The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) proudly hosted its annual Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence at this year's Tourism Industry Association of Ontario's (TIAO) Awards of Excellence Gala, held in the vibrant city of Hamilton, Ontario. The gala brought together leaders and innovators in the culinary tourism sector to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions across a variety of categories.

A panel of third-party judges sifts through applications to make the decision and we don’t envy their job! All the nominees this year were incredible. It was a night to remember, filled with inspiring stories of local flavours, culture, and dedication to culinary tourism.

Recognizing the Best in Culinary Tourism

The Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate the outstanding efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses that elevate Ontario's culinary tourism landscape. These awards acknowledge not just delicious food and drink, but also the experiences that connect travelers to the places they visit, offering a true taste of the region.

This year's award categories were:

Culinary Leadership Award
Culinary Event of the Year
Culinary Experience of the Year
Culinary Tourism Alliance DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Award

The winners represented a diverse range of initiatives that exemplify leadership, creativity, and commitment to culinary tourism in Ontario.

Culinary Leadership Award: Visit Kingston

Visit Kingston took home the Culinary Leadership Award, recognizing their exceptional efforts in showcasing Kingston's dynamic food scene. The city's dedication to promoting local culinary offerings, from innovative restaurants to vibrant markets, has firmly positioned it as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Visit Kingston's work has not only highlighted local chefs and producers but also fostered a sense of community pride in the region's unique food culture.

Culinary Event of the Year: Bala Cranberry Festival

The Culinary Event of the Year award went to the Bala Cranberry Festival, an annual celebration held in Muskoka, Ontario. The festival, known for its dedication to all things cranberry, offers visitors a chance to explore the seasonal bounty of this iconic fruit through a variety of culinary experiences. From cranberry-infused dishes to farm tours and artisanal markets, the festival celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of the region while supporting local businesses and producers. It’s a unique event that attracts both locals and tourists, making it a significant contributor to Muskoka's culinary tourism.

Culinary Experience of the Year: Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn

The winner of the Culinary Experience of the Year was the Feast On® certified Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn, where culinary craftsmanship meets hospitality. Located in Cayuga, Ontario, Twisted Lemon offers a distinctive dining experience that combines seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine with a charming boutique inn setting.

Chef Dan Megna and his team are known for their passion for local ingredients and personalized service, creating memorable experiences for every guest. The award recognizes the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence and its role in drawing visitors to the region.

Culinary Tourism Alliance DEI Award: Visit Kingston for "Call to Action 83: What Does Reconciliation Taste Like?"

Visit Kingston also earned the Culinary Tourism Alliance DEI Award for their thought-provoking event, Call to Action 83: What Does Reconciliation Taste Like?, in collaboration with several Indigenous chefs, artists and more. This was a huge cooperative effort and Tourism Kingston was proud to partner with the following:

Chefs + Beverage Producers:

Chef Zach Keeshig, Naagan Chef
Leah Marshall Hannon, Stella’s Eatery
Chef Lee Arden Lewis, formerly of Jackson’s Falls Country Inn and Restaurant
Chef Joseph Shawana, Professor & Indigenous Culinary Advisor, Centennial College and Owner/Operator, Kūkŭm Kitchen

Chef William Arnaud, Otter Creek Kitchen
Chef Cayley Balint, Frontenac Club
Chef Colin Johnson, Queen’s University
Chef Cassandra Mercier, Atomica

Alix Carr-Harris, Owner/Operator, Haymakers Coffee Co.
Sarah Sanders, Head Bartender, Frontenac Club

Artisans

Jennifer Brant
Lorie Young (fire-keeper)
Brodrick Gabriel (fire-keeper)

Territory Elder

Kanonhsyonne Janice Hill

And program curation and coordination in collaboration with Tourism Kingston:

Dr. Terri-Lynn Brennan, Inclusive Voices
Natalie Goldenberg-Fife, Gold & Fife

This event explored the intersection of food and reconciliation by bringing together Indigenous culinary traditions and contemporary cuisine to spark meaningful conversations about Canada's past and future.

Through the sharing of Indigenous ingredients and stories, the event aimed to foster understanding and build bridges between cultures, aligning with the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. The DEI award recognized this initiative for its significant contribution to inclusivity and cultural awareness within the culinary tourism space.

A Night of Celebration and Inspiration

Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence

The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) proudly hosted its annual Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence at this year's Tourism Industry Association of Ontario's (TIAO) Awards of Excellence Gala, held in the vibrant city of Hamilton, Ontario. The gala brought together leaders and innovators in the culinary tourism sector to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions across a variety of categories. It was a night to remember, filled with inspiring stories of local flavors, culture, and dedication to culinary tourism.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence