171 years ago a brewing revolution took place in the ancient Czech town of Plzen, 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, Pilsner Urquell. 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, the official beer sponsor at Taste of Toronto, taking place at Fort York from July 2nd to 5th 2015.
Last summer at Taste of Toronto’s inaugural event an intimate group of VIPs were invited to adventure through a Keepers of the Craft Workshop exploring Bar Isabel’s Chef Grant van Gameren’s love for the petite pintxo, a small snack, typically eaten in bars in northern Spain and Basque country.
Chef Grant challenged the group to a culinary competition, fractioning us into groups where we were tasked at producing the perfect pintxo. Over the next hour my team banded together, sipping and nibbling our way through a parade of plates inspired by Spain. Our delicious action packed afternoon would offer a glimpse into the project Chef Grant was developing at the time, the now much buzzed about Bar Raval on College Street.
This year, Pilsner Urquell will be back at Taste of Toronto, returning as the official beer of the event. To continue celebrating it’s 171 years of craftsmanship and brewing tradition, the brand is once again flying in unfiltered Pilsner Urquell draught directly from their brewery in Pilsen. Last year Taste of Toronto fans enjoyed a unique opportunity to sip this special brew, a fresh beer that offers extra mouthfeel, greater head retention and more body with an enhanced hoppy bitterness. Unfiltered Pilsner Urquell will also be available on tap at Bar Raval and Bar Isabel on Taste weekend for Toronto beer fans to enjoy to their hearts delight. Hip, hip, hooray!

This years 2015 Taste of Toronto restaurant lineup looks finger-licking-good:
- Los Colibris, @loscolibris220
- El Caballito, @elcaballito220
- The Harbord Room, @theharbordroom
- THR & Co, @THRandCo
- America Restaurant @America_Toronto
- Patria, @PatriaTO
- Weslodge, @Weslodge
- Byblos, @ByblosToronto
- Richmond Station, @RichmondStation
- Bosk at the Shangri-La Toronto, @ShangriLaTO
- Oliver & Bonacini’s Bannock + Biff’s Bistro, @OliverBonacini
- Barque Smokehouse, @barquebbq
- Splendido, @Splendido_TO
- Montecito, @Montecito_TO
- Little Sister, @littlesisterto
- Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty + Drake Devonshire, @TheDrakeHotel
- Rasa, @TheFoodDudesTO
- Citta, @CittaToronto
PRIZE DETAILS
This years Taste of Toronto Contest is better than ever as we’ve created an awesome experience that allows you to enjoy the ultimate weekend away in Toronto. Whether you are driving in from Oshawa, Oakville or Ottawa, or playing the staycation game as a local food lover, this may just be the summer’s most talked about contest, valued at over $1,000!
On Friday July 3rd check in to a suite at the Windsor Arms Hotel, including 24hr access to the hotel’s indoor salt water pool & fitness centre + free WIFI. Located in Toronto’s fancy-pants Yorkville neighbourhood, over the years the hotel’s 28 perfectly appointed suits have played home to visiting A-listers, big-ticket musicians and prestigious jet-setters. Valued at $400
That Friday evening enjoy dinner for two at Bar Isabel, a “Chef’s Tasting Menu” by Grant van Gameren. Valued at $250.
Receive 2 VIP Passes to Saturday July 4th’s AM or PM session at Taste of Toronto (your 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
$40.00 in additional crowns, to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure during your visit to Taste of Toronto.
Pilsner Urquell Swag featuring full set of traditional Pilsner Urquell Glassware + 4 x 6 Pilsner Urquell bottle vouchers redeemable at the Beer Store. Valued at $200
The total value of this contest is $1,110!
CONTEST DETAILS
Open to Canadian addresses only. Must be legal drinking age to participate. Contest closes on Tuesday June 30th @ 10:00 am. Winner will be contacted directly and will have their prize delivered to address provided. Good Luck!
Patria!! Still thinking about those long line ups for the Paella last year!
Hey girl! I’ve never been and everyone recommends it there!
What an awesome prize pack! Would love to indulge in all of the Taste of Toronto restos but especially pumped to finally try @TheFoodDudesTO’s divine treats.
I most want to try Rasa
I want to try all of them 🙂
I would go back to Little Sister… 100 times.
It’s something this international city was missing and a welcome addition to the food dialogue.
Love that place!
I’ve always wanted to go to Byblos! What an awesome giveaway!
The Taste of Toronto restaurant I am most excited to eat at is Patria! Craving some authentic tapas, pinxtos and cava!
Rasa & Little Sister!
I am most excited to try Patria at Taste of Toronto. I’ve heard so much good about the restaurant, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out.
We had so much fun at Taste last year (the Charlie Burger Champagne & Caviar session was over the top!), we’d love to go again.
Oh, and what a super romantic weekend that would be too. Swoon!
I’d love to eat at The Harbord Room at Taste of Toronto!
I am most excited to try Patria!
I am most excited to try Los Colibris and El Caballito! Love me some Mexican Food! 🙂 I never say no to getting a taco either!
I have never been to this festival although have heard amazing stories/reviews. All the pictures from last year make it seem like the tastiest events in Toronto!
I’m most excited to try Oliver & Bonacini’s Bannock + Biff’s Bistro. I’ve had catering from them at an event at the food was great .
Can’t wait to taste The Drake’s East Coast Fish Fry… Crispy clams & Jail Island Haddock! Oh and the Drake Lobster Roll with avocado & jalapeno sounds yummy too!
What a great price! Swanky!
I am most excited to try something from Little Sister! I love Indonesian food!
I would be super excited to eat at Rasa! I’ve heard lots of good things about them 🙂
This looks like a fantastic weekend. I keep thinking I need to delve deeper into TO’s food scene and this would certainly help!
I’m a bbq lover so I’d love to try Barque Smokehouse
I’d really love to try Patria, @PatriaTO – I have heard such great things!
R&d – I love Masterchef Canada!
Barque Smokehouse!!
Byblos!
Rasa, maybe. So many great choices on that list!
Mmmmmm Byblos!!! I want to try it all, but Byblos stands out for me for sure.
Rasa!
I haven’t yet dined at The Harbord Room – so I’m most excited for that!
This prize pack is amazing, beer + T. + food = winning!!
Los Colibris. Haven’t been yet but their Authentic Mexican menu looks muy caliente!
Los Colibris
Don’t make me pick a favourite child! I want to try food from all the restaurants there! <3
I want to try Drakes East Coast Fish Fry , Little Sister and BBQ Smokehouse the most
My husband would truly enjoy this little getaway. Also sampling some fine cuisine would truly make it a wonderful time out.
I kind of want to eat at splendido, in answer to your contest q
Little Sister!!
This prize is making me hungry! Would love to experience it.
l live “nowhere” would love to be somewhere enjoying food, fun, drinks! A fab, stay cation!
WOW!! You mean I have to choose???? Well…ummm…that is a hard decision to make. So many great tasting dishes and places to get them at. I would have to say, since I am forced too (hehe) that I am most looking forward to Rasa.
Los colibris
BBQ Smokehouse sounds right up my alley!
I would love to try Little Sister thank yiu fir a awesome giveaway
I would love to try Little Sister thank you for a awesome giveaway
I would love to try Patria, thanks for this opportunity to win such a great contest 🙁
looking forward to this:)
Im most excited to try out the drake hotel!
Everything! We want to try everything!
too hard to pick just one, however Barque Smokehouse sounds amazing
I would love to eat at Bar Isabel with my guy. It looks so quaint and like my kinda place to hang out! Atmosphere is everything 😉 The Drake Hotel is second choice because my daughter lives right in the condo next door! 🙂 ty
ALL of them!!
I would love to try the Barque Smokehouse the most because in the summertime, there’s nothing better than some delicous barbecue food items Yummy but all these Taste of Toronto restaurants sound so Incredible and I would love to sample any of them!!!
R&d is on the top of my list to try.
Now this is a cool contest!
I have dying to check out The Food Dudes Rasa
I really wanna try food from the Drake Hotel!
Citta.
I’d like to try Little Sister
all of them! have heard wonderful things about little sister and would love to try it 🙂
Rasa
I’m excited to try the Drake Hotel
I’m most excited to eat at Montecito! I’ve heard so much about it.
I’d love to try Oliver & Bonacini’s Bannock + Biff’s Bistro
Rasa.. and Patria! I love the Food Dudes. They’re good, delicious guys.
Little Sister looks amaze, i love trying interesting food from cultures I am not too familiar with!
all of them
Any or all!
Barque! Absolutely love that place
Little Sister looks good. Last year was awesome with company like @yashy
Can’t wait to try it all!
So many to choose, I will be going to as many as possible!
Really love to see what Little Sister is cooking up.
I’m most excited to try Citta. Heard great things yet haven’t had a chance to try it yet.
I’d love to try Little Sister.
Patria looks pretty great.
Little Sister!
wrong email in previous post …..
Most excited for Little Sister
Little Sister
Such a sweet prize.Thanks for the chance 🙂 what I’m most excited to try is definitely Montecito, the harbord room, & Citta ..basically all the foods!!
I’ve heard great things about Richmond Station and am looking forward to my first visit.
Would love to go to Richmond Station.
Can’t wait to try Bosk!
I am looking forward to trying Barque Smokehouse!
I’ve heard so many great things about Splendido! Love to try their food.
Need a great tasting and fun time! Thankyou!
I’d like to try Splendido!
Best prize ever!
Rasa!!!
Splendido!!!
Little Sister is the one I really want to try
I love El Caballito. Love the tacos!
Bosk, baby!
The Harbord Room
Sounds amazing.
I would love to try Barque Smokehouse.
Bannock (my friend loves o&b)
This is an amazing prize!
I love any food that I don’t have to cook. Having said that, I miss Mexico and won’t be back until December so I’ll say El Caballito. The only thing that beats warm corn tortillas is caviar. Enough said.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Byblos – oh yes!
Most excited to try some eats from Montecito.
Looking forward to Little Sister.
El Caballito
El Caballito
One of the best things about this contest is that it’s being sponsored by pilsner urquell! I discovered this beer when I backpacked in Prague and its been one of my favorites ever since.
I am most eager to try the El Caballito
Richmond Station. That burger last year was amazing and I see he has one this year too.
Barque!
A stellar culinary line-up, and I’d love to see what Richmond Station delivers – they’re always a delight at food events.
I’ve got to be honest, I live in a bit of a restaurant bubble. I probably don’t even know half the restaurants I want to try, but this would be a great chance to find them!
Would love to try Bar Isabel!
Looks great!
Byblos looks like a great restaurant to discover!
I’m looking forward to Patria. I hear it has amazing Spanish cuisine.
I am most excited to see Little Sister, and
Drake Hotel/ Drake One Fifty + Drake Devonshire! Taste is such a wonderful event & gathering of people who have a true love for experiencing Toronto’s food !
I’ve been dying to go to ToT! haven’t been yet so pick me!
Little Sister!
I so need a mini vacation! This is a wonderful prize and I am looking forward to all the delicious eats!
What a great contest! Thanks for the chance to win. Have a great summer everyone!
R&D for sure!
I am honestly looking forward to trying all of them!
Definitely Barque Smokehouse! Heard amazing things.
i’m ready for some Barque
Little sister
Wow, I had no idea that Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto would be coming to Toronto in the heart of the Entertainment District! It’s like a dream come true to finally have someone of his caliber come to our city. I will savour this unique opportunity to taste his signature dishes debuting at Toronto Taste. Morimoto’s the restaurant to watch out for. I’d be thrilled to have this chance, thank you.
I haven’t been before so being able to attend and savour Toronto’s finest is a dream come true!
Mata Petisco Bar caipirinhas!! Can’t wait
I will be thrilled to try Maurito:)!
Rasa
Ooh… Hard to pick just 1 but I’ve been meaning to check out Little Sister!
All of them!
The whole prize is amazing
I’m most excited to try Patria and Rasa.
Splendido!
R&D – a big fan of Masterchef Canada!
Little Sister!!!
I’ve heard so many good things about Splendido, I’d like to try it out!
The Harbord Room
Byblos! The food of my people. 🙂
Barque!!
Byblos for sure!
I want to try Rasa
Patria is my pick!
I can’t wait to nom all the food!
The harbord room if I had to choose just one.
ALL of them , but Patria and Harbord Room.
heard good buzz about SO many restaurants on your list but not always realistic for the budget, so super excited to try any and all of them!
Little Sister!
All of them. But I want to try Rasa!
El Caballito
I am most excited to try Patria Restaurant. I would love to go to a traditional Spanish restaurant. I have heard so many great things about Patria, and am looking forward to going.
I would love to win this as Toronto is one of my favorite Canadian cities and three hours away from me! Thanks for the change.
171 years of brewing history = EPIC. Definitely the Ultimate Prize contest here. Good luck everyone!! 😀
Little Sister!
Patria for sure!
I’ve been meaning to try Patria and Rasa!
I’m really excited to see what the drake one-fifty has to offer because they still have the best gourmet burger in Toronto for the past 2 years! (RIP Grindhouse Burger Bar on king west.)
I’m most excited to try Patria and Morimoto!
I’m most excited to try Richmond Station!
Splendido would be delightful I think.
Now this is a prize worth winning
It’s a Taste of Toronto right? All of them!!
I can’t wait to try them all!!! ^_^
What wonderful giveaway thaks so much.
I’m not really sure, but it will be someplace that serves sea food.
Would love to try R&D
All the restaurants are highly recommended but out of my budget. I would be happy to try any of them.
I’m excited to see what The Harbord Room has planned this year! 😀
I am looking forward to a killer burger at Richmond Station.
Patria. It’s hard to only pick one.
Little Sister! Heard such good things!
Would love to taste what Barque offers!
Awesome prize!
I heart me some Toronto eats and Pilsner Urquell!
love food, love to try new foods, recipes from Splendido
want to try #carver at Marben at Taste of Toronto
I’ve actually never eaten at the Drake Hotel but always hear great things about it – would be very interested to give that a try!
I love to eat!
Would love to win 🙂
Although I want to try them all, I’m most excited about trying Little Sister,
We are open to suggestions…. Would love to try them all … one at a time 😉
I’m excited to try Patria
Love to try rasa and little sister
I’m most excited about Rasa at the Taste of Toronto.
Barque Smokehouse
BBQ Smokehouse would probably be my hubby’s choice 🙂