170 years ago a brewing revolution took place in the ancient Czech town of Pilsen, a revolution that changed the world of beer forever. A group of dedicated brewers put their skills and their ambition together to create the world’s first ever golden beer, the original Pilsner lager, a beer that still sets and defines the standard for 70% of the worlds brewing output today.
I had the pleasure of travelling to Pilsen and Prague with Pilsner Urquell in the Fall of 2013. The trip included a private tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery and a culinary tour of Prague, the nations jaw dropping capital. This incredible experience taught me firsthand how the world’s original pilsner is crafted and what makes this beer so special. I’m thrilled to be an Ambassador for Pilsner Urquell and excited to share that they are the official beer sponsor at this summer’s inaugural Taste of Toronto, taking place at Fort York from July 24th to July 27th.

I first experienced Taste on my travels through Europe in 2006. Sipping and nibbling my way through Regent Park in London UK was a glamorous indulgence which allowed me to come face to face with the city’s top culinary champions. This summer Toronto food and drink fans have an opportunity to tour the best of the city’s diverse cuisine as 17 restaurants serve up small plates that can be purchased with crowns, the festival currency.
Taste of Toronto offers unique opportunities to engage with the head chef from each restaurant, while they work behind the grill at their tented pop-up venue, and with various demonstrations and interactive cooking classes. In addition to the festival lineup of 17 restaurants and chefs, Taste of Toronto will also spotlight a number of celebrated chefs including Montreal’s Chuck Hughes, Franco Stalteri from Charlie’s Burgers (a fellow member of #TeamPilsner, who visited the brewery with me last Fall) and 50 local food producers in the vendor marketplace. Extensive programming will animate the space all weekend long, with historical cooking classes presented by Fort York and a live music stage curated by Arts & Crafts.

dobbernationLOVES, in partnership with Pilsner Urquell, is pleased to offer a VIP Taste of Toronto prize package! One lucky winner will have the opportunity to experience Taste of Toronto with a friend, for an opportunity to sample treats from the following restaurants:
- Barque Smokehouse, David Neinstein @barquebbq
- Bosk, Damon Campbell @ShangriLaTO
- Guu Izakaya, Ippei Iwata / Kinton Ramen, Aki Urata / JaBistro, Koji Tashiro @GuuToronto, @KintonRamen, @JaBistro222
- Hudson Kitchen, Robbie Hojilla @hudsonkitchen
- Khao San Road, Chantana Top Srisomphan @khaosanroadTO
- Los Colibris, Elia Herrera / El Caballito, Gerry Quintero @loscolibris220, @elcaballito220
- Patria, Weslodge and Byblos, Stuart Cameron @PatriaTO, @Weslodge
- Richmond Station, Carl Heinrich @RichmondStation
- Rose and Sons, Big Crow and Fat Pasha, Anthony Rose @Roseandsons, @bigcrowbbq, @fatpasha
- Splendido, Victor Barry @Splendido_TO
- The Grove, Ben Heaton @TheGroveTO
- The Harbord Room and THR & Co., Cory Vitiello @theharbordroom
- The McEwan Group, Mark McEwan @TheMcEwanGroup
- Momofuku Noodle Bar, Sam Gelman (Thursday only) @momofuku
- Yours Truly, Lachlan Culjak (Friday only) @YoursTruly229
- Hopgoods Foodliner, Geoffrey Hopgood (Saturday only) @FoodlinerTO
- Valdez, Steve Gonzalez (Sunday only) @thevaldezTO
PRIZE DETAILS
Winner will receive 2 VIP Passes to one AM or PM session at Taste of Toronto, your date of choice. VIP tickets offer unlimited access to the festivals VIP lounge, $20 Crowns, one complimentary Pilsner Urquell Beer and fast track festival entry with access to all the features: Taste Theatre, Metro Master Class, and Music Stage. Valued at $220.
The winner and their guest will each receive an additional $40.00 crowns, to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure during your visit to Taste of Toronto.
The total value of this contest is $300!
CONTEST DETAILS
Open to Canadian addresses only. Must be legal drinking age to participate. Contest closes on Monday July 21st @ 11:00 am. Winner will be contacted directly and will pick up their prize at the event for the date and session they select. Good Luck!
Can’t wait for @barquebbq love me some smoked meat!
I am most interested in Richmond Station. But really so many amazing options!
Can’t wait for this!
Ooooh….love this contest! Some of my fave restaurants are there!
Looks like a great contest Andrew – so many awesome restaurants participating!!
Mmmm… barque BBQ!
Love to try Fat Pasha!
I am most looking forward to try “Khao San Road”!
There’s not a chance I could pick!
i’d love to try the McEwan Group !!
hope I’m the winner!!!!
I am excited to try Momofuku! Great contest!!
Sounds great!!
Khao San Road
I’m looking forward to trying Bosk!
JaBistro because I haven’t had a chance to visit the restaurant yet.
I love thai food so I definitely want to try the food from Khao an Road
These types of outdoor events always make me crave bbq, so I’m anxious to taste what Barque Smokehouse has to offer! So many great restaurants participating! 😀
Richmond Station — in my mouth, please!
I’m really excited to try Guu!
Momofuku!!! never been there but heard great reviews about it
I’d love to try Barque Smokehouse!!!!!
Momofuku Noodle Bar!
Patria, can’t wait!!!
Splendido
Sounds like fun!
Patria is the restaurant I am most interested in.
I would have to say Patria. Heard so much, but never been.
most excited to try bosk!
I’m most looking forward to Richmond Station!
I am most interested in trying Valdez!
I’m most looking forward to Patria, because chef Stuart Cameron is a wonderful chef and Patria is an awesome restaurant.
khao san road