DineOutTO

Toronto introduces new food initiative to save the restaurant industry this fall

The new fall event we teased a few weeks ago has finally been revealed.

Destination Toronto has announced a diverse and unprecedented fall restaurant program called DineOutTO, which aims to give ailing eateries a leg up in the COVID-19-hampered restaurant industry.

The program will run from Sept. 23 to Oct. 30, with restaurants listing their special offers, signature dishes and unique culinary experiences on DineOutTO’s website.

As far as special offers go, diners can expect anything from complimentary appetizers to kids eat free promotions. Signature dishes will feature what the given restaurant has identified as a ‘must-try,’ while unique culinary experiences could include prix-fixe menus or a seat at the chef’s table.

This effort will hopefully provide an economic boost to an industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic. Fortunately for both our tastebuds and the roughly 125,000 hospitality workers in the city, Destination Toronto is committed to lending a hand.

“As restaurants are incredibly important to the vitality and livability of our neighbourhoods, they are critical to Toronto’s economic recovery,” Destination Toronto stated in a letter sent out to potential participants in the program.

Though the program sounds similar to Winterlicious, it is not quite the same. While Winterlicious tends to focus on higher-end establishments, DineOutTO is open to everyone from food trucks to fine dining.

“The program is designed to showcase the wide array of businesses that make up Toronto’s diverse culinary scene,” says Destination Toronto in the letter.

For eateries that choose to participate, there is no charge to register a restaurant, and no commission or fee will be taken by Destination Toronto or any other organization affiliated with the project.

“The promotion has one goal,” says Destination Toronto, “to inspire and encourage Toronto residents to discover new culinary experiences and visit more of the food scene throughout the entire city.”

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO