Food events

[Event] Get to know Roncesvalles with Food Nook Tours

Website: http://www.foodnooktours.com/tour-details.html
When I went: June 2016

My family and I was recently invited to a guided walking tour of Roncesvalles by Food Nook Tours, owned and operated by Bria Weaver.

Bria Weaver, owner of Food Nook Tours

I haven’t been on a food tour in Toronto before and often visit different neighbourhoods on my own. However, after going on my first tour, I was surprised at how much I did not know about Toronto and the various shops that are in this west end neighbourhood; the centre of the Polish community.

I would say The Ace, Barque Smokehouse (read about my brunch experience) and La Cubana are popular spots for visitors to Roncesvalles and was really happy that I was introduced to new spots during the tour. My family and I got to visit 5 shops including Chocolateria, Fantail Bakery Cafe, The Mercantile, De La Mer Fish market and Barque’s Butcher Bar.

Generous samples at Chocolateria

Chocolateria in Roncesvalles

At each stop, we learned about the history of the shop, were given samples to try and had a chance to look around and purchase items. I was impressed with the quality of the samples. Although they may not be huge portions, they were hand selected to showcase their store. At The Mercentile, the owner introduced us to popular condiments and various products produced locally.

Fantail Bakery Cafe

Delicious sample from Fantail Bakery Cafe

I love supporting local businesses and ended up getting hot sauce, tomato paste and an amazing organic tahini from The Mercantile, as well as an Icelandic cod from De La Mer. If the owners were available, they came to greet us as well. I was told that the samples change during every tour, so it is worth going on the tour more than once.

De La Mer Fish Market

Smoked trout from De La Mer

The Mercentile

For more information on the tour dates, check out http://www.foodnooktours.com/. Tours costs $30 per person and runs for about 2 hours.

Overall:

Bria’s bubbly personality and love for her neighbourhood makes her a fun tour guide. It was nice to be on a tour that is family friendly, and visit a neighbourhood that is bustling with families. Aside from learning facts from Bria, the tour is a great opportunity to interview shop owners and really get to know the wonderful west end neighbourhood.

*Disclosure: The tour was complimentary but the opinions in the post are my own.