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EAT
With the growth of the Slow Food Movement, which supports the concept of eco-gastronomy (the connection between the plate and the planet), as well as food that is produced in a clean, fair way, many people are much more aware of the food they consume. Think of this—when you eat organic local foods, you are helping to stem emissions, (tied into transportation and storing of food), as well as supporting the local economy. But beyond that, you will be embracing the authentic flavours of the region, from their cheese and meat, to wine, vegetables and fruit.
Eating local in Toronto is a real treat, and a multitude of dining options await. For healthy, organic and local pizza, head to any of the Magic Oven locations, which specialize in organic spelt, gluten-free rice flour pizza, and are accompanied by organic local meats and cheeses. All locations are built on reclaimed sites, saved from demolition crews, and house recycled furniture and fixtures.
For a touch of the gourmet, local chef extraordinaire, champion of seasonal, regional cooking, and slow food advocate, Jamie Kennedy, has recently opened Gilead Bistro. Here, an intimate menu puts local seasonal fare sourced from sustainable producers on show, accompanied by wine from local Ontario wineries.
The Steam Whistle Brewing Company has taken their pledge to the environment to every level of production. Tour their environmentally-friendly brewery, which is powered by Bullfrog Power (renewable energy sources), a power source that draws from wind and low-impact hydro generators. When it comes to production, this innovative company uses only four (pure spring water, malted barley, hops and yeast) to create a pure taste. They then package using recycled materials, and the bottles are label-free, saving trees, but also eliminating the use for glue and dyes. In addition, the truck fleet runs on biofuel.
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Executive Chef David Garcelon, Fairmont Royal York Hotel
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Giliad Bistro
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Steam Whistle Brewing Company
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Farmer’s markets are a great way to sample local produce. Alongside the landmark St Lawrence Market, set in the centre of historic Old Town Toronto, and home to over 120 specialty vendors, there are a couple of markets that are open year round. The Stop’s Green Barn Farmers’ Market, (every Saturday) has been rated among Toronto’s top Farmers’ markets, with an ample selection of Ontario jewels. Featuring local produce with a Caribbean flair, Ali Harris’ Fish Shak serves comforting vegetarian and fish-inspired breakfasts—think roti and fried fish sandwiches. |
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PLAY
Well-rested and fueled to go, Toronto’s green experience continues in the sprawling diverse metropolis. From acres of natural parkland to urban landscapes, you can explore the city to your hearts content—whether by bicycle, streetcar, subway of foot. If you want to “follow-the-leader”, you could not find a better one than Bruce Bell, one of Toronto’s gems who will share his entertaining knowledge of the city in an engaging and unforgettable walking tour. If you prefer to take the lead yourself, there are a number of downloadable maps and audio tours that will enable you to move at your own pace. Heritage Toronto’s Downloadable Walking Tour and Toronto’s Art Walk are just two options.
For more art, make the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) your next stop. AGO has dedicated itself to being a green operation, which for a museum is an immense achievement. Having to maintain a strict climate-controlled environment to protect the artwork often results in large energy consumption, however, such adjustments as switching the water and steam boilers to small compact version not only improve efficiency, but also reduce emissions greatly. It’s dedication to the environment aside, AGO is one of the largest art museums in North America, and holds more than 79,000 works, which span from 100 A.D. to the present day.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, dedicated to preserving and highlighting Canadian art, is situated on 100 acres of conservation land, offering visitors not only the chance to learn about art, but enjoy miles of outdoor paths and hiking trails.
Whatever green inspirations you follow on your tour of Toronto, you are safe knowing that you did your part towards a greener Toronto.
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