Trini Chow Time in Hog Town this month,


 

Carnival Is Over... Long Live the Food!

The stages are quiet, the costumes have been packed away, and crews are busy cleaning up the Canadian National Exhibition grounds after last weekend's spectacular Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade. Even the popular Frofest celebration has been cancelled this week.

But don't put away your Caribbean appetite just yet.

The summer celebration continues on Saturday, August 15, when Toronto Chowfest returns to Scarborough for a full day dedicated to one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest passions — food.

Now in its tenth year, Toronto Chowfest has grown from a unique cooking contest into one of the city's most anticipated Trinbagonian cultural festivals. Since 2016, it has transformed the island tradition of making chow — a spicy mixture of fresh fruit or vegetables seasoned with lime, peppers and herbs — into a lively competition while celebrating the flavours, music and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.

This year's free festival runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 at Scarborough Town Centre, directly in front of the Cineplex theatre.

Food takes centre stage with three signature culinary competitions. The original Toronto Chow Competition returns, joined once again by the popular Curry Duck Cooking Competition and, for the first time, a Doubles Competition, showcasing the beloved Trinidadian street food that has become a favourite across the Greater Toronto Area.

"Toronto Chowfest is about much more than food. It is about bringing people together and creating a space where we can celebrate the flavours, music, traditions and culture that make Trinidad and Tobago so special," said Creative Director Roodney Clarke. "Whether you grew up eating chow and doubles or you're experiencing Trini food for the first time, we want everyone to come out, enjoy themselves and lime with us."

Visitors can expect a menu that reads like a tour of Trinidad and Tobago. Local vendors will be serving bake and shark, doubles, macaroni pie, curry goat, BBQ chicken, grilled and fried fish, and of course plenty of freshly prepared chow.

Beyond the food, the festival offers a full afternoon and evening of entertainment with live DJs, cultural performances, steel pan lessons and activities designed for the entire family.

Admission is free, making it an easy way for Torontonians to extend the Carnival season for another weekend.

Toronto Chowfest is presented in partnership with Trinbago Toronto and is the official final stop on this summer's Road to Trinbago Toronto celebrations. Sponsors include UA Local 46, the Quality Control Council of Canada and the Caribbean Scholarship Foundation.

So while the masqueraders have gone home and the Carnival stages have come down, one more Caribbean celebration remains on the calendar.

This time, the stars won't be wearing feathers.

They'll be served on a plate.



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