Food Truck Eats Part II - 8-20-11

My top recommendation for this weekend would be to visit Part II of the Food Truck Eats Festival at the Historic Distillery District in Toronto, Saturday August 20, from 11am to 3pm, but early birds arriving at 10am can purchase a wrist band to avoid the lines.

We are not talking your local hot dog carts but gourmet Food Trucks from all over Ontario will converge in one place for a sampling of eats ranging from cupcakes, grilled cheese, poutine and smoked meats and much more.

The inaugural event, Part I took place in July with only five trucks and some vendors in tents.

Photo courtesy of: The Distillery Blog
Stay tuned for the announcement of Part III. I hope I can make it to Part III, as the Distillery District has a charm of its own and is one of my favorite places to visit, along with a nice cold Organic Lager from Mill Street Brewery.

Brocks Big Bite - Beaverton, Ontario 8-14-11

The 2011 first annual Brock's Big Bite was hosted this past Sunday, August 14, in Beaverton, Ontario. Naturally since Beaverton is our home away from home for a big part of the year, along with my involvement with The Great Canadian Cheese Festival, I just had to check it out. Beaverton's Town Hall, pictured above, featured exhibits from local Lake Simcoe Artists.


The event was well advertised locally as a celebration of family and friends at a long lunch table spanning the main downtown core of Beaverton, a picturesque little town on the shores of Lake Simcoe. The $20. advanced tickets sold out before the event started, and I unfortunately didn't purchase one. But everyone was still encouraged to come and support the vendors and the many downtown shops that Beaverton has to offer and grab a bite to eat at one of their many restaurants such as Kings Bishop or Crusty's Pizza, to name a few.


The meal consisted of sliced BBQ pork or beef, fresh corn on the cob, salad, rolls, pie and a drink. I had envisioned this being served family style at the long table, but you received a ticket for your meal and had to stand in line for that.


The stage at the end of the street provided musical entertainment for all to enjoy.


Artisan exhibits lined the streets. Other than the local artists, the vendor participation was minimal. I had only noticed two produce vendors, and Thornloe Cheese and a few other charitable stands. Hopefully next year they can entice more!


All weekend long the Lake Simcoe Squadron and the US 25th Infantry re-enactors were camped out on the shores of Lake Simcoe near the Beaverton Harbour for an 1812 battle. The troops marched into town and captured the Mayor and took him to the jail! Musket and cannon fire echoed out on both Saturday and Sunday when they did a surprise attack on the American troops. I'm glad they didn't notice my American Flag on our boat in the Beaverton Harbour:-) This too is an annual event, but could really use some more publicity, as you don't know they are coming until you hear the explosions!


Cannington, Ontario will be the 2012 host of Brocks Big Bite, so mark your calendars for August 12.