Uncategorized – Culinary Travels

Tasty Tours introduces iconic food tours through Toronto

15 April 2025 No Comments

Toronto’s award-winning food tour company Tasty Tours has announced a lineup of new immersive guided experiences to engage and delight food fans – The Grand Chocolate Flight tour (helicopter ride/chocolate tasting), Easter and Mother’s Day themed tours and the Must-Do Toronto food tour (the only downtown food tour).

Renowned for their five-star rated Kensington Market “Taste the World” Food Tour, Tasty Tours offers interactive guided adventures that explore the city’s gourmet gems while sharing fascinating stories about Toronto’s local food scene and history.

Designed for adventure seekers with a sweet tooth, The Grand Chocolate Flight is a one-of-a-kind luxurious experience that combines a private chocolate tasting and helicopter flight around Toronto. The two-hour guided tour, suited for two to three people, is the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, date night, anniversaries, or simply a passion for the extraordinary.

To kick off the experience a chocolate expert leads guests through an educational and delicious journey of exquisite local craft chocolates (including the exclusive Toronto Truffle) while serving up bubbly as they teach the art of pairing chocolate with wine. Following the tasting, clients enjoy a 15km flight above Toronto to take in breathtaking views of the city skyline. Tour-takers also get to bring home their bottle of wine, a Tasty Tours chocolate tasting kit, a digital photo keepsake and memories to savour forever. *$799 for groups of two; $899 for groups of three

“Toronto is a vibrant city with a rich, diverse food scene – there’s always something delicious to discover. Tasty Tours’ engaging, educational guided tours provide an opportunity to indulge in globally inspired dishes and bites while exploring the city’s impressive food scene and history. And our exciting new helicopter and chocolate tasting tour allows guests to see, feel and taste the city from a whole new perspective; this is a truly unique experience that is sure to impress,” said Audrey Ooi, founder, Tasty Tours.

Easter, Mother's Day and downtown tours

For those who live for indulging in delicacies, trying new things and making lasting memories, Tasty Tours has also introduced Easter, Mother’s Day and Downtown food tours, including:

The Easter Chocolate Express captivates guests with a one-hour journey into the world of artisanal Canadian craft chocolate from the comfort of a historic train car. Hosted at the Toronto Railway Museum, tour-takers discover the fascinating origins and history of chocolate as they indulge in a curated flight of locally made chocolates, learning how to taste like a true connoisseur – perfect for dates, friend hangs and family fun. Guests will take home a Tasty Tours chocolate tasting kit and lots of sweet memories. *Available Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 at 2.30pm; $55 per person (tickets sold in pairs) **Mother’s Day version of this tour also available

Spend a special day with mom by taking the Mother’s Day Food Tour and explore the historic Kensington neighbourhood together while snacking on a variety of multicultural snacks. A foodie paradise bursting with global flavours, the Tasty Tours experts have handpicked the best bites in Kensington Market to provide the ultimate Mother’s Day foodie experience. *Available Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 at 11am; $89 per person, free for kids under seven. **Easter-themed version of this tour also available.

Tasty Tours also recently launched its Must-Do Toronto Food Tour – the only food tour of downtown Toronto. The two and half hour immersive experience combines visits to iconic tourist sights and attractions with stops at hidden local food gems and popular eateries where guests will savour internationally-inspired bites – showcasing why the city’s food scene is truly extraordinary. PLUS tour-takers receive VIP skip-the-line access at all locations. Everyone takes home a bevy of culinary stories, historical Toronto tidbits and fun memories. *Available Fridays and Sundays at 11:30am; $89 per person, free for kids under seven. Can accommodate groups of two to twelve.

For more information, visit tastytourstoronto.com.

Virgin Voyages debuts new Spanish-inspired restaurant on Brilliant Lady

3 April 2025 No Comments

Virgin Voyages is bringing the vibrant flavors of Spain to the high seas with Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, an innovative Spanish-inspired restaurant debuting aboard Brilliant Lady, the newest member of the brand’s rebellious fleet.

Following the success of Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle – the Chinese-inspired restaurant that

launched in November aboard Scarlet Lady – this bold culinary innovation promises to have Sailors’ taste buds dancing the flamenco.

Acclaimed chefs Justin Severino – a four-times James Beard Foundation award nominee – and Nate Hobart will co-helm Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, bringing their ingredient-driven, sharable dining innovations to sea. Co-chefs at Morcilla, the Spanish-style charcuteria taking Pittsburgh by storm, Severino and Hobart are taking their deep passion for Spanish gastronomy straight to Virgin Voyages’ decks. Some of their favorite recipes are also going along for the ride. Rojo’s new menu will feature Morcilla’s legendary Oxtail Montadito with braised oxtail, caramelized onion, mahón cheese and a crostini.

By day, Razzle’s signature brunch will have a Spanish-American twist served in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. New and exciting dishes include jamon croquettes paired with morning classics like acai bowls, pastries and frittatas. When the sun sets, Rojo transforms into an elevated dining experience pulsing with vibrant Spanish energy. Marked by Razzle Dazzle’s sophisticated-but-warm vibe, the menu features pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes – all pulling inspiration from Spain’s renowned culinary regions.

Ensuring the cocktails live up to the explosive cuisine, Virgin Voyages partnered with Onada Consulting from Barcelona, bringing an authentic Spanish touch. The brand also sought out iconic bars in Spain’s hottest cities including Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastian. Cocktails capture the authentic Spanish spirit in every sip with authentic ingredients, flavors and flair. As for Rojo’s grapes, the wine menu spans bold reds like Rioja and Ribera del Duero to refreshing Albariños from Rias Baixas. For brunch, Rojo serves up artisanal vermouths, vibrant sangrias, well-paired sherries and sparkling Provocativo cava spritzes.

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle isn’t the only refreshed foodie experience coming to the Virgin Voyages fleet. Extra Virgin is pairing existing Sailor favorites with new pastas, arancini, seafood risotto and roasted monkfish, among others. At Gunbae – the only Korean BBQ at sea – new items include kimbap rolls, bulgogi fire meat and bo ssam (whole roasted pork butt with oysters and caviar).

For information on Virgin Voyages’ bold culinary program and fresh take on dining, visit