Toca Restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Hotel Toronto

It was a hot and sun filled afternoon in May when I found myself peddling across the city. After locking up my bike in front of Toronto’s Ritz Carlton Hotel I pushed my way through the revolving door and ascended a staircase to their fine dining concept, Toca Restaurant.

Moments after plopping into my seat the film crew from TrendHunter arrived. The trendy video team is launching a new Influencer Series showcasing “A Day In The Life,” stories. I would spend two days that week running around with the crew, great flies on the wall doing their best to observe what I get up to every day.

I did a bit of shooting within the space and fell in love with the dining rooms funky design. Of particular interest here was the wine cellar and cheese room both constructed of windowed walls for easy peaking.

I was joined at the table by Rebecca LeHeup from The Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance and Val Howes Foods Editor for Canadian Readers Digest. The three of us are always eagerly sharing Ontario food stories. Val and I both met last year as we were judges for the Ontario Culinary Tourism Awards which Rebecca champions through OCTA.

At the table we chit chatted culinary tourism and upcoming travel plans. Rebecca and I would be speaking as a duo on stage at the TBEX conference that weekend so had one last opportunity to discuss our presentation. Very little pressure here: I figure it isn’t too challenging to inspire travel enthusiasts to tell an authentic food story via fork, knife and spoon.

Throughout our meal the team at TrendHunter captured every sip and nibble. Toca’s Sommelier did a great job at showcasing a few of his favourite wines while we dug in to a few of the kitchens signature dishes. A little lights, camera action…for your salmon tartar and chicken piri piri.

If you’re a lovely of weekend breakfast bacchanals, be sure to book yourself brunch at Toca.