Toronto’s first-ever Taste of the Middle East Food Festival will transform Yonge and Dundas Square this summer, serving up a delicious sample of the exotic flavours and cultures of the Middle East.

Inspired by the theme of 1001 Flavours, the Taste of the Middle East Food Festival on August 4, 2018 will feature a variety of food vendors (including Taste Spirit Lounge), musical performers, art, dancing, entertainment and retail vendors.

“It is a beautiful fusion of the delicious food, vibrant dance and energetic music that the Middle Eastern culture is known for,” says Hamsa Diab Farhat, Founder and Event Producer, Taste of the Middle East Food Festival. “We want everyone to experience the feeling of hospitality and the inclusiveness that is at the heart of our culture. To come together to celebrate each other, to eat good food and to help others while doing so in itself is a truly genuine human experience.”

Food is a cornerstone for many cultures. The Taste of the Middle East wants you to discover what a Middle Eastern feast is really like while giving back to the largest food rescue charity in Canada. The Taste of the Middle East Festival has partnered with Second Harvest, a Toronto-based food rescue charity, which has rescued more than 127 million pounds of food since 1985. Further support to Second Harvest will come from a VIP event from Lebanese Canadian singer Karl Wolf sponsored by Sahara Restaurant. All festival attendees will be able to enjoy his free primetime concert at 8:30pm and tickets are being sold for a special backstage meet and greet with proceeds benefiting Second Harvest. VIP Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.ca.

The festival will also feature the Taste Chef De Jour where acclaimed chefs including Chef Costa Warwar of the Flaming Stove, Chef Reem Ahmed of Master Chef Canada, Executive Chef Stewart Cameron from Byblos and Patria and Executive Chef William el Dbaissy of Paramount Fine Foods will take centre stage as they teach audience members the secrets to middle eastern cooking.

“Toronto is such an incredibly diverse place,” says Farhat. “We are all proud to be Canadian, yet we are still able to celebrate our differences. It is truly a beautiful thing.”

Experience the warmth and hospitality that are the core of Middle Eastern culture. Explore unique food and art vendors that are found in the heart of the city at Yonge-Dundas Square. Join in the height of summer to celebrate the tradition and energy that Middle Eastern culture creates.

Saturday August 4th, 2018 – 11am to 11pm – Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto
Free Admission 

Stay up to date with the Taste of the Middle East Food Festival at tasteofthemiddleeast.ca. Follow them on Twitter and Snapchat @tastemiddleeast and like them on Facebook and Instagram @tasteofthemiddleeastto.

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About Taste of the Middle East:

On August 4, 2018 learn what a Jalab is or how Turkish coffee is made. Try a sip of Arak or maybe a bite of grilled halloumi. Appreciate the vibrant art, music and dance that will surround you as you expand your palate and taste the 1001 flavours Middle Eastern culture has to offer.

 

Food is a cornerstone for many cultures. The Taste of the Middle East wants you to discover what a Middle Eastern feast is really like while giving back to the largest food rescue charity in Toronto, Second Harvest.

 

Come experience the warmth and hospitality that are the core of Middle Eastern culture.

Explore unique food and art vendors that are found in the heart of the city at Yonge-Dundas Square. Join us in the height of summer to celebrate the tradition and energy that Middle Eastern culture creates.

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.