the stop's night market 2017 — Image: Ama Scriver

You know it’s the official kick off to the summer when The Stop’s Night Market is announced. I have had the pleasure of going for several years now and the event, which raises funds for the Stop Community Food Centre, is always an incredible time. Taking place over two days with over 30 of Toronto’s best food and drink providers, it’s the great night of fun and food exploration.

From its home on Sterling Road, just around the corner from the new Drake Commissary, the layout had lots of room for eating, drinking and mingling. We stepped in on the Wednesday night, where it was announced that The Stop Community Food Centre raised just over $300,000 for critical food access and community-building programs – a record amount for this event.

Here are some of our favourite dishes from the night:

Bespoke Butchers, Corny Dog
If you’ve ever been to the Liberty Village butcher, then you know that their meat is out of this world. This take on the classic chilli dog was so great, I had to go back for seconds. Also, the pickle spear was a great added touch.

Kanpai Snack Bar, Sticky Tofu Noodle Bowl
On a hot night like this one, this bowl from Kanpai was exactly what the doctor ordered. This dish featured big chunks of tofu for added protein among cold noodles with a nice subtle citrus flavour from the lime. Perfection.

Dundas Park Kitchen, Crispy Squash Salad
I can always count on Dundas Park Kitchen to knock it out of the park here and their simple squash salad topped with in-house baked granola and an avocado and kimchi salsa was outstanding.

Art Gallery of Ontario, Open-faced Ontario Rhubarb-Honey Glazed Chicken Sandwich
If sandwich making was an art form, this would be it. Topped with beautiful pulled chicken on a baguette, this sandwich was like an explosion of summer in my mouth.

Drake Commissary, Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwich on Brioche
I have to admit, I hate sweet things. But I’m a big sucker for a well done ice cream sandwich and oh man, this was delicious. Rich, flavourful and gosh, I wish I had one right now.

LASA by Lamesa, Pork Adobo on a Shrimp Chip
Simple and easy to eat, making it the most perfect bite. If you’ve ever been to Lamesa before, you know that their pork adobo is no joke. This was like a little taste of the impactful dish.

Mad Maple, Meringue with Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce
Another dessert dish done well with the tastes of summer poking out. The meringue was light and airy, and the sauce tart. Simply divine.

The Oakwood Hardware, Crispy German Potato Pancake with Smoked Duck
Bury me in savoury pancakes with smoked duck. This was like brunch in one little bite and I was here for it.

The Emerson, Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
There is nothing like biting into a thick sandwich sandwich and having tomato sauce drizzle down your face. You know that’s the money shot and also, the key element of a good sandwich.

Hawthorne Food & Drink, Schmaltz Carbonara
One of the very last things that I ate at the Night Market and wow, what a way to go out. Hand-rolled pasta with crispy chicken skins and chicken fat and cream and a cured egg yolk – zomg. SO GOOD.

What were your favourite dishes from The Stop’s Night Market? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.

Ama Scriver

Amanda (Ama) Scriver is a passionate storyteller, community builder and a loud and proud feminist and body image activist. She freelances for several publications including Foodism, Paste Magazine and BizBash. In her off time, she lives for coffee, trashy reality television, hip hop and all things drag. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram via @amascriver on at her website AmaScriver.com