COMMUNAL DINNER: Taco Party | Erika Araujo  

The Bentway 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ah, tacos… warm, savoury fillings topped with a variety of colourful garnishes, all wrapped up in fresh, tender corn tortillas. These little bundles of deliciousness have become the most iconic Mexican dish the world over, and for good reason. Join Chef Erika Araujo of Ixiim for this fun and interactive DIY taco party featuring a fabulous spread of 5 different fillings and toppings that showcase the delectable diversity of authentic Mexican flavours.

COMMUNAL PICNIC: Global Pan | Newcomer Kitchen

The Bentway Studio 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Newcomer Kitchen started at The Depanneur in 2016 as a grass-roots initiative to create social and economic opportunities for newly-arrived Syrian refugees. After a wildly successful 3-year pilot at The Depanneur, Newcomer Kitchen expanded to become a entrepreneurial training program aimed at helping diverse groups of newcomer women gain experience in the food sector. Global Pan is one of Newcomer Kitchen's newest cohorts, women from around the world who have come together to share their foods and cultures with Toronto. Featuring women from Syria, Afghanistan, China, Taiwan, and a mother & daughter team from the Bahamas, this eclectic group has put together an exciting international menu for our inaugural Communal Picnic.

COMMUNAL DINNER: Tibetan Momos | Tsewang & Lhundup

The Bentway 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Momos — hearty dumplings of simple dough wrapped around delectable fillings, served steamed or fried with spicy sauce — are probably Tibet’s best known culinary export. In fact, momos are well-loved in many of the countries around the Himalayas, with countless variations in ingredients, appearance and names. But especially in Tibet, momos are not just food; they are also symbols of festivity and celebration. They are served during important social occasions like marriages, New Years and other special family gatherings. Join Tsewang & Lhundup of TC’s Tibetan Momo, for a taste of traditional Tibetan fare, all made with local, organic ingredients sourced directly from the Ontario farmers they work alongside at several of Toronto’s farmers’ markets.

COMMUNAL DINNER: Mama’s Cuisine | Newcomer Kitchen

The Bentway 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Newcomer Kitchen started at The Depanneur in 2016 as a grass-roots initiative to create social and economic opportunities for newly-arrived Syrian refugees. After a wildly successful 3-year pilot at The Depanneur, Newcomer Kitchen expanded to become a entrepreneurial training program aimed at helping diverse groups of newcomer women gain experience in the food sector. Mama's Cuisine is one of Newcomer Kitchen’s newest cohorts, women from around the world who have come together to share their foods and cultures with Toronto. Hot on the heels of a successful pop-up at the Leslieville Farmers' Market, these ladies from Palestine, Pakistan, India, Lebanon and Egypt are excited to create a truly international meal just in time for Canada Day — a celebration of everything that makes this country home for so many.

COMMUNAL PICNIC: Pinoy Picnic | Maria Polotan

The Bentway Studio 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Philippines is an archipelago of thousands of islands, with hundreds of unique and distinctive local cultures, along with a complex and multicultural history profoundly influenced by Chinese, Malay, Spanish and American cultures. Yet some dishes, like adobo, have become beloved classics and are likely to be found in Filipino homes across the country. Tonight Maria Polotan of Mama Linda's shares some of these traditional Filippino favourites incorporating fresh, local ingredients.

COMMUNAL PICNIC: Tunisian Tagines | Dali Chehimi

The Bentway Studio 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Long-time Dep favourite, Chef Dali Chehimi brings a mix of traditional Tunisian and Moroccan favourites to the table for a delicious tour of North African cuisine. Complex spices, lush combinations of sweet, savoury and spicy, Mediterranean ingredients and a hint of French colonial influence make for an exquisite culinary adventure.

COMMUNAL DINNER: Teta’s Palestinian Kitchen | Mary Freij

The Bentway 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In so many of the world's culinary tractions, delicious food and their warm memories are the domain of grandmothers. Chef Mary Freij's newest project, Teta's (Grandmother's) Kitchen is an homage to those recipes, connecting Mary to her Palestinian and Lebanese roots, and sharing the stories and flavours from her family's kitchen.

COMMUNAL PICNIC: Taste of Indonesia | Elita Rocka

The Bentway Studio 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

With more than 17,000 islands populated by more than 300 different ethnic groups, Indonesian cuisine has incredible breadth, depth and variety. Home of the original “Spice Islands”, Indonesia has been a culinary destination for centuries, sharing spices like nutmeg and clove with the rest of the world while absorbing and reimagining Indian, Chinese, Arabic, Thai and Dutch influences. Indonesian food boasts many unique flavours, textures and ingredients worth exploring, and tonight Chef Elita of NaiNai Noodles shares a few distinctive and authentic Indonesian recipes.

COMMUNAL DINNER: Filipino Kamayan | Maria Polotan

The Bentway 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Kamayan is a Tagalog word that translates to “by hand” and refers to a traditional Filipino style of eating—communally, and without plates or utensils. A typical kamayan meal features a table covered in banana leaves which is then artfully arranged with a variety of traditional Filipino dishes served rice, condiments and garnishes. Join Maria Polotan of Mama Linda’s for the unique culinary experience of kamayan, showcasing the flavours and traditions of Filipino cuisine.

COMMUNAL PICNIC: Turkish Picnic | Tuba Tunç

The Bentway Studio 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Turkey has an ancient culinary tradition stretching back to the very beginnings of Western civilization. From these deep roots the Ottomans developed a sophisticated and aristocratic cuisine based on ingredients and influences pulled from an empire that stretched from North Africa across the Middle East and into Greece and the Balkans. The flavours of contemporary Turkish food emerge from this mix of cultures and traditions, and shine in Chef Tuba Tunç’s selection of traditional Turkish dishes.