…we’re back. Just as easily as we slipped away, we’ve returned to the scene of our various crimes to report all that is new and interesting and poprock-filled in the Toronto food world. (Sorry, that was a jab at Colborne Lane; I couldn’t resist.) Our latest caper? The 2nd Annual Slow Food Picnic at the Brick Works. The title’s a bit of a mouthful, which is fitting considering the point of the day was to stuff yourself one glorious mouthful at a time. (At least that’s what I thought it was. Though it was also billed as a fundraising event for local producers. Altruism and gluttony – is there a better combo?)
Picnic at the Brickworks 2008
Because we are nothing if not tightwads, we volunteered, allowing us free access to an event normally out of our price range. (“Seriously,” I said to Allison as we signed people in at the registration table, “who can afford $110 tickets?” “Lawyers,” she said.)
It was a sticky afternoon, the day’s mugginess intensified by the smoke wafting from dozens of barbecues and smoking houses. (I now commiserate with smoked salmon.) Most of the city’s top restaurants were there, offering everything from glorified egg sandwiches (Jamie Kennedy) to glorified BLTs (Canoe). Food trend 2008? Pork. From belly to roasted shoulder to bits combined in sausage casings with various Ontario wines, I don’t think I’ve consumed so much pig in one day. (“It’s a sausage-fest!” I exclaimed to one of Allison’s friends – he couldn’t suppress a smirk.)
"BLT" - or, pork belly, arugula and heirloom tomatoes
beautiful heirloom tomatoes
and more tomatoes
housemade pastrami by George, with blueberries
Pork, and also tomatoes, blueberries and peaches. The hits of the day? Well, to be absolutely honest, nothing really blew us away. Allison enjoyed the wagyu burger offered by Chef David Lee/Splendido and the blueberry sorbet (kindly hand-delivered to soggy registration volunteers by a man I think was the company’s owner) was thoroughly enjoyed by moi. Not to mention Starfish’s fantastically briny oysters. And, although my first attempt at Jamie Kennedy’s sandwich was very disappointing, the round two version was much better. (Maybe, just maybe, it had something to do with the fact the chef himself served me a section. Maybe.)
Blueberry sorbet
Chef Jamie Kennedy serving up sandwiches
Did I mention the wine? Even though we weren’t paying, I felt it was my duty to sample enough to justify the price of admission. And Allison’s admission – one sip, she claims, turns her heirloom-tomato red. (I’ve never actually seen this happen. Between you and me, I’m not convinced.)
andrea and her wine glass
After six hours at the Brickworks – the perfect venue for a picnic like this, I must say – we had crammed enough food into our bodies to fill a starfish-shaped canoe. (God, I’m hilarious. And mental note – round two was not a good idea.)
nom, nom...
It is, I must say, nice to be back. And we promise, once the food and wine coma wears off, we’ll make like Schwarzenegger and return again soon.
-Andrea
(Photos by Allison)
Andrea, HK misses you!