The Stop's Night Market, Part II

The party wasn’t over as I was back again the next evening for night two of The Stop’s Night Market. The gorgeous weather continued, and everyone's spirits were high after all the positive buzz from the night before. The food carts remained the same, with only a few minor tweaks and signage changes to accommodate the changeover of the vendors.


While the first evening featured a lot of newcomers to the Night Market, the second evening felt like a reunion of sorts, with many returning vendors on hand like GwaiLo, The Stockyards, Yours Truly, Hawker Bar, and more, alongside the newbies. The only booth change was The Stop CFC’s fun-looking “Come N' Get It” cart, designed by Lift Office.

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The Stop's NIght Market 2013, Part I

It was the unofficial kick-off to summer in Toronto and the summer food festival scene this week, as Torontonians from far and near gathered at the little back alleyway and parking lot of the iconic Honest Ed's for the return of The Stop’s much anticipated Night Market. It was perhaps one of the most talked about food events of last summer, which certainly caught the attention of many more people this year and encouraged The Stop to expand the Night Market over two nights, with over twice as many chefs and 35 one-of-a-kind food carts created by local designers. But the added night certainly didn't make folks think twice—almost 2,000 tickets were sold out in two hours!

Originally one of the first food banks in Canada, The Stop Community Food Centre is an organization that works to increase access to healthy food in a way that maintains dignity, builds health and community, and challenges inequality. Proceeds from both nights' ticket sales will go toward The Stop's anti-hunger programs.

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The Stop's Night Market Returns June 18 & 19

I'm so thrilled that one of my favourite food events from last year, The Stop’s Night Market, is back again this summer. On June 18 and 19, over 60 Toronto chefs will be gathered in the back alley and parking lot of Honest Ed's once again, dishing up their own unique take on street food and all for a great cause. Proceeds from the night will go towards The Stop’s anti-hunger programs.

The Stop’s Night Market was one of the best, put-together events of last year, in terms of the venue, atmosphere, and variety of food. Each vendor’s booth was custom-designed by various designers and design firms, working with the chefs to create a particular look and feel. There were certainly some very creative, stand-out booths, from Brockton General’s Pegasus booth, to The Stop’s adorable food cart, to Woodlot’s very aerodynamic-looking booth. With mini paper lanterns and colourful banners hung throughout the lot, the place was turned into a magical little street fiesta.


This year, the organizers have expanded the Night Market to run two nights, and with more chefs! The vendors will be spread over the two nights. It’s great to see some returning favourites, like Woodlot, County General, The Stockyards, Babi & Co., and more. But I’m just as excited to check out what some of the new vendors will bring to the event, including Richmond Station, Momofuku Shoto, Ursa, Farmhouse Tavern, Chantecler, Acadia, and many more! Lots of local craft breweries and wineries will be on hand to keep everyone well hydrated.


Best of all, The Stop’s Night Market is a much more affordable fundraising food affair, with tickets only costing $50 for all-you-can-eat food and drinks. Yes, you read it right—all-you-can-eat-AND-drink. Last year’s ticket sales raised over $57,000 for The Stop, so with two nights of festivities and more than twice the amount of tickets for sale, we’re bound to do even more good for The Stop and their essential programs for the community.


Tickets will be going on sale the morning of Wednesday, May 22, so get yours quickly because these will sell out fast! Tickets will be available for sale on the Night Market’s website: www.nightmarket.thestop.org. Be sure to follow The Stop on Twitter @TheStopCFC, and use the Night Market hashtag #TheStopNM.

Read about my experience at last year's The Stop's Night Market here.

The Stop's Night Market

It was hot. It was steamy. But the weather, as we welcomed the official start of summer, certainly didn’t stop about 1000 of Toronto’s foodies to gather in a parking lot last Wednesday evening for some delicious food and creative designs, all for the sake of a good cause.

Aptly called the Night Market—taking note from street night markets of the world—the event was hosted by The Stop Community Food Centre, and paired food and drinks with design. Each participating vendor’s booth was custom designed by local designers and design students, with the majority of the booths being built from reclaimed materials.

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Wordless Wednesday #51: Night It Up! 2011

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