It's time for Winterlicious, the gastronomic spectacle in Toronto, and beer, glorious beer!

   One-Tank Trip for January 26-19

 

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Winter can be a delicious time of the year and who says beer isn’t just for breakfast or summertime anymore?

   Toronto civic leaders are encouraging locals and visitors to “warm up this winter by savouring new experiences and flavours at Winterlicious.”

   This annual gastronomic spectacle is on now through Feb. 7 to enjoy savory specialties at prices that will please at about 200 restaurants across Toronto.

The iconic St. Lawrence Market offers a history tasting dinner and food tour. (Jim Fox photo)

    And beer, glorious beer steps up for Brewfest in Ottawa next month and Toronto in March.

   Don’t cry in your beer as another outdoor event, Winter Craft Beer Fest that’s pretty well sold out is on today (Jan. 26) at Steam Whistle Brewing in Roundhouse Park in Toronto. craftbeerfest.ca

   The 17th annual Winterlicious is a time to “enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants,” said Mayor John Tory.

   “This event spotlights our local restaurant industry while offering diners diverse and delicious menu options,” he added.

   Here’s a chance to try those special places offering exotic dishes with three-course prix fixe lunch menus priced at $23, $28 and $33, and dinner at $33, $43 and $53.

   “There are some incredible dining opportunities and experiences here,” said Irene Knight, media relations manager for Tourism Toronto.

   She advises would-be diners that reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online or by calling the restaurants directly.

There’s something for every taste at Winterlicious in Toronto.

   Special treats

   Step up to the plate and explore Toronto’s food culture and embolden your taste buds at eclectic offerings in the Winterlicious Culinary Event Series:

   - Learn to pick the perfect scotch with tutored tastings at the David Duncan House. $80.

   - The year is 1861 and you’re invited for dinner with the Mackenzies in their home for a “truly unique dining and theatrical experience.” $125.

   - An interactive cooking experience for the family to “discover the art and joy of making pizza” is at Lil’ Gourmets – The Flavour of Family, Acqua Dolce. ($40.).

   - Enjoy afternoon tea and treats in the “elegance of the Edwardian era” at Toronto’s iconic castle, Casa Loma. $40.

Pizza anyone at Winterlicious.

   - A Taste of Italy – Formaggi & Vino at the Cibo Wine Bar is an elegant evening exploring Italian wine paired with food. $75.

   - Toronto’s 215-year-old St. Lawrence Market gives foodies the opportunity to “go behind closed doors and embark on an edible history tasting dinner and food tour. $100.

   - Gypsy tales are being told at Tapas at Embrujo with diners guided through the tastes and sounds of Southern Spain, birthplace of tapas, sherry and flamenco. $85.

   - Food – The New Fashion will be presented at the Hazelton Hotel to “explore the synergies between food and fashion, style and creativity.” $75.

   Interest is brisk and some events and times are sold out.

   For a list of participating restaurants and their menus: toronto.ca/winterlicious

   Brewskis food and drink

   The Ontario Craft Brewers organization says with more than 250 breweries, 70 cideries and 30 distilleries, there’s something for every connoisseur.

Barkeep Brandy Wilyard pulls a pint of draft beer. (Jim Fox photo)

   The micro-breweries are “constantly challenging and reinventing the landscape of beer.”

   Find out at the Ottawa Winter Brewfest at Lansdowne Park, Feb. 15 and 16, and the Toronto Winter Brewfest, March 1 and 2.

   Ottawa will have about 100 craft beers from Ontario and Quebec along with gourmet dishes, taffy on the snow and dancing around a bonfire to the sounds of local DJs. brewfest.ca/ottawa

    Toronto’s event at Evergreen Brick Works encourages visitors to “celebrate our brewing wealth” and sample from among 150 beers.

A flight of beers for sampling is offered at the Amsterdam BrewHouse in Toronto. (Barbara Fox photo)

   It promises to be a “warm and festive setting,” with a wide range of local craft breweries and gourmet food from Toronto’s best food trucks. brewfest.ca/toronto

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca