If you're still waiting for a reason to check out the newly revitalized Queens Quay neighborhood, this is it.
The 18th annual Hot & Spicy Food Festival returns to Harbourfront Centre this weekend. An annual tradition for many foodies, the festival is known for bringing together a variety of uptown mom & pop shops that set up around the Harbourfront Centre for four days.
This year's main attraction is visiting chef Vikram Vij from Vancouver.
“This year's Hot & Spicy Food Festival will focus on all things delicious and sustainable. We’ll be doing this through the lens of environmental, ecological and cultural perspectives,” explains Mary Mejia, Artistic Associate of Hot & Spicy Food Festival. "The festival features Vancouver’s own Vikram Vij for a live demo and Q&A, our annual International Iron Chef competition, as well as a new culinary series, 10 For the Next Gen. This highlights ten chefs from around the city who share their top ten, sustainable heirloom or soon-to-be family recipes.”
The Harbourfront Centre hosts many food-themed events throughout the summer season, and a key highlight is the World Cafe popup market. With each festival, participating popups and restaurants take over the market with their festival-themed eats.
This year's hot & spicy vendors include:
- Caribbean Catering Services
- Kfi Inc
- Mi Lindo Ecuador
- Nate’s Palate
- Taste of Asia
- Thai Angel
In addition to the cafe, a slew of popups will be set up around Harbourfront Centre, selling a variety of artisanal fiery concoctions like habanero sauces, chutneys, and salsa.
The key events taking place during the festival include:
Party Mix on a Stick — Chefs from across Toronto compete to reinvent the ultimate Party Mix… but on a stick. Don’t miss their delectable creations.
Saturday, September 5 from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Also Finland’s YouTube sensation Steve ‘n’ Seagulls will perform covers of crowd-pleasing metal songs, from ACDC to Iron Maiden, with their bluegrass sound.
Saturday, September 5 from 9:30 –11 p.m.
The festival runs Friday (September 4) through to Sunday (September 7).
For full details visit the Harbourfront Centre's website.
