Credit: Ksenija Hotic
April’s Toronto Underground Market is under a week away and to be honest I can’t think of much else. With the promise of 30 vendors, hundreds of guests, and an infinite amount of delicious flavours, I’ve been constantly distracted, wondering what delectable goodies ticket holders will be indulging in this Saturday night.
But I’m not one for surprises–I want to know exactly what to look forward to. I wanted to talk to someone who knows exactly what to expect, who’s tasted all the dishes already. So I went straight to the source, the one woman who has all the answers, the matchmaker of food lovers and independent vendors in Toronto: TUM founder Hassel Aviles.
This month’s market will feature old favourites from Toronto’s indie food scene as well as vendors who are new to the game, set to wow us with something we haven’t seen yet. On April 7 dishes inspired by a diverse range of cultures will be served up piping hot–you’ll taste Greek, Philipino, Middle Eastern, Italian, French, Hawaiian, Vietnamese, Jamaican. Like a wonderful, gourmet streetfood version of Epcot.
The vendors who are getting the biggest lineups at the event, Aviles explains, are the ones using social media and marketing to their advantage. Whether through tastebud-tempting pictures or secret menu items, whoever can create excitement or mystique around their brand will certainly draw the biggest crowds. On top of all that, of course, the food has to be better than good.
The big surprise this month is that TUM favouite La Carnita won’t be serving at the event. But don’t despair, taco lovers, there’s some silver lining on this storm cloud. “We’re announcing [today] that La Carnita is going to be opening a restaurant,” says Aviles. “I can’t give you any details but I can tell you that it’s happening.” The rogue popup streetfood vendor is settling down? We can’t think of any news sweeter than that.
I asked Aviles to pick five vendors already seen at TUM and five rookies to get excited about–and she gave me the event cheat sheet. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist, either. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
Credit: Ksenija Hotic
The tried and true:
Previously called Dough Toronto, this doughnut maven has been testing out new flavours at The Beast restaurant’s weekend brunch for the past year. At the TUM in March, Rachelle made Maple Bacon doughnuts and Cinnamon “Ghost” Crunch, but this time around I’ve been hearing whispers about Vanilla doughnuts and Banana and Apple fritters. Regardless of what she serves, this will be a popular booth–so don’t save dessert for last.
ESE describes their food as L.A.-style Mexican, but their sandwiches are out of this world. They’ll be back with their torta ahogadas (specifically, pulled pork drowned sandwiches) and horchata rice milk, and have a secret menu item that won’t be advertised at the event. To find out what it is, follow these guys on Twitter–they’ll let their followers know the special item before Saturday evening.
This incredible veggie vendor did soups only in March, and because of that (and their large portions) they really stood out. With lots of meat-heavy vendors at the event, Animal Liberation is free to do their thing without much competition. This time around, that means goulash with roasted marinated peppers, and a meatless meatball sandwich with arugula.
Back again with their famous sliders, the meat from the West Side Beef Company really speaks for itself (but had help from aged cheddar and pickled shallots last time around). Easily the friendliest vendors at the event, these guys are an absolute must-visit.
Flying under the online radar, Cairo Street has wowed us in the past but is keeping mum about what they’ll be serving on Saturday. Aviles says that there will be a falafel option. Guess you’ll have to check this one out for yourselves.
Credit: Ksenija Hotic
The new kids in town:
“There are always cupcakes at the event,” Aviles admits, but this time they are colourful and bite-sized–almost too cute to eat. With the Easter weekend approaching, expect to see some appropriately themed decorations on at least one flavour choice. (Mini eggs anyone?) I’m crossing my fingers for their chocolate-pistachio flavor to make an appearance.
These newbies are keeping a fairly low profile, but they won’t be able to hide from the spotlight for long.–especially with a menu including Kalua Pig Tacos and Spam Musabi.
SNACKERY’s French mini-cake will be making their first TUM appearance. It’s surprising, since they lend themselves so well to a walk-around food market, perfect for popping in your mouth and savouring.
I squealed when I found out there would be lobster rolls at TUM. “Rock lobster sources their lobster from out east, from a really good supplier. This isn’t the kind of lobster that you usually get in Toronto,” says Aviles, promising that you’ll be able to taste the quality in these babies. “When you are working with one main ingredient, it has to be good.” And the folks who were at the Drake for last week’s Get 86’s with Ivy Knight event completely agree: these rolls will be succulent.
Bonfire catering has already made quite a name for themselves in pizza, being the first mobile wood-fired oven and commercial kitchen in Ontario. But their focus seems to be shifting. “This will be Jamaican street food,” Aviles explained, citing a specific menu item called Potted Shrimp. “You have to try these,” she insists. “At first you can’t even tell what it is, it’s a little glass jar with what looks like pink butter in it, but they were incredible. You will be addicted right away.” With kebabs and salsa on offer as well, I’m guessing that these guys will be one of the busiest of the night.
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Laura Kathleen is a writer, editor, and food enthusiast. She’ll be visiting the Underground Market’s prep day on Friday, so check back to see her photos.
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To see more sneak-peek photos of the dishes available at April’s TUM, check out TUM’s Facebook page.
