TR Guide to the CNE’s new foods, fests, secret menu + ways to save
Stalwart Midway concession stand Candy Time introduced Light Sabre Cotton Candy this year. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
🕘 9.5 min read
After a two-year absence, one of the biggest food extravaganzas is back and ready to rock. In addition to numerous features and events, food is always a big draw of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), and this year is no exception. Here’s what to expect for the ’22 season:
NEW FOODS
To the extreme
While there are no insects on the roster this year (see below), extreme fare continue to reign supreme. Colourfully-charged and wacky items garner the most double-takes, from Machette‘s 2ft Long Tacos to Edible Rainbow Slime Candy from the folks at Eative.
During the 2016 CNE preview Argos Cheerleader Jennifer digs into an insect-laden Bug Dog alongside Michael "Pinball" Clemons and teammates. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
Batter up
It comes as no surprise that deep-fried everything is a way of life here. Since deep-fried butter landed on the scene back in 2010, deep-fried Coke and chocolate bars quickly closely and we’ve been off to the races ever since.
Deep-fried cheese curd HQ The King of Curds (Midway) created cereal-centric concoction Cinnamon Curd Crunch. And because that craving for a battered, fried chocolate bar never wanes, Cookie Dough Me! has got you covered with Deep Fried Snickers.
Deep Fried Co., devoted to all things golden and crispy, debuted Deep Fried Coffee, which despite its name is not a drink at all. Instead think a buzz-inducing coffee flavoured funnel cake topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and chocolate covered cocoa beans.
The King of Curds Cinnamon Curd Crunch. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
Comfort zone
Indulging in your favourite comfort fare is an age old tradition at the CNE. (See: Thanksgiving Waffle 2015.) This year, mac and cheese is the forerunner, showing up on pizza (Wood Fired Pizza, Midway), studded with lobster (The Lobster Pot) in a sugar-coated cake stuffed with ice cream (Eva’s Original Chimneys), and even lemonade (Real Fruit Drinks, Midway).
The interplay of sweet and savoury continues to be a big draw, Pull’d/Epic’s Krispy Kreme Pulled Pork, Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich by Waffles & Cream, Farm to Fryer’s Fried Cheesecake Chimichanga, and Dutch Frites’ Cookie Butter Frites - fresh cut fries finished with butter cookies.
Hot stuff
Speaking of fiery, leveling up the heat factor with ingredients such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is a go-to move for many. In fact, the popular cheese snack is featured in dishes from vendors including Bacon Nation’s Smash Burger, Burrito from Burrito Co., and Chicken Burger by Fried Chicken Sandwiches.
One of the dishes featuring Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Bacon Nation’s Smash Burger. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
Hold the pickle
Vinegar-brined cukes showing up in unexpected ways is nothing new here at the Ex: The Big Pickle Dog debuted in the 2016 season, and Pickle Lemonade took the stage in 2019. If this year’s lineup is any indication, this desire for these tart treats hasn’t waned in the least. If anything, it’s amped up, thanks to Black Halo Ice Cream’s Pickle Split featuring pickle-flavoured soft serve between two pickle slices. The dill spiked sipper of ’19 returns, accompanied by a fiery version of the OG, Spicy Pickle Lemonade.
Let’s be frank
Hot dogs and corn dogs are a carnival staple. This year, the Squid-Ink Korean Corndog, a cephalopod- inspired corndog complete with fringed ends and ink-tinged batter, courtesy of SaltSpring Concessions (Midway) and Tuxedo Franks’ State Fair Hot Dog topped with aged cheddar caramel corn changes the game.
Chill out
There are numerous cool down treats including this year’s condiment-themed Ketchup and Mustard Ice Creams by So Cute Ice Cream (Midway), studded with pretzel or fry.
OFF THE MENU
This year is also a first for the CNE Secret Menu. Presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario, nine items (five made with local Ontario dairy, indicated with star*) are available by request at select vendors throughout the grounds, no password required.
Dig into New York bodega classic TOT’s NYC Chopped Cheesy* ($17.50) at Get Your Own Taters Food Truck featuring chopped ground beef, melted cheese, and grilled onions topped with shredded lettuce, pickled chilis and diced tomatoes atop crispy fried tater tots. (Optional: ketchup, mayo, hot sauce).
In search of something sweet? Dolce Inc.’s The Cinnabon Swirler* ($12), takes a sundae to the next level with frozen custard, Cheesecake Factory Cinnabon Cheesecake, hot caramel and Nutella chocolate drizzle, finished with fresh whipped cream. And for those who like it sweet and spicy, Caf EH T.O.’s Peach Mango “Spice Cream” Crunch* ($8) boosts ice cream with a sweet sauce tinged with Tabasco heat, with a final kick courtesy of red chili flakes and Tajin. The lineup continues with:
- Brownie Cheesecake BeaverTail ($8.50) and Cinnamon Bun BeaverTail ($8.50) BeaverTails
- Churro Wrapped Deep Fried Pickle* ($10) CORNehCOPIA Food Truck
- Skoreo Cheesecake Chimney Cone* ($13) Eva’s Original Chimneys
- Root Beer Whiskey BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich ($18.99) Fried Chicken Sandwiches
- Mango Dragon Fruit Twist ($7.99) Yogen Früz
- Chicken 88 ($16) 6 Spice Rack
Note: Items available while supplies last.
TRUCK STOP
In addition to an array of food options indoors and out, food truck events take over Princes’ Blvd. every weekend.
The annual Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest returns with two new additions this year, Mardi Gras Meet-Up in August and Celtic Celebration in September.
Get Your Own Taters Food Truck is part of the food truck lineup on Princes’ Blvd. On the menu: Korean BBQ Bulgogi Taters with kimchi; Jambalaya Taters topped with sausage and shrimp; and Pulled Pork with Mac & Cheese Taters. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
CENTRE STAGE
A lineup of celeb chefs and personalities head to the Kitchen Stage for live demonstrations and the chance to learn tips and tricks from the pros.
INSIDE SCOOP
While new arrivals may garner the most headlines, there are plenty of exciting options inside the Food Building that deserve your attention.
In fact, did you know: Many vendors are Toronto restaurants, vegan selections abound, and that there are still deals to be had including pasta on the cheap from Spaghetti 99 and Primo Spaghetti 99, and links for less at Buck or Two Sausages. Even the long-standing tradition of coupons for Food Building vendors and ticket offers (Kid’s Toonie Mondays, $11 Evenings, and EXcelunch Special) continues.
MIDWAY
In addition to this year’s newfangled treats above and throughout the Midway, classics such as Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches that have been a part of the carnival’s lineup for 80+ years and fair fixture Tiny Tom Donuts can be found at outdoor concessions.
The CNE has been serving Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches for 80+ years. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
FOOD SHOP
You can also pick up an array of food and drinks to enjoy onsite or take home from many of the buildings including Arts, Crafts & Hobbies, Home & Garden, International Pavilion, Shoppers Market, and Warehouse Outlet.
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Going to the Ex is a tradition that for many is about creating memories. Food is a big part of that. Whether it’s pickle-based or crusted in palate scorching cheezies is your call.
The CNE is on until September 5.
For more photos, visit @torontorestaurants.co on Instagram.
Note: Vendors are located in the Food Building unless otherwise indicated.
Head to the iconic Food Building for a host of international dishes. Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
For more fairs, markets, street parties and parades, markets and fairs, get the TR August Fests + Events Calendar.
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