August 22, 2024

Dear reader,

I think the first time I ate roti was at the CNE’s Food Building when I was eight years old. My mom, exercising her preternatural foresight, convinced me to purchase a log-size roll of flatbread and curry chicken—and then watched my soul escape to heaven. So began my lifelong love of Caribbean cuisine.

Today, food at the CNE is just, well, nuts—in a good way, of course. In Table Talk’s top post this week, reporter Erin Hershberg stops by the Ex for a deliciously bloated adventure, sampling every unholy mutation on offer: foot-long mozza dogs, deep-fried dill-pickle Oreos, soft shell crab lollipops, cheese curds inspired by Taylor Swift and much more.

I’m jazzed about how CNE eats have evolved: fun, absurd and, in an odd way, brazenly cosmopolitan—like Toronto itself. Still, the next time I go, I’ll stick with my beloved roti.

Also in today’s newsletter: the founder of the Burger’s Priest shows off his new temple to flame-broiled beef. Plus, a menu tour of Phở Lệ, a new Richmond Hill restaurant with Michelin pedigree. For more of our food and drink coverage, visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition.

—Barry Jordan Chong, city and real estate editor

Our top stories

THE ROLLER COASTER BUFFET

This year, the CNE—Toronto’s favourite summer festival—features eight stages, 12 bars, 60 rides, 800 vendors and so much cheese. Toronto Life rounded up this year’s wackiest dishes to present some of 2024’s most TikTok-able extreme eats, classified from weird to wonderful to “Whoa, that’s big.” Check it out.

Elijah's Automatic Flame Broiled, Toronto, Food and Drink

A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Elijah’s Automatic Flame Broiled is the new Etobicoke burger concept from Shant Mardirosian, founder of the Burger’s Priest. His new menu includes fries doused in chili, classic milkshakes and only the best beef.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

Richmond Hill is now home to the first North American outpost of Phở Lệ, a Vietnamese chain born in 1970 in Ho Chi Minh City, where it received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. There are also about a dozen locations in Hong Kong, but the joint’s journey to Canada is the result of an uncanny connection. Here, reporter Liza Agrba breaks down all the irresistible fare.

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