Just as you think you're over the winter-weight and have gotten back into a healthy, guilt free lifestyle, Brewer's Plate 2011 comes along and scuppers it all. An event where master chefs and brewers came together with musicians and artists for an extraordinary locavore Spring feast, it is an unforgettable evening of revelry, good food and never-ending rivers of the best ale Ontario has to offer.
It was one of our best nights out this season. Unlimited tastings of a wide selection of Ontario’s distinctive craft beers, cider and mead were served alongside inventive dishes from several of Toronto’s most celebrated chefs and local food artisans. We'd usually list our favorites, but liking everything on the menu makes it impossible to single out just a few! There was almost too much, which is a good thing when it comes to gourmet food.
Eating at Brewer's Plate was sinful, and did we know it! Not a grumpy face to be seen in the crowd. Guests happily ate with an easy conscience, knowing that the proceeds from this extraordinary evening support the work of Not Far From the Tree, an organization whose volunteers pick fruit from Toronto’s urban gardens and then share the free harvest with food banks and shelters.
We like the idea of giving back, and drove up the auction prices by placing a couple of strategic bids of our own. Honestly, we are a bit sore that we didn't win a single one! Though we couldn't nearly afford to outbid the many patrons who stayed late into the night, we're happy to know that somewhere, someone is eating a full, healthy meal on account of the generosity and sharing spirit of Torontonians and our local establishments.