A foodie’s guide to enjoying Fall in Toronto

Fall in the Six is a beautiful thing. High Park transforms into a fiery golden-red wonderland; the summer heat subsides, giving way to a brisk, refreshing chill; and the Raptors and Leafs are back at it.

Plus, the food is fantastic. After a summer of light salads and barbecued fare, attention turns to comforting dishes, like long-stewing meats and root vegetables – dishes that Toronto chefs execute particularly well.

The only downside about Fall in Toronto is that it’s fleeting, here and gone in a heartbeat. If you want to make the most of the city’s fall food offerings, you have to strike while the iron (and the oven) is hot.

Here are a few tips for navigating Toronto’s fall offerings, including suggestions for shopping, partying and dining out.

Hold a Catered Event Geared Toward Fall Flavours

Fall is chock full of opportunities for events. The weather isn’t too cold yet that outdoor events are off the table, and indoor events are cozier in the Fall than summer. Halloween and thanksgiving are prime occasions for a party, but, in truth, any weekend works.

To make the most of your fall foodie event, look for Toronto catering companies that offer high-quality, versatile and chef-inspired menus. To drive home the fall theme, order dishes like glazed carrots with thyme, braised lamb shanks or long-braised short ribs.

Visit a Fall Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets aren’t strictly a summer enjoyment. Several of the city’s farmer’s markets last well into Fall, and some even last throughout the year. Ontario produce is spectacular in the Fall: a cornucopia of root vegetables, brassicas, squashes, leafy greens, fruits and even nightshades. To seize your opportunity, check out one of the following:

• Dufferin Grove Farmer’s Market around Dufferin and Dundas.
• Brick Works Market at Evergreen Brick Works
• Sorauren Farmer’s Market near Roncesvalles
• Or visit a local-focused indoor market like McEwan Don Mills.

The best advice is to go without a shopping list and let your eyes and nose do the shopping.

Visit a Venerated Toronto Restaurant

If you want to enjoy fall flavours and support local at the same time, use autumn as an opportunity to dine out more. Make Sunday a date night with the spouse, or simply treat yourself to mid-week gourmet dinners every once in a while.

You can find good restaurants in every corner of the city. For instance, Bymark is a Financial District gem that perennially puts out exquisite, ambitious food.

Create Your Own Craft Beer Tour

Summer – the season of Rosé – is over. As the weather cools, it’s time for beer to take centre stage. Create your own craft beer tour by walking the beer “hot spots” in Toronto. The area around Little Portugal has several fantastic microbreweries, like Lay Low, Bandit, Henderson and Woodhouse, all within walking distance. Just remember to leave the car at home!

Don’t miss out on the fleeting, delicious food offerings Toronto has to offer this Fall. Find a farmer’s market, throw a catered party, splurge on dinner out and cap it off with a craft beer tour.

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