The One of a Kind Winter Show is officially back in Toronto, and the best part is: so is food sampling! After a sampling hiatus due to COVID-19, the epic holiday gifting destination is offering foodies the chance to try all of the delicious goodies on offer again, and oh how we missed it. On from November 24-December 4 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre, the One of a Kind Show features over 600 Canadian artisans from across the country selling their handmade wares. Whether you’re looking for the perfect host gift or just a delicious treat to get you through the holiday season, read on for our top foodie finds at the One of a Kind Show (and be sure to sample them for yourself, too!).
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Spice Girl Eats Chai Concentrate, Booth A 41
This game-changing chai concentrate makes it so easy to whip up a delicious, authentic, spiced cup of chai in seconds. It features fresh ginger, cane sugar, clove, cinnamon, and peppercorn for a slight spicy kick. Simply mix it with water or your milk of choice, and you instantly have a soothing cuppa that’s delicious hot or cold. Priced at $18 per bottle, it’s a perfect Secret Santa or White Elephant gift under $20.
The Lemon Square, Booth B 34
Looking for a little something sweet to take to your next holiday gathering? We adore these Lemon Coconut Squares that have just the right level of lemony tang, balanced out by a coconutty base of graham cracker crumbs. Reasonably priced at $12.50 for a 4-pack that’s even wrapped up in a red bow, it’s a total crowd-pleasing dessert.
Incredible Spread’Em Garlic Spread, Booth C 40
If you only buy one thing at the One of a Kind Show, make sure it’s this incredible garlic spread. It’s vegetarian, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, nut-free and low in salt – and did we mention it tastes incredible on just about everything? Whether it’s slathered onto a French baguette for super easy garlic bread, tossed with shrimp for a savoury main, or melted over popcorn for the ultimate movie snack, it’ll be your new go-to. Priced at $10-$20 depending on size, it can last up to a year in the fridge, but we recommend stocking up because we have a feeling you’ll finish a container in no time.
Carla’s Cookie Box Butter Tarts, Booth A 44
Just glancing at the incredible selection of butter tarts at Carla’s Cookie Box booth will make your mouth water. Featuring a rotating menu of over 10 flavours daily (including fan favourites like Turtles, cherry cheesecake, salted caramel and classic flavours like raisin and pecan), these gooey desserts are the perfect thing to bring to your work holiday party or gathering with friends. Priced at two for $10, they’re also just a delicious snack to enjoy while you browse the show.
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Manba Spicy Beanut Butter, Booth C 29
Take your peanut butter to the next level with this spicy Haitian take on the classic spread. Priced at $12 per jar and available in Classic, Spicy and Extra-Spicy flavours, it’s all-natural and made in Montreal. We love the idea of swirling it into your next bowl of ramen, using it as the base of a savoury toast, or even adding it to baked goods. The opportunities are endless!
Alicja Confections Chocolate Bars, Booth A 27
These gorgeous chocolate bars are as delicious as they are pretty! Perfectly postcard sized and priced at $10 each, they can be sent in the mail as a sweet holiday card or slipped into a Christmas stocking for a decadent treat. Featuring fun flavours like Ramen Bowl (featuring real crunchy soy ramen), Movie Night (featuring caramel popcorn) and Lavender Lilac (sprinkled with real lavender), you’re sure to find a chocolate flavour for everyone on your list.
Mados Hot Sauce, Booth C 19
Hot sauce options abound at the One of a Kind Show, but our top pick is this hot pepper sauce made with Scotch bonnets, papaya, coconut milk, and their own blend of spices and herbs. It’s made in small batches in Toronto, and is vegan and all-natural, so it’s the perfect condiment to keep on hand over the holidays whenever anybody wants a spicy kick. Priced at $12 per bottle, it makes for a great stocking stuffer, too.
Coach House Company Short Bread, Booth A 20
We simply can’t get enough of the sweet and savoury short bread from Toronto-based Coach House Company Short Bread, and we’re in good company: Martha Stewart counts herself as a fan, too! While their sweet flavours like Lemon and Pecan are all divine, we especially adore their savoury offerings, including Stilton & Rosemary and Gorgonzola & Pistachio, perfect for adding to a charcuterie spread or even leaving out for Santa.