is one of the must attend food events of the year.
From PEC to Muskoka, and down to Norfolk County, all were represented in the newly opened event space at Brickworks on Sunday October 3rd, 2010. They speak about "savour(ing) the terroirs of our foodshed", and supporting those who grow our food. It’s no wonder the community came out in excess of 1000 to this year’s picnic.
Joshna Maharaj who coordinated the chefs and producers, a proud momma beaming at the accomplishments of the day
The space at Brickworks is, bar none, my favourite in the city, and I relish the time I spend there, taking every opportunity beyond the farmers market (which has grown leaps and bounds in popularity this year). I had missed the opening the week prior, being in Stratford, so this was really an exciting opportunity and I was blown away. The space is just spectacular, and they have done such a fabulous job in its conversion and I look forward to attending many more events in this truly unique venue.
The event format is quite simple: eat, drink, socialize, and celebrate Ontario's food culture. Some of my favourite chefs and producers were present, and some matches made in heaven produced the tastiest fare. Pair that with good friends and beverages, and it is a recipe for guaranteed success. It was very crowded at times, and some lineups did pop up here and there, but that just demonstrated the excitement for local food and the must have dishes of the event.
Under the stewardship of Arlene Stein and Paul DeCampo, co-chairs for this year's picnic, the event was a rip-roaring success. There are so many people involved in this scale of event, and they all deserve great thanks for what they accomplished. Organizers and volunteers all deserve kudos for their efforts. I will 100% be returning every year from now on, and suggesting that friends and family that can afford to come do so. I would suggest to organizers to perhaps consider some lower priced tickets for students, to make this event more accessible to those who are forming their opinions on food culture. This would be a great opportunity to attend an event that some feel is unapproachable at the $100 early bird and $120 ticket price.
