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Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

Summer 2012 Festival Highlights

HarbourKIDS: The Toronto International Circus Festival, May 19-21

Our festival partner supplies acrobats, clowns and more for the Zero Gravity Circus Showcase
Physical Theatre Workshops with Wonderbolt Circus
Stand Up Dance’s Family Dance Parties for dancers of all ages

NXNE (North by Northeast), June 16-17

Live music from Russian crazed musical gypsies Jumple, one-man-band dynamo The People of Canada and more

Franco-Fête: Toronto’s International Francophone Festival, co-produced by La Franco-Fête de Toronto, June 22-24

For its 30th anniversary, la Franco-Fête de Toronto offers a unique occasion to gather and celebrate the diversity of francophone culture.

Canada Day: Going Global presented by CIBC, June 29-July 2

Live music includes: A rare Toronto date from indie-pop stars The Hidden Cameras; the Western-pop-meets-Zulu-rhythms of Johnny Clegg; electro-hip-hop genre-mashers The Airplane Boys
The finalists in the “O Canada” Singing Competition
B-Boy and B-Girl dance competition The Call Out
Come Dance with Me Canada unleashes the power of the collective

Expressions of Brazil, co-produced by Southern Mirrors and Puente July 6-8

Live music includes: Brothers of Brazil, a duo mixing bossa nova, samba, rock, funk and more; and Maria Bonita and The Band, performing Forró music, a mix of European and African traditions
Flicks for all ages in the Brazilian Festival of Film & TV Family Film Series

SoundClash Festival July 13-15

Live music includes: Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou’s homemade voodoo funk all the way from Benin; closer to home, the SoundClash Music Award short-listed acts compete for cash and other prizes
Four dance/DJ crews face off in Bragging Rights: DJ Dance Battle

Hot & Spicy Food Festival: 15th Anniversary presented by CIBC, July 20-22

Chilean artist Ana Tijoux’s spicy blend of jazz, funk, hip hop and more
International chefs battle in the 9th annual International Iron Chef Competition
The Taco Takedown invites the public to determine Toronto’s best tacos

Classical IV: Strings, July 27-29

Masters of Mali featuring Sidi Touré introduce ancient African string music into the modern world
Calling all ukuleleists: The Ukulele Project invites the public to play along with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture

Island Soul presented by CIBC, Aug 3-6

Live music includes: Wailers’ frontman and rising Jamaican star Duane Stephenson; and a Tribute to the Grandmaster Calypsonian Lord Kitchener, one of Trinidad’s foremost musicians
Traditional dance, music and drama from Caribbean Folk Performers

Planet IndigenUS, co-produced by Woodland Cultural Centre, Aug 10-19

Wab Kinew and Sarah Podemski host the festival’s multi-disciplinary Opening Night Spectacle, “Celebrating the Crossroards”
Canadians Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (featuring Santee Smith) and Japan’s Yokohama Noh Theater combine efforts for Susuriwka – Willow Bridge (ticketed)
Live music includes: Robbie Robertson Tribute Show featuring Derek Miller and Guests and Australian dance-roots duo Oka’s tribal sounds for the digital age
Festival partner Woodland Cultural Centre hosts the group exhibition Earthly Connections, award-winning blues artist Joel Johnson and more

TELUS TAIWANfest, Aug 24-26

The O-Kai Singers’ brand of a capella invokes the group’s aboriginal roots
Dance Works combine traditional Taiwanese culture with tap dance for the performance of Daydreamers+
The delicious search is on for The King of Stewing

Ashkenaz Festival, Aug 28-Sept 3

Cutting-edge world music from Israel’s Yemen Blues, co-presented by the Jewish National Fund
Shadowland Theatre leads the signature Ashkenaz Parade, an awesome spectacle of music, dance, giant puppetry, stiltwalkers and community revelry
Theatre Panik’s The Corpse Bride brings the classic Yiddish folktale into the new millennium (ticketed)

Vietnamese Lantern Festival presented by CIBC, co-produced by the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto, Sept 15

The Ao Dai Competition showcases the best traditional dresses in an exhilarating fashion show
Enjoy a cup of tea and sample a variety of traditional treats at the Mooncake Tasting
Join in the magic of the celebration by making your own paper lanterns

Fortune Cooking presented by CIBC, Sept 16

Street Food Spotlight focuses on Pan-Asian local foods
Chefs battle in the Fortune Cooking Iron Chef Competition
Taiko drum ensemble Raging Asian Women pound out sounds of social justice

HarbourKIDS: Folk, Oct 6-8

Great family-friendly programming to end the summer with a bang

Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

Harbourfront Centre’s 2012 Summer Festival Season 21 festivals from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving bring “The World in One Place”

TORONTO, ON (March 27, 2012) – Harbourfront Centre is pleased to announce its 2012 Summer Festival lineup. From the Victoria Day long weekend until Thanksgiving, Harbourfront Centre presents more than 20 FREE festivals and events featuring world-class local and international programming for children, youth and adults.

This summer, Harbourfront Centre offers many opportunities for Torontonians and visitors alike to discover “The World in One Place” through unique cultural programming at some of the biggest and best cultural festivals in the world, including:

A summer season bookended by family festivals, from HarbourKIDS: The Toronto International Circus Festival through to HarbourKIDS: Folk.
Canada Day: Going Global presented by CIBC: A spectacular celebration that highlights our nation’s trailblazers.
Planet IndigenUS: The world’s largest celebration of global Indigenous cultures.
Classical IV: Strings: Where stringed soundscapes from around the world intersect – with a contemporary twist.
Hot & Spicy Food Festival presented by CIBC: A celebration of 15 years tempting Toronto’s senses through delicious food, music, dance, film and more!

“For over 35 years Harbourfront Centre has brought the best in international culture to Toronto, challenging our audiences with new ideas and viewpoints,” says William Boyle, Harbourfront Centre CEO. “This summer is no exception, as we present cutting-edge programming that is contemporary, creative and unifies the rich mosaic of cultures from across our nation and around the world.”

Other season-long events include the return of the popular Free Flicks film series, screening films outdoors at the WestJet Stage; Dancing on the Pier, Harbourfront Centre’s social dance programme; and the global range of products and culinary treats at The International Marketplace and the newly-renovated World Café.

Harbourfront Centre’s Summer Season lineup

HarbourKIDS: The Toronto International Circus Festival (May 19-21)
Harbourfront Centre partners with Zero Gravity Circus to bring you the 10th annual Toronto International Circus Festival, a three-day cultural experience for children and families featuring world-class acrobats, fire masters, jugglers, clowns and more!

NXNE – North by Northeast (June 16-17)
One of the most anticipated music and film festivals in Canada! The 18th annual event will bring some of the world’s most exciting and innovative artists to Harbourfront Centre!

Franco-Fête, Co-produced by la Franco-Fête de Toronto (June 22-24)
For its 30th anniversary, la Franco-Fête de Toronto offers a unique occasion to gather and celebrate the diversity of francophone culture.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival (June 22-30)
One of North America’s premier jazz festivals, TD Toronto Jazz Festival is an event for lovers of music of all kinds.

Canada Day: Going Global presented by CIBC (June 29-July 2)
Canada’s biggest and best four-day birthday celebration features dance, music, culinary arts, comedy, family activities, storytelling, games and film that highlight the contributions of Canadians.

Expressions of Brazil, Co-produced by Southern Mirrors and Puente (July 6-8)
A three-day event showcasing the diversity of Brazilian arts and culture through music, dance, film, cuisine, workshops and family activities.

SoundClash Festival (July 13-15)
Harbourfront Centre’s annual SoundClash Music Award has morphed into a genre-bending music festival that showcases the award’s shortlisted acts, as well as other artists who are pushing the envelope on contemporary music and culture.

Hot & Spicy Food Festival presented by CIBC (July 20-22)
For 15 years, Harbourfront Centre has tempted Toronto’s senses, and this year’s event cranks up the heat as we redefine the intersections between food, music, dance, film and more!

Classical IV: Strings (July 27-29)
Discover how ancient stringed instruments from across the globe can create bold contemporary intersections of sound, with a twist!

Calypso Stars Showcanse (July 31)
Experience the sounds, rhythms and cadences of Toronto’s vibrant calypso community! Featuring calypso, steelpan and mas’ (masquerade) – the three core disciplines of Caribbean festivals.

Island Soul presented by CIBC (Aug. 3-6)
Harbourfront Centre’s wildly popular Caribbean festival commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

Planet IndigenUS, Co-produced by Woodland Cultural Centre (Aug.10-19)
This massive 10-day event, book-ended by two weekend-long celebrations, is the largest multidisciplinary, contemporary, international Indigenous arts festival in the world, celebrating the future while honouring the rich cultural past of the world’s Indigenous peoples.

TELUS TAIWANfest, Co-produced by the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association
(Aug. 24-26)
A three-day culinary arts, music, dance and film fest that sparks a new dialogue on Canada’s multifaceted lifestyles between new immigrants and Canadians who have been here for generations.

Ashkenaz Festival (Aug. 28-Sept. 3)
North America’s premier festival of Jewish and Yiddish culture, featuring the best of the global Jewish culture scene with music, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and more.

Caribbean Tales (Sept. 4-15)
Canada’s one and only forum showcasing the best of Caribbean cinema locally and globally, classic and Creole, digital and celluloid.

Vegetarian Food Fair (Sept. 7-9)
The largest event of its kind in North America offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisine.

Vietnamese Lantern Festival presented by CIBC, Co-produced by the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto (Sept. 15)
Explore the meaning of the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival through the perspective of the Vietnamese community with a full day of food, entertainment and family activities.

Fortune Cooking presented by CIBC (Sept. 16)
Explore the crossroads of Pan-Asian cuisine and its influence across the globe. Taste the trends, witness the wizardry and savour the sounds!

HarbourKIDS: Folk (Oct. 6-8)
A three-day children’s festival that brings artists, kids and grownups together in a warm, friendly environment, offering endless possibilities for self-expression, cultural exchange, and artistic inspiration.

Season-long Events

Free Flicks (Wednesdays, July 4-Aug 29)
This summer, explore the theme of the “Rise of the Underdog” through documentary, biographical and cult films. From the steady climb to spectacular falls, the underdog will pick themselves up, dust themselves off and emerge victorious.

Dancing on the Pier (Thursdays, June 28-Aug 30)
The shores of Lake Ontario transform into Toronto’s most scenic ballroom. Live bands, social dance clubs and DJs will have you learning a mixture of dance trends and shared movements from across the world.

International Marketplace (Weekends, June 1-Sept 3)
Shop the world every weekend, all summer long. Our International Marketplace features fab finds from all corners of the globe, from Indonesian textiles, Indigenous crafts, African artifacts, Southeast Asian and South American jewellery and much, much more!

World Café (Weekends, May 19-Oct
What are you in the mood for today? Thai? Latin? Indian? The newly renovated World Café features the best cuisines from around the world at affordable prices.

Canoe Rides on the NatrelTM Pond (Daily, May-Oct)
Our famous canoe rides will be available at the NatrelTM Pond all summer long! Take a break and enjoy a fun float beside our picturesque boardwalk.

ABOUT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE SUMMER FESTIVALS

Harbourfront Centre is an innovative, non-profit cultural organization which provides internationally renowned programming in the arts, culture, education and recreation, all within a collection of distinctive venues on a 10-acre site in the heart of Toronto’s downtown waterfront.

This festival season – from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving – Harbourfront Centre presents culturally diverse local and international programming including concerts, film screenings, outdoor dancing, food demos, family fun and so much more. For more information, visit harbourfrontcentre.com/summer.

Directly from the Quince Bistro Toronto Press Release:

Come and experience something different in the city.

Our next Indonesian Rijsttafel evening will be held on Wednesday April 4th, 2012

Rijsttafel  (pr. RYST - tah - fell)

We will be serving a variety of up to 20 Indonesian dishes the way you would  experience it in an Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam.

Space is limited, so don’t forget to book.

$55 per person  (tax and gratuity not included)

Quince will be a part of Recipe for Change in support of FoodShare Toronto

Thursday March 1st , 2012
St Lawrence Market
Tickets $125 per person

Contact www.foodshare.net
416 363-6441 x 272 for more information

Both hands and Quince Bistro are having our 3rd Annual live and silent auction and gala dinner on Wednesday May 9th, 2012 benefiting Blessings in a Backpack.

It’s a fun evening for a very worthy cause. Tickets $175

Call Jennifer for more information 416 488-2110

CORKAGE FREE

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS

(main dining room only)

Consider our private dining room for your next party or corporate dinner

Call Jennifer for more information 416 488-2110

Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

World Stage 2012: Entity

Startling spectacle from acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor

Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage 2012 continues with the contemporary dance performance Entity, from England’s Wayne McGregor | Random Dance. Entity premieres at the Fleck Dance Theatre February 28 and continues March 1-3, 2012.

Entity is a staggering blend of bodies, technology and film that places McGregor at the cutting edge of contemporary culture. Featuring music by Coldplay and Massive Attack collaborator Jon Hopkins, Entity offers a revolutionary vision for dance audiences from one of the world’s most celebrated choreographers. Sparse, hypnotic and atmospheric, this stunning performance fuses dance with technology to create a vision with needle-point precision. In creating this work, McGregor worked with 12 neuroscientists from around the world to examine the nature of kinesthetic intelligence.

“A great sexy beast of a piece-it’s like being licked by a panther’s juicy, rasping tongue while you’re revising maths.”-The Sunday Times (London)

“If any artist has defined the decade – it’s Wayne McGregor.” – The Times

“The result…is extraordinary: every part of the dancers’ bodies is articulated and then taken in unexpected directions.” – Telegraph

“Wayne McGregor’s choreography operates within a perfect tension.” – The Guardian

Wayne McGregor is a multi-award-winning British choreographer, renowned for his physically testing choreography and ground-breaking collaborations across dance, film, music, visual art, technology and science. He has set a new bar for international contemporary dance, paring choreographic style with new technology, music and innovative set design. McGregor will create a dance for 2,000 people to perform in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

He is the founder and Artistic Director of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, resident company of Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, for which he has made over 30 works. McGregor is also currently Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet. In January 2011, McGregor received a honourary knighthood. He has choreographed for film and television including Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

Random Dance was founded in 1992 and became the instrument upon which McGregor evolved his drastically fast and articulate choreographic style. The company is renowned for its radical approach to new technology – incorporating animation, digital film, 3D architecture, electronic sound and virtual dancers into the live choreography.

Performance details:

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012: 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 1, 2012: 8 p.m.

Friday, March 2, 2012: 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 3, 2012: 8 p.m.

* NOTE: There is NO performance scheduled for Wednesday, February 29.

Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay West

Tickets: $45, $36 (seniors), $15 (CultureBreak) available at Harbourfront Centre’s Box Office. Call 416-973-4000, email tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com or visit harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage

March 1 performance will be followed by a talkshow, featuring all members of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, hosted in association with Dance Current Magazine.

Antoine Vereecken of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance will lead the following labwork:  An Exploration of Creative Methods on March 2, 2012: 1:30pm-3pm at York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto and March 3, 2012: 1:30pm-3pm at Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington Avenue, Toronto.

For more information, visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage2012/industry.cfm

Directly from the Winterlicious Press Release:

Winterlicious Prix Fixe

Presented by American Express January 27 to February 9, 2012

175 restaurants city-wide are participating in the Winterlicious Prix Fixe Promotion, making this the largest Winterlicious celebration to date. Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $15, $20 and $25 and dinner is priced at $25, $35 and $45. Call the restaurant of your choice to book a reservation.

Winterlicious Culinary Events

January 27 to February 9, 2012

A limited number of tickets are still available for these one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Contact the event producers directly to purchase tickets.

Friends of the Sea at the Calphalon Culinary Centre

Learn about sustainability and our oceans from a Red Seal certified Chef Instructor, while enjoying a mouth-watering fish-focused menu.

Sure Thing! At Campbell House Museum

A night of food from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the snow-capped mountains of Levant and theatre by celebrity playwright David Ives.

Italy in Ontario: Amarone to Appassimento at Ciao Wine Bar

Enjoy a specially designed menu that incorporates local ingredients paired with unique Ontario wine done in the traditional Italian Amarone style.

Spice Route 10 at Spice Route

10 unique courses incorporating local ingredients and featuring 10 different pungent spices from countries along the ancient Spice Route.

Guilty Pleasures at Drake Hotel

Browse the racks of one-of-a-kind Canadian fashion designers and jewellery and nibble on tempting treats.

Pulp Kitchen: Rising Chef Citrus Cook-off at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Enjoy a locally-inspired, citrus tasting menu created by Donna Dooher, while you watch Ontario’s leading culinary students battle it out to become the next “Rising Chef.”

For more information please visit: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious?Openform

Directly from the Bloke & 4th’s Press Release:

Toronto’s First Social Dining Experience Hits King Street West

Bloke & 4th’s Grand Opening on February 2nd, 2012

On February 2nd, 2012 Bloke & 4th introduces its 21st century take on the supper club with the creation of its unique “social dining” experience.  Bloke & 4th joins the vibrant Toronto nightclub landscape on Toronto’s King Street West with an innately urban twist on fine food and good company.

Bloke & 4th is a collaboration of three leading innovators on the Toronto restaurant scene – entrepreneur Steve Georgiev; The Food Dudes with their novel take on modern cuisine, fine service and “Food Driven Entertainment” moniker; and Something & Monroe who bring their expertise in experiential event creation and trendsetting “it” factor to the operation.  “We wanted to create something completely new and different on the Toronto entertainment/hospitality scene,” Georgiev said, “Bloke & 4th is a totally new concept restaurant/lounge and event venue.”

The five principles behind the game-changing Bloke & 4th concept each have deep experience and insight informed by the hospitality industry. Reza Abedi, Marketing Manager explains, “We all have deep experience Toronto restaurant and event scene for a long time and we wanted to create an environment that is comfortable, the kind of place our friends will hang out in – where dining and socializing go hand in hand.”

Since the restaurant’s soft launch in early December, guests who managed to squeeze in a reservation walked out raving about the friendly and knowledgeable staff.

“We all bring unique connections to the table,” said Abedi. “We pride ourselves on our ability to take the best-of-the-best and provide truly superior service to our guests.”

The dining area, “4th”, is the invention of Adrian Niman, renowned chef and one of two acclaimed dudes of the top rated catering company The Food Dudes. Niman, along with Alex Burgess in the kitchen, will feature seasonally inspired menu offerings reinvented 4 times a year, reflecting Niman’s passion for unique food pairings and quality local ingredients. Influenced by the “small plate” restaurant trend, all of the dishes on the menu can be divvied up and shared creating a casual and sociable dining experience, perfectly complementing the adjoining “Bloke” – lounge and event space.

The space, “Bloke”, is encompassed in the 7,000 sq foot venue found along Toronto’s trendy King St. West district. Toronto based designers Armita Ghasabi and Galerah Saadatpajouh were the creative genius behind the conception of a space where urban sophistication meets artistic design and comfort. Sleek marble entrances, handsome walnut wood paneling and exposed brick walls combine with eye catching light fixtures and exotic artwork to invoke a warm inviting atmosphere.

The Food Dudes, Brent McClenahan has designed classic cocktails with creative twists, preparing them using liquid nitrogen and smoking apparatuses. Toronto’s top mixologists and flare bartenders showcase their talents through an entertaining interactive bar experience.

Bloke & 4th welcomes reservations from the general public commencing February 2nd, 2012 and can be made by calling 416.477.1490 or emailing RSVP@blokeand4th.com

Directly from the Dempster’s Press Release:

Newest Food Trend for 2012?  Eat Your Carbs

Calling all carb-loving Canadians, there’s some good news for 2012. According to a newly released poll, eight out of 10 dietitians across Canada believe diets that eliminate certain foods or nutrients, such as carbohydrates or dairy, are a ‘quick fix’ for losing weight, not a long-term, healthy solution.  In fact, the majority of dietitians (97 per cent) believe by choosing the right carbs people can maintain and even lose weight, which is a much better approach for healthy eating.

“It’s no surprise dietitians consider low carb or no-carb diets to have a negative impact on health in the long run,” states registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom. “This expert-driven data echoes years of clinical studies which also challenge the elimination of food groups for weight management.  A simple trick I share with my patients is to select the good-for-you carbs, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.”

When It Comes to Carbs, Canadians Need Clarity
Nine out of 10 dietitians believe that Canadians are confused about carbohydrates, and need to understand the role they play in a healthy diet. Overall, dietitians consider the strongest benefits of good carbs to be:

Energy – For energy and optimal brain and organ function. And according to a clinical study by the Archives of Internal Medicine*, carb eaters feel happier, calmer and more focused.
Nutrients – Vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, iron magnesium, zinc, selenium and is a source of protein. Protein is essential for repairing and maintaining tissue and muscle. Two slices of Dempster’s®WholeGrains™ 12 Grain contain 10 grams of protein.
Disease Prevention – An important source of fibre, which may help maintain blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels. People who eat more whole grains also tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and digestive issues.

Go Ahead, Get Your Carbs
Almost every Canadian dietitian surveyed said that they eat and serve good carbohydrates to their families. This supports Canada’s Food Guide, which states that Canadians should eat 6 to 8 serving of grains, and at least half should come from whole grains such as bread, whole wheat pasta or brown rice – all good carb options.

“Recognized North American health authorities suggest that 45 to 65 per cent of daily calories should come from carbohydrates,” says Rosenbloom. “One of the most versatile, quick and tasty options is whole grain bread.”

Rosenbloom offers the following on-the-go options for busy families:

Health Conscious: Whole grain toast topped with pressed cottage cheese, strawberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon
For the Kids: Vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower and sweet peppers with hummus dip
Before the Gym: Half of a nut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread

More of Rosenbloom’s delicious and nutritious ideas can be found in the Dempster’s Meal and Pairing Guide at facebook.com\Dempsters or Dempsters.ca.

Each serving of Dempster’s WholeGrains Breads delivers the full flavour of 100 per cent whole grains and is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which may help reduce blood cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Each slice also contains protein and eight essential nutrients, and counts as one serving of Grain Products in Canada’s Food Guide.  From bagels and tortillas to the traditional sliced loaf, Dempster’s WholeGrains bread is available in a number of flavourful and nutritious varieties including: 12 Grain, Ancient Grains, Flax, Multigrain, Canadian Century Grains, and Wheat and Oats with Honey. All are approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health Check program.

* Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume 169 (no. 20), November 9, 2009

About Dempster’s
As Canada’s bakery, Dempster’s has been nourishing Canadians for over 100 years ago when James Dempster founded both the company and the tradition of baking nutritious and great tasting breads.  All Dempster’s breads are baked with 100% Canadian Wheat and are baked fresh daily.For more information on Dempster’s, please visit www.dempsters.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dempsters.

Survey Methodology
The Research House interviewed 150 Canadian Registered Dietitians during the period of November 28 – December 8, 2011; the margin of error is +/-8.0% at 95%.

Directly from the City of Toronto Press Release:

Winterlicious 2012 Presented by American Express is January 27 to February 9, 2012

Celebrating 10 Delicious Years of Toronto Cuisine!

Toronto’s favorite winter foodie celebration turns 10 in 2012 and continues to shine the spotlight on our fantastic local restaurant industry. Winterlicious offers two popular programs for you to savour.

WINTERLICIOUS CULINARY EVENTS

Choose from 11 one-of-a-kind ticketed culinary experiences featuring diverse cuisine. Hosted by some of Toronto’s finest restaurants and venues, these gastronomic events showcase flavours from Asia to Italy, include ingredients from chocolate to seafood, and draw inspiration from art to fashion.

WINTERLICIOUS PRIX FIXE

175 restaurants city-wide are participating in the Winterlicious Prix Fixe Promotion, making this the largest Winterlicious celebration to date.  Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $15, $20 and $25 and dinner is priced at $25, $35 and $45.

Restaurants start taking reservations for the prix fixe promotion on Thursday, January 12, 2012. American Express Card members can go to the Front of the Line and make reservations starting (January 10 and 11, 2012).

For more information please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious/2012/index.htm

Directly from the Quince Restaurant Press Release:

Come celebrate the New Year at Quince  We still have some spaces available

$55 / person

5:30 - 6:30

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli

Second Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Third Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

$78 / person

7pm onwards

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Tuna Crudo / salt cod fritter, aioli, olives

Second Course
Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli
Crispy Sweetbreads / fregola, mushrooms, onion puree

Grilled shrimp sausage / tomato, tamarind, sesame, herbs

Third Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Fourth Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

Proseco at Midnight

For more information please call us  416 488-2110 or visit www.quincetoronto.com

Winterlicious 2012

Winterlicious 2012: The premiere winter dining event for Toronto will be held from January 27th to February 9th, 2012. The 2012 event will have over 100 participating Toronto Restaurants that will dazzle visitors with their 3 course culinary creations.

For more information: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious/2012/index.htm

Directly from the Winterlicious Press Release:

Winterlicious - Toronto’s favourite food festival celebrates 10 years. Culinary Events Series tickets on sale this week.

Next year marks 10 years of Winterlicious, Toronto’s culinary celebration presented by American Express. This year’s event offers two programs, the Winterlicious Culinary Events Series and the Prix Fixe Promotion, from January 27 - February 9, 2012.

“In its 10th year, Winterlicious continues to successfully support Toronto’s restaurant industry and generate significant economic activity,” said Mayor Rob Ford. “This program is made possible through the City’s partnerships with local dining establishments and the ongoing support of corporate partners.”

Toronto food lovers continue to embrace the Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs produced by the City of Toronto. In the years since the programs’ inception participating restaurants have served 3.2 million meals during the promotion which have generated more than $140 million in economic activity for the local restaurant industry.

2012 Culinary Events Series

The Winterlicious Culinary Events Series features 11 one-of-a-kind ticketed culinary experiences featuring diverse cuisine hosted by some of Toronto’s finest restaurants and venues. These gastronomic events showcase flavours from Asia to Italy, include ingredients from chocolate to seafood, and draw inspiration from art to fashion.

Tickets for these culinary events go on sale Thursday, December 15. For the complete list of culinary events and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.toronto.ca/winterlicious.

2012 Prix Fixe Promotion

For 2012, 175 restaurants city-wide are participating in the Winterlicious Prix Fixe Promotion, making this the largest Winterlicious celebration to date.  Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $15, $20 and $25 and dinner is priced at $25, $35 and $45.

Restaurants start taking reservations for the prix fixe promotion on Thursday, January 12, 2012. American Express Cardmembers can go to the front of the line and make reservations on January 10 and 11, 2012.

Reservations are strongly recommended and are to be made directly with the participating dining establishment. For the list of participating restaurants, visit http://www.toronto.ca/winterlicious.

Vincor Canada returns as the official wine sponsor of the event, featuring local Ontario wines and other brands paired up with select menus at participating restaurants.

Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

Slow Food Toronto’s Terra Madre Day at Harbourfront Centre Celebrate, rediscover and reconnect with local food communities Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011.

Harbourfront Centre is pleased to partner with Slow Food Toronto to present Terra Madre Day, a FREE celebration of food diversity and local food networks on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 from 2-6 p.m. With performances, hands-on cooking workshops and a lively market, families can connect with a local community of conscientious eaters, while joining the growing international movement which is simultaneously hosting over 1,000 events in more than 100 countries around the world.

Slow Food Toronto’s Terra Madre Day is a celebration of local foods and their producers by the Slow Food international network. The network promotes food that is good, clean and fair and acknowledges the importance of the regions, cultures and communities working to protect and develop it.

On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2-6 p.m., Harbourfront Centre hosts a wide variety of free family-friendly activities enabling visitors to not only sample delicious local food prepared by producers and top Toronto chefs, but also engage with Ontario’s local food communities and celebrate a local perspective. Meet farmers, fishers, chefs and food artisans and stock up on supplies and gifts for the holiday season at the Local Food Market. Learn to make informed food choices and connect with the local food community through a variety of workshops. Check out storytelling, dance and live music performances.

This season’s programming explores The Big IDEA of “Perspective.” Like a shaft of light into a room, artists use perspective as a means to illuminate. Often, artists share their personal perspectives to bring a new twist to a familiar topic. Other times, artists share differing perspectives to illustrate conflict and resolution. In either instance, the end goal is for you to question how the world appears from your vantage point.

This fall and winter, Harbourfront Centre presents programming that asks: Where do you find your perspective?

For additional information and complete event listings, the public may visit harbourfrontcentre.com or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay W, in the heart of Toronto’s downtown waterfront.

EVENT LISTINGS

MUSIC

Zari
2:30-2:50 p.m. in the Brigantine Room

This exotic, lyrical, and powerful, vocal trio specializes in the music of the Georgian Republic, an ancient musical culture which features exquisite harmony and complex polyphony. myspace.com/triozari

Sheesham and Lotus

3-3:20 and 4-4:20 p.m. in the Lakeside Terrace, 5-5:20 p.m. in the Brigantine Room

These multi-instrumentalists’ performances embody the “old time” music of the Appalachian Mountains, music born in an age when instruments were scarce and families entertained themselves with dance, stories and music created on the spot, with whatever tools they could rustle up. sheeshamandlotus.com

Senegalese Kora and Percussion

Sadio Sissokho

3:30-3:50 p.m. in the Brigantine Room
5-6:00 p.m. workshop at the Lakeside Terrace

Sadio Sissokho comes from a line of Senegalese kora players going back generations, but adds his own take on the traditions of his famous musical family. myspace.com/sadiocissokho

Adjuntaremos – We Will Get Together
Aviva Chernick, Eric Stein, Joel Schwartz, Drew Jurecka

4:30-4:50 p.m. in the Brigantine Room
An exploration of Balkan Judeo-Spanish music spearheaded by two of Toronto’s leading Jewish music artists, Aviva Chernick (Jaffa Road) and Eric Stein (Beyond the Pale).

DANCE

The Dance Migration

2-6:00 p.m. at various locations

Dance Migration’s performances combine Afro-Brazilian dance, Capoeira, and contemporary Silvestre technique to create an exciting dance experience in performance and workshop settings.

LECTURE/WORKSHOP

Sensory Workshop

2-6:00 p.m. in the North Bays

Delve deeper into the food experience by isolating each of your five senses.

FAMILY

Children’s Food Workshops

2:30-5:30 p.m. in the Lakeside Terrace

A variety of workshops get kids involved in a range of food-related activities including corn-grinding with a pedal-powered bicycle grinder to make authentic corn tortillas with Chocosol, learning how to make fresh cheese with Monforte Dairy’s Ruth Klahsen and making traditional Mushroom Dumplings with Spice Route’s Executive Chef Win Lai Wong.

OTHER

Local Food Market

Marilyn Brewer Community Space and Brigantine Room

Farmers, foodies, artisans and more display and sell their edible wares. Veggies, cheese, meat, fish, sweets, oils and more are on offer, all from local sources including Evelyn’s Crackers, Pfenning’s Organic Farm, Chocosol Chocolate Traders, Dolce Lucano, 100km Foods, The New Farm, Loic Gourmet, Warner’s Farm, Grassroot Organics, Mapleton’s Organic, Akiwenzie Fish and More, Local Dairy Foods, Pristine Gourmet c/o and Persall Fine Foods, Mycosource Inc./Fun Guy Farms, Matchbox Garden and Seed Co and Jason Inniss Catering, Spice Route, Hey Meatball!, Table 17,  Best Baa Dairy, Le Select Bistro featuring YU Ranch Beef, Cherryvale Organic Farm, Frank Restaurant at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Vertical, Cooper Road CSA, Forbes Wild Foods, Monforte Dairy and Slow Food Toronto.

ABOUT SLOW FOOD AND TERRA MADRE DAY

Founded in 1989, Slow Food is a global, grassroots non-profit organization with supporters in 150 countries around the world who are linking the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment. Meeting biannually since 2004, Slow Food celebrated its 20th birthday in 2009 by holding, for the first time, Terra Madre Day. In 2010, over 1,100 events were held in more than 120 countries in each continent.