If you like it hot, Harbourfront Centre’s Hot & Spicy Food Festival is for you! The annual Toronto food festival takes place August 19–21, 2016 and this year, features the flavours and music from the Mississippi. Festival chefs will incorporate culinary influences from the Lower Mississippi River, the American South and the Caribbean into their dishes.
Southern Barbecue Competition
One of the highlights of the Hot & Spicy Food Festival is the Southern Barbecue Competition hosted by food writer Mary Luz Mejia on Aug. 20, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. The competition takes place on the Ann Tindal Lawn, 235 Queens Quay West, and admission to the competition is $10.
Local chefs competing in the Southern Barbecue Competition include:
- Uncle Smoke has been providing Toronto with St. Louis spare ribs and pork shoulder, as well as whole chicken, brisket and brats.
- Hogtown Smoke – Located in the Beaches, Hogtown Smoke Chef Carey Valentine and Scott Fraser share their barbecue specialties such as pulled pork, baby back ribs and brisket at their Beaches location.
- Pork Ninjas – Jason Rees and Andrea Toole offer BBQ catering and pop-up dinners in Toronto.
- Santo Pecado – These Toronto caterers use only high quality ingredients in their traditional Mexican food. Their food reflects their deep knowledge of Mexican culture.
- Chef Mauricio Espinosa, who studied at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, Texas, will prepare a Mexican-influenced Southern Barbecue.
Music at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival
Friday, August 19, 2016
- Blues singer/songwriter Harrison Kennedy performs on the Stage in the Round;
- Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils and their N’awlins sound perform on the Concert Stage;
- Canadian Blues artist, Rita Chiarelli, and her band, Sweet Loretta! perform on the Concert Stage.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
- Yuka and their mix of Motown and New Orleans funk open on the Concert Stage;
- Treme Brass Band appear on the Concert Stage;
- Toronto-based Combo Royale and their old-time jazz, and the adventuresome Heavyweights Brass Band perform on the Stage in the Round;
- Toronto’s Pastel Supernova examines decadence using vaudeville, dance and burlesque in her Sizzle! Love Letters Cabaret on Saturday night. This licensed (19+) event is in the Brigantine Room. Tickets are $20 & $30 (VIP) in advance, and $30 & $40 (VIP) at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at Harbourfront Centre.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Enjoy HarbourKIDS Arts & Crafts, miniPong, Swamperella’s zydeco music and the bluegrass of The Barrel Boys on the Stage in the Round.
Enjoy food at the World Café inspired by the Hot & Spicy Food Festival. The Red Hot Market features specialized hot sauces including sauces, rubs, jellies, pickles and marinades from around the world.
The Hot & Spicy Food Festival at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto is on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 from noon to 2 a.m., and Sunday, August 21, 2016 from noon to 6 p.m. Free admission.
