Dixonlicious 2018 - feeds you and so many others

Dixonlicious  event returns for it's 4th year.  They work with community members at every life stage to achieve their vision of a city where everyone thrives, their mission is to create lasting solutions to end poverty, social injustices and isolation in Toronto – and their goal is to provide 25,000 meals to those in need.  This year Dixonlicious will be hosted by Farah Nasser, from Global News Toronto.  

Dixonlicious is an event that raises funds for Dixon Hall a non-profit agency.

All proceeds from the event benefit their food programs in the downtown east and Regent Park which are just as diverse as the community members they serve.  

Services provided include Meals on Wheels, snacks for after school initiatives for Regent Park youth, meals for our March Break and summer camps, meals for our two homeless shelters, and Community Meal programs for community members facing food security issues, including people living with HIV/AIDs

     

Tickets are available here: http://bit.ly/dixonlicious2018 - use offer code GIVEBACK at check out for a 15% discount

You can also look on the event page of our website to get a list of the restaurant and beverage partner:http://dixonhall.org/events/dixonlicious-2018/

 Silent auction items are available here:http://dixonhall.org/auction/

I have attended Dixonlicious a couple of times and these are some of the photos of some of the dishes from last years event.  It's a fun event in a great location at the Daniels Spectrum an easy to get to location with underground parking even.  It's always great to attend an event with great food and at the end of the night you will have helped so many people just by attending and having fun and eating great food and maybe bidding on some fantastic items.

60 Female chefs serve up great eats at Eat to the Beat 2017

EAT TO THE BEAT GALA 2017

Date:  October 17, 2017

Location:  Roy Thompson Hall

Why:  Fundraising Gala for the Canadian Foundation for Breast Cancer

Website:  http://www.eattothebeat.ca/

Social:  Twitter @EattotheBeat_TO

Well I am super late in posting this and wanted to get to it right after the event but events and life seem to happen all at once so I finally have time to write about the event.

I have been to Eat to the Beat a number of times and have written about it in previous posts but I always like to show what each event looks like because the food and some of the vendors change each year but there are also regulars who just change their menus.

Some of the ones that have been vendors at the event a number of years include the Cake Lady, Aphrodite Cooks,  Emily Richards,  Pai/Kiin and so many more.

I think one of my favourite savoury dishes was for sure Kiin's mixed rice dish.  I picked one up early because I knew there would be a lineup for it.

The desserts were unbelievably beautiful and I wish I had the stomach to try them all but by the time I hit the desserts I could only try a few of them.   With 60 Female Chefs you can imagine there would be a whole lot of food to try.  Most had 1 dish but there were a couple with 2 different things.  That's a lot of food and desserts to eat.  I think maybe I average about 2/3rd's of the vendors but I think my friends probably try half of them.  I don't know where they put it.

I always like to go to this event because it's a lot of fun and with almost all of the Chefs being female it's really like a great community event and loads of fun to see the Breast Cancer survivors all dressed up in special corsets.   There is live entertainiment and a silent auction that has some fantastic things that I wish I could afford to bid on myself.  All this fun and it raises money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation so it's great for everyone.

     

           

I can't possibly pick only a few favourites but let me just say that I lean towards the Tuna tartare's and the Scallops were amazing too and of course I gravitate towards all the chocolate desserts but the Lemon meringue pop blew me away.  You can see that below.

I won't repeat the vendors in this post but they are all listed in my previous post about this event.  You can read about it here: Eat to the Beat

Even though I am late posting this I wanted to get it out to show you all the fantastic food and hope that you pick up a ticket for next years event and you will probably see me running around and stuffing my face and taking lots of photos to make you drool.

Hope to see you there next year.   For more info see their website listed at the top of the page.

Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth Fundraiser

EVENT:  TASTE MATTERS

DATE:  Nov 2, 2017

LOCATION:  Liberty Grand, Toronto

CHARITY:  Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth

Social:  #TasteMatters

@evasinitiatives

TASTE MATTERS is a Fundraiser that benefits Eva's Initiatives a charitable organization that helps homeless youth. Eva's Initiatives was created for Eva Smith who emigrated to Canada in 1956.  She passed away in 1993 and a few years later the Satellite Emergency youth shelter was created in Toronto.  It helps youth between 16-24 with emergency shelter and assistance.

The Taste Matters event is hosted by cookbook authors and sisters, Julie Albert & Lisa Gnat to continue raising funds for the much needed services in Toronto.

The Fundraising event was held at the spectacular Liberty Grand at Exhibition Place where 22 Food and beverage vendors in Toronto provided samples of their food and drink.  Below are a few of the things I sampled at the event including Rancho Relaxo's Fish Tacos, ones of the longest lineups.  I also enjoyed the Butternut squash ravioli from North 44 and the salmon Tartare from the Edible Story.

They also had a raffle and silent auction.  These are a couple of the things from the silent auction that caught my eye but unfortunately I don't have anywhere to put them.

 For more information on how you can help check out their website http://www.evas.ca/

Eat to the Beat - 60 Female Chefs-1 Event- 1 Cause

60 FEMALE CHEFS - ONE EVENT - ONE GREAT CAUSE at 

EAT TO THE BEAT

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 | 7 pm – 10 pm | Roy Thomson Hall

Eat to the Beat presented by KitchenAid is a signature event of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and is celebrating its 22nd year on Tuesday, October 17 from 7pm – 10pm at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). It is the only event in Canada that exclusively features the talent of 60 female chefs – women supporting women through the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis. General Admission Tickets are $189 and include all food and beverages (a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount). For tickets or to see the line-up of chefs and beverage participants, please visit www.eattothebeat.ca.

Guests can enjoy specially prepared savoury and sweet dishes at 60 stations, along with wine, beer and a selection of non-alcoholic libations from 20 of the finest beverage purveyors set up around Roy Thomson Hall’s outer lobby.

In addition to food and drink, colourful and whimsical one-of-a-kind corsets, inspired by food and created and modelled by breast cancer survivors, have become an integral part of Eat to the Beat.

Started 21 years ago by sisters Lisa and Abby Slater, Eat to the Beat has raised more than $3.9 million since its inception. Funds raised at Eat to the Beat will be directed towards supporting the full spectrum of breast cancer programs and services of the Canadian Cancer Society - from important research where the latest innovations are developed to direct patient support – and will benefit not only the estimated 25,000 Canadian women who are diagnosed every year with this disease, but also the families and friends who love and support them.

Participating chefs that will be featured at this year’s Eat to the Beat include:

Sandra Abballe, Succulent Chocolates and Sweets

Suzanne Barr, Saturday Night Dinette

Vanessa Baudanza, The Rolling Pin

Isabelle Loiacono, The Rolling Pin

Wanda Beaver, Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

Renee Bellefeuille, Art Gallery of Ontario

Cathy Beneway, Creative Catering by Cathy

Tifffany Miquel, George Restaurant

Emma Beqaj, Emma's Eatery Catering

Shannon Bolak, Ace Bakery

Arvinda Chauhan, Arvinda's

Preena Chauhan, Arvinda's

Tiiu Christie, Marigolds and Onions

Tysa Christie, Marigolds and Onions

Jeanne da Silva, George Brown College Chef School

Amy Symington, George Brown College Chef School

Felicia Derose, Chase

Donna Dooher, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Stephanie Duong, Roselle Desserts

Rossy Earle, SupiCucu

Alexandra Feswick, The Drake Hotel

Kimberley Humby, East & Main Bistro

Anna Janes, Cocomira Confections

Charlotte Langley, Groundwork Food and Scout Canning

Tara Lee, Eastbound Brewing Co.

Jacqueline Lo, Ruelo Patisserie

Lynn Mendelson, Lynn Mendelson Catering

Joan Monfaredi, Park Hyatt Hotel

Lauren Mozer, Elle Cuisine

Andrea Nicholson, Butchie’s and Killer Condiments

Leona Nyman, Azzurra

Suzanne Baby, Gallery Grill at Hart House

Catherine O’Donnell, Willow Cakes and Pastries

Christine Ostiguy, Yorkshire Pudding Catering

Angela Panigas, The Sultan’s Tent, Café Moroc

Véronique Perez, Crêpes à GoGo Spadina, Limonana

Jennifer Perusini, BerBer Social

Andrea Porier, Inn on the Twenty

Karen Rachlin, Bite Catering

Nuit Regular, Kiin, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar, Sukhothai Restaurant

Emily Richards, Professional Home Economist

Dufflet Rosenberg, Dufflet Pastries

Alida Solomon, Tutti Matti

Lili Sullivan, Pomodoro

Elaine Wong, The Omni King Edward Hotel

Vanessa Yeung, Aphrodite Cooks

Leyla Kizilirmak, Art Square Gallery and Café

Eat to the Beat at a Glance:

DATE:         Tuesday, October 17, 2017

TIME:          7pm – 10pm

VENUE:       Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto (St. Andrew subway station) 

COST:         General Admission Ticket: $189 

                          Tickets include dishes at 60 stations along with wine, beer and non-alcoholic libations.

(a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount)

www.eattothebeat.ca

DRESS:       Smart casual

FACEBOOK:     @CCSToronto

Event Page:      Eat to the Beat

INSTAGRAM:    @CCSGTA

TWITTER:         @CCSGTA

HASHTAG:       #EattotheBeat #CancerFighter

About Eat to the Beat and the Canadian Cancer Society:

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. Eat to the Beat is formerly an event of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and has now become a signature event of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) as a result of the two organizations’ recent merger in February 2017. The result of this union is a bigger impact on cancer research and support programs across all types of cancer, including breast cancer. The combined organization will preserve the mandate and spirit of CBCF, including its key programs and activities. CCS remains committed to investing in breast cancer.

Charitable Registration No. 11882 9803 RR0001

Rocket Ride for Rehab launch

Event:        Rocket Ride for Rehab Launch
Website:    Rocket Ride For RehabHashtag    #spin4the6
Date:        Tuesday, Aug 22nd 2017 (launch)Time:        5:30pm to 7:30pmLocation: Lodge on Queen, 251 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

A friend sent me an invite to a lunch for an event called Rocket Ride for Rehab #Spin4the6 and I decided to RSVP to check it out.  I never heard of it before and wasn't sure what it was exactly but I thought it might be interesting to see what it was all about.  While I am not a Spinner I am always happy to promote events that will help people who need a bit of assistance.  I was only at the event for a short time but I did enjoy some of Fidel Castro's catering including the delicious charcuterie platter and their Jalapeno Mac and Cheese.  Kevin Brauch was the Bartender making some fancy cocktails.  I was a last minute decision to go so I am glad I did to find out about this event.  I hope that if you are into Spinning you will join them at Nathan Phillips Square on Oct 24th and help them break a Guinness World Record and help the Toronto Rehab Foundation reach their goals to help as many people as they can.  You can also make a donation to the Toronto Rehab Foundation here:  Toronto Rehab

Participate in the Rocket Ride for Rehab
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
Date: Saturday Oct. 24, 2017

Toronto Rehab Foundation is proud to announce the Rocket Ride 4 Rehab. This 5-hour static cycling event will have over 1,000 participants that will be united in a purpose and will be going for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the most money raised by a static cycling event.

WHY PARTICIPATE

• Be part of a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.
• This Spin-a-Thon will be lead by Toronto’s top spin instructors.
• The outdoor party will take place in historic Nathan Phillips Square.
• Fun day for the whole family!
• To raise funds for Toronto Rehab Foundation supporting the #1 Rehabilitation research centre in the world

Cook 4 New Lives Gala and Culinary Battle

Today is Mother's Day and it's a fitting time to talk about a Charity Gala that I attended this week that supports the Massey Centre an organization that helps young mother's in need with different programs that allow them to continue their education and get the support they need to take care of themselves and their baby.  The #COOK4NEWLIVES Gala is also an opportunity for student chefs to pair with Professional Chefs in a competition that is voted on by well known food industry judges.  

Chef John Higgins | Director George Brown Chef School

Sara Lynn Cauchon | Creator, The Domestic Geek

Sebastian Centner | Eatertainment

Hosted by Big Brother Host Arisa Cox

Entertainment provided by AMBER

Akua Asabea Blair welcomed the guest to the Gala and introduced everyone to the work of the Massey Centre and one of the former members Jalisa Orr took the stage to tell everyone her story of getting pregnant at 16 and how it impacted her life and how the Massey Centre was able to help her change direction in her life.

The While the Students and their mentors were busy preparing the food in George Brown College's kitchens the Gala guests were sampling pizza from Pizza Nova, Shrimp Banh Mi Toasts by Hello Fresh, mini cupcakes from Don't call me a cupcake and tortilla chips and salsa from the Neal Brothers and beverages from Social Lite and Muskoka Brewery and Coca Cola Ltd.

They also had a really fun Photo Booth by Picture Photo Booth, set up with the most fun props I have seen in a while.

Then it was time for the Competition.  The teams brought out their dishes and everyone rushed to sample each of the 4 dishes.

The WINNING TEAM was:

Jessica Martineau | Oliver & Bonacini, Canteen with Andrea Cosalan GBC student

with their Steamed Puto, Pork Sausage with Ramp Puree

Suzanne Barr | Saturday Dinette  with Nao Akutagawa GBC student prepared:
Jerk Chicken, Buckwheat Ramen, Roasted Tomatoes

Amber Farrell | The Flock & formerly of Ceili Cottage with Saili Naiowade GBC student

Veggie Sliders

Tara Lee | Eastbound Brewing Company with Eungi Moon GBC student

Smoked Chicken Soup

This event wasn't just a cooking competition but it was also a Fundraising Gala to not only raise funds but awareness of the great work that the Massey Centre does.

There was a silent auction set up with some many amazing baskets and items like Hockey Jerseys and all kinds of great things.

Congratulations to everyone for the hard work putting this event together and all the hard work in helping young mothers achieve their dreams.

For more information about the Massey Centre and to Sponsor, donate, volunteer or whatever else you may be able to assist with contact them through their website:  http://www.massey.ca/contact-us/

Disclaimer:  The gala ticket was complimentary but the opinions and photos are my own.