On Tuesday October 16th, sixty of Canada’s top female chefs donated their time and talent for Eat to the Beat, an annual fundraiser that raises money for Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada, a charity that helps people cope with the traumas of battling breast cancer. The event is a multiplicity of delicious treats, chef creations, raffles, a silent auction and of course, lots of cocktails and wine – a haven for any food and drink lover.
Adam and I ventured over to Roy Thompson Hall with empty bellies, knowing that if there were sixty chef offerings, we would need extra room. The vibe in the Metro Hall was exhilarating – you could feel the happiness of all the guests taking part in the event, enjoying the outstanding food and drinks. The event was also flanked by Willow cancer survivors, who modeled food-inspired corsets they created while laughing, dancing, eating and drinking the night away. Really. Great. Vibe.
The food was ridiculously delicious though it was literally impossible to sample everything. That said we definitely tried! Also impossible was choosing a favourite. All the chefs were from some of our favourite restaurants including Donna Dooher from Mildred’s Temple Kitchen who alongside donating a fantastic sample of her Bolly Cauli Roast, is also the spokesperson for Eat to the Beat and has been part of it since its inception. Her younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 years old and survived it with the help of Willow. Other participants included the ladies of Pachuco, winner of TO’s Hottest Chef, Joanne Lusted, Top Chef Canada contestant Trish Sheen, and many, many more. In the last 17 years, Eat to the Beat has raised over $3.2 million for Willow which has enabled them to provide peer support, community support and patient education to people with breast cancer.
Watch and drool at the re-cap of Eat to the Beat evening and maybe next year, we’ll see you there!