While many are eager to resume traveling again as restrictions worldwide have been easing, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Toronto on a staycation, thanks to master class activities curated by The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto and Eataly Toronto, as well as brunch offerings from Oretta Midtown and Oretta King West.
Cheese & Wine
Learn from the chefs at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto about everyone’s favourite pairing: cheese and wine. This experience includes a private tour of TOCA’s illustrious Cheese Cave, as well as a private sampling of three cheeses. Here you will also learn how to build an expert-level cheese board, and further tips on pairing compotes, crostini, preserves and more. Enjoy your selected cheese with wine, and take away custom cheese with made in-house condiments to make your own impressive cheese board at home!
*Reservations to be made with 48-hour notice by emailing: toronto.guestrelations@ritzcarlton.com
Time: 3pm to 4:30 pm
Cost: $95 per guest
Cooking Classes
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make fresh, homemade pasta? Join the team at La Scuola at Eataly Toronto and partake in one of their pasta making classes! Their July 17th class will be focusing on the art of making gnocchi, little pasta dumplings made of riced potato and flour. You’ll also learn more about the different gnocchi variations, as well as some of the history of the dishes you’ll be served. At the end of the class, you’ll be invited by the Chef to try out the new techniques learned and then take some home with a recipe to recreate the meal whenever you like.
*Reservations to be made here
Time: July 17, 2022, 4pm - 6pm
Cost: $125 per guest
Grill & Forno
Take your master class outdoors with the chefs of EPOCH on their kitchen terrace. Here you will learn techniques like the importance of marinades, different temperatures for cooking, seasonings to enhance your grilling experience, and more. Chefs will do a live demonstration and tasting of meat and vegetables, accompanied by a lesson on their signature focaccia. Then, you’ll take home full recipes with instructions of everything you learned as well as a special seasoning mix to replicate your new skills on your own.
*Reservations to be made with 48-hour notice by emailing: toronto.guestrelations@ritzcarlton.com
Time: 3pm to 4:30 pm
Cost: $105 per guest
Summer Floral Centrepiece
If you’re looking to improve your flower-arranging skills, then The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto has you covered. Join expert host and in-house florist, Kerry, from the Rustic Vine who will guide students how to create a signature seasonal floral centerpiece for your home. Here you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to floral arranging, as well as details on maintenance and care for your masterpiece. Then you’ll take home all of the necessary materials: containers, summer blossoms, greens and more to take home your very own summer centerpiece.
*Reservations to be made with 48-hour notice by emailing: toronto.guestrelations@ritzcarlton.com
Cost: $135 per guest
Brunch at Oretta
While brunch is fun no matter the time of year, make the most of your Toronto staycation by visiting Oretta Midtown or Oretta King West for their special brunch menu and picturesque patios. Here, you’ll get a mimosa, anything off the menu (everything’s delish), and a bombolone (an Italian donut) for just $45 - plus get additional mimosas for just $5 each!
*Reservations can be made here
