1/23/2011 11:07:49 AM

January 20, 2011

Toronto gears up for best Winterlicious ever

Winterlicious presented by American Express kicks off in just over a week and promises to be bigger and better than ever! Many of Toronto's best restaurants are currently taking reservations for the popular prix-fixe dining promotion. Tickets are also on sale for 14 exceptional culinary events. Winterlicious runs from January 28 to February 10.

"Everybody wins at Winterlicious,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of Toronto's Economic Development and Culture Committee. “Diners get to sample great food at affordable prices, restaurants attract new customers at the slowest time of the year, and Toronto showcases our diverse and vibrant culinary scene. It is one of Toronto's most magnetic events for locals and visitors alike."

Since it was established in 2003 with 36 restaurants, Winterlicious has proven to be an extremely successful program for the city's restaurant industry. Last year, more than 207,000 prix-fixe meals were served during the two-week-long event, contributing more than $10 million into Toronto's hospitality sector in the slowest season of the year. With 150 restaurants in this year's lineup, the 2011 event is expected to generate more than $12 million in restaurant sales.

Popular prix-fixe menu
Winterlicious presented by American Express brings diners unique, three-course prix-fixe meals at 150 of Toronto's top restaurants over a two-week period. Lunch menus are priced at $15, $20 and $25. Dinner is served at $25, $35 and $45. Reservations are strongly recommended and are to be made directly with the participating dining establishment.

Six new restaurants
Six new restaurant partners have joined the prix-fixe dining promotion for 2011:
• Arcadian Court - an art deco eatery with a rich history and contemporary menu located in the heart of downtown Toronto.
• Florentia - an authentic Italian restaurant where Chef Antonio Farago applies his refined and sophisticated style to classic Tuscan dishes.
• Hank's Café - a small and casual St. Lawrence café attached to The Wine Bar filled known for delicious baked goods and fresh Ontario beef burgers.
• Milestones - a comfortable, family-friendly restaurant with innovative recipes located in the entertainment district.
• Il Mulino - contemporary Italian cuisine with an elegant and relaxing feel located in Forest Hill.
• Portucale Restaurant - elegant Portuguese dishes including fresh fish and risotto in the heart of St. Clair West.

Special beverage offers
Winterlicious Wine Sensations presented by Vincor Canada, offers a limited-edition beverage pairing feature at participating restaurants. Additionally, the French Premium beer, Kronenbourg 1664, will be offered at select establishments.

Fourteen exciting culinary events
This year's Winterlicious offers 14 unique foodie adventures to savour and explore, four more than last year's event. Celebrate Chinese New Year's Eve with a spectacular culinary feast among a troupe of dragon dancers. Experience noble dining at Taste n' Tour Casa Loma Marketplace while touring Toronto's only Medieval-style castle. March over to the Fort York National Historic Site for an intimate food tour and chef competition. Or celebrate the Ontario ice wine harvest with wine legend Donald Ziraldo at Rosewater. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased directly from the event venues. A complete list of events is available online.

Enhanced website
Visitors to the official Winterlicious website (http://www.toronto.ca/winterlicious) can locate restaurants by price ranges, favourite neighbourhoods and types of cuisine. An interactive map lets visitors find Winterlicious restaurants and culinary events across the entire city. Visitors can also create personalized lists and share them with friends through social media.

For the latest in Winterlicious news, visit http://www.facebook.com/LiciousTO or follow us on twitter at LiciousTO.