Estrella Damm #TapasJourney with MELSAYS

Incase you haven't seen on Instagram already, Estrella Damm's Tapas Journey returns this year featuring 35 of Toronto's top restaurants. This culinary tour allows local foodies to immerse themselves in different food experiences with some of the best tapas in the city. For $20, you get to enjoy three carefully crafted tapas with an Estrella Damm beer. I was lucky enough to embark on an all-girls foodie night last weekend hosted by one of my favourite bloggers Mel Offner. And when MELSAYS go, you just can't say no. ;)

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Scaramouche was our first stop of the evening and Chef/owner Keith Froggett curated a sophisticated and delectable trio for us: Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic, marcona almonds, fresh chili & coriander), Crispy Pressed Potatoes (served with Scott’s chorizo & smoked paprika aioli) and Warm Queso Fresco (served with macerated heirloom tomato & black olives).

As a culinary student, I was blown away with my plate. I don't know about the other girls but with each bite, I was on a journey in their kitchen: I imagined how each ingredient came together to produce all those flavours. If that was just at our first stop, then I knew the rest of the night would only get better.

Next on our route was Fat Pasha. As always, Chef Anthony Rose didn't disappoint in transporting me to the Middle East with his colorful and flavourful dishes. On the table we had Matjes Herring on Rye Toast (lightly pickeld with labneh and sumac onions), Falafel (served with red caraway cabbage and green tahini), and Chopped Liver á la Sammie's Roumanian (served with caramelized onions, crispy chicken skins, radish and hard egg on challah). 

We finished our journey at Bar Reyna located in the heart of Yorkville. Chef Omar Ma has designed a Mediterranean itinerary with three signature tapas: Eggplant Byaldi Pinxtos (features pomegranate, pine nuts & parsley on locally made, artisanal bread), Sea Bass Ceviche (made with sweet potato, red onion, leche de tiger, avocado espuma, radish, mint & jalapeno) and Chargrilled Octopus Skewer (prepared with romesco sauce, fried shishito peppers & fried capers). 

They say life is a journey, not a destination. But food is life thus food is a journey. If you are looking for a mini adventure before the summer ends, the culinary tour runs until tomorrow (August 21st). Grab those passports and let Estrella Damm take you on a Tapas Journey. :)

For more info and list of participating restaurants/menu, please visit: www.tapasjourney.com.