Island Eats Festival Returns to North York with Caribbean Food, Soca and Culture

By Stephen Weir

For two days in June, Mel Lastman Square will be transformed into a Caribbean village filled with the sounds of steelpan, the aroma of jerk chicken and the energy of Carnival as the 3rd Annual Island Eats Food & Travel Festival returns to North York.

The festival takes place Saturday, June 13, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., bringing together Caribbean food, music, tourism and culture in one outdoor celebration.

“Visitors can expect dozens of food vendors offering authentic island dishes,” explained Petronella Marchan, one of the festival organizers. “The food choices range from slow-cooked oxtail and doubles to fresh seafood, coconut water and Caribbean pastries,” she said.

The event is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s largest celebrations of Caribbean cuisine and tourism outside of Carnival activities.

One of the crowd favourites returning this year is the Grace Jr. Chef Challenge, where young cooks compete live on stage in a fast-paced culinary competition for prizes and bragging rights.

Music and culture will also take centre stage throughout the weekend. Live soca performances will include appearances by Drastic from Antigua and Barbuda, while steelpan musicians, tassa drummers and Carnival masqueraders will add to the festival atmosphere. DJs will keep crowds moving with a mix of reggae, dancehall, zouk, soca, calypso and kompa music.

Visitors looking for a Caribbean getaway can stop by tourism booths hosted by Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia and Grenada. Representatives will promote island destinations to festival-goers dreaming about their next Caribbean vacation.

The festival’s Breezes and Brews Bar will also feature Caribbean beverage brands, including Wray & Nephew and Carib, adding a spirited touch to the celebration and an early taste of summer in North York.