This week, I received an invitation from a fellow food blogger, the hungry cat,  asking me if I would like to attend a TUM event called “Sips ‘N Nibbles”. I had never been to a TUM event so I quickly accepted the invitation.

The invitation stated that the event would include 10 of TUMS top vendors and would include live music by the St. Royals, as well a cocktail. The invite also said “dressed to impress”. (eek – only worried for 2 minutes what I was going to wear) . As for the location: Steam Whistle Brewery.

I guess I should take a second and explain what TUM is all about!  Basically it’s a social food network that allows the opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase to the public, their (tasty) creations.

Ok back to the food!

Participating vendors included: La Carnita, Fidel Gastro, Rock Lobster, Babi & Co, ESE, Neptuno Oysters, Hot Bunzz, Laura Slack Chocolate, Bite Me Bakery, Little Tomato Catering and more.

Here’s a few photos to help you understand how happy my taste buds were!

PS. If you want to learn more about future TUM events…check out their facebook page:  www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt

My favorite vendor was definitely from Hot Bunzz: Port soaked porcini mushrooms, baby portobello, San Marzano tomato and fennel, with balsamic glazed parsnip parmesan and kissed with black truffle. #happy #happy #happy. I had been introduced to Hot Hozz at the Interior Design Shows opening party and can’t wait to find them again at future events!!

My favorite drink was the gin and tonic from Dillons Distillers that just opened up in Beamsville two months ago. I am not a gin drinker AT ALL – but something tells me I will be having more gin and tonics in my life from now on. Can’t wait to tour their distillery in the Spring.

Congratulations to Abbey’s Kitchen and TUM for a well organized event. I was super impressed.

For more information about future TUM events, follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt.com

Share this:

Despite the rains and the clouds on Thursday afternooon, I headed down to Bandshell Park (at Exhibition Place) so I could enjoy Toronto’s Festival of Beer. I’m not a fan of crowds so I always go on the first day. It was a great move! Me. Smart.

What did I discover this year?

BEER: Seeing as I am on week #6 of  a no carb diet…the beer festival was the last place I should have been. Not to mention, I really really like beer. HOWEVER there is good news. I discovered Michelob Ultra. I only had 2 beer tickets and I used both tickets on this beer. I was thrilled that there was a beer that I could drink during the Festival. If you look closely in the photo you can see my GLASS souvenir beer mug. I love this new mug…so much better than the plastic that they use to give out.

See how happy I am?

I bumped into old friends, like Great Lakes Brewery and made new friends, like The Beer Academy!!

FOOD: Beer and Food go hand in hand. Don’t you think?  I was delighted to discover some new vendors this year: Fidel Gastro, Belly Busters, K-song Taco and the nicest guys called  Snoballandsons raising money for Prostrate Cancer. There was also quite a few food trucks as well.

Fidel Gastro

I had a snoball with SUGAR FREE syrup and I was in heaven. Not to mention it felt good to support this booth and help them raise some $$.

MUSIC: I never stay long enough to sit down and enjoy the music and stay till 11 pm. But as I walked around, I certainly did enjoy the music and made a mental note to myself to make sure that I could stay longer next year. I hear that the line up on Sunday is awesome. #justsayin’.

The Festival is sold out on Saturday but if you hurry and visit their website you can buy tickets for Sunday. Not to mention, that the weather is going to be perfect on Sunday. Go for it. You can thank me later.

Toronto Beer Festival, July 27-29, Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place

Share this: