As we step toward a vibrant 2024 summer, the world of Toronto catering is abuzz with exciting new culinary trends and delicacies. From refreshing twists on classic favorites to innovative presentations that celebrate local flavours, this summer’s food scene is all about creativity and sustainability. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a chic rooftop soirée, or an intimate garden party, these summer food trends are sure to inspire and delight your guests. Let’s dive into what’s hot in the world of summer catering!
Tomato Melon Salad (veg, gf)
With black olive granola, harissa vinaigrette, baby cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
Watermelon and feta is one of our favourite summer pairings, offering the perfect blend of fresh, sweet, and savoury flavours. This summer, we reimagined this classic combo as a starter by introducing black olive granola for an umami twist and a colourful harissa vinaigrette for a touch of heat. The baby cucumber and cherry tomatoes add texture while also providing a refreshing crunch which helps cool the heat from the harissa. Made from local Ontario products, the Tomato Melon Salad has quickly become incredibly popular with our clients this season, and we hope you get a chance to try it at one of our events soon!
Rainbow of Poke Cones
With sushi rice, crunchy cucumber, and a kick of spicy mayo.
Inspired by summer, we've created this vibrant, flavourful, super-fun, rainbow of Poke. It’s the perfect treat for a cocktail reception or party starter. The standards include fresh tuna and salmon - of course. But you can’t miss the vegetarian cone which is a savoury watermelon poke with sushi rice, crunchy cucumber, and a kick of spicy mayo. The mini sesame cones add a very nice textural element, as well as the crisp microgreen topper. We’re all about buzz-worthy bites and this one is not to be missed on your summer dining wish list.
Osetra Caviar
With hamachi and yuzu cream canape.
The summer for me is about freshness. That’s why our Osetra Caviar with Hamachi and Yuzu Cream Canape is absolute perfection for the warmer months. It’s simple yet decadent and celebrates the semi-firm texture of Osetra with its buttery and nutty flavour profile. Mix this with the floral sweetness of yuzu, and the slightly rich and delicate taste of hamachi, and you’re truly celebrating summer. Refreshing, citrusy, and dreamy.
Scallop Crudo (gf)
With jalapeño, uni, orange, macadamia and cilantro.
Seafood is trending for spring and summer events, and the Scallop Crudo at Malaparte is this season’s standout. Topped with jalapeño, uni, orange, macadamia and cilantro, it perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and umami to capture the essence of summer in every bite.
Ontario Summer Salad (veg, gf)
With field ripened multicolour heirloom local tomato, grilled Ontario sweetcorn, crumbled freshly made fromage frais, locally grown micro herbs and toasted sunflower seeds finished with smoked Ontario honey vinaigrette.
As far as we’re concerned, the best trend is always to feature the very best local produce we can get our hands on! We’re dreaming about August in Ontario with our summer field salad. It reminds us of summers at the cottage, buying produce from a stall on a farm track, and the thrill of finding the first local sweetcorn of the season”
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Jerk Chicken
With plantain and rum-glazed Pineapple.
Our Jerk Chicken with plantains and rum-glazed pineapple is a summer hit! It's the perfect mix of spicy and sweet, bringing the Caribbean heat to Toronto! This dish is a crowd favourite, and it's easy to see why.
Compressed Watermelon and Cucumber Salad (veg, gf)
With the juiciest, ripest watermelons and the crispest cucumbers.
We're thrilled to introduce our Compressed Watermelon & Cucumber Salad Summer Special – a modern twist on classic summer ingredients, designed to deliver vibrant and intense flavours and a unique culinary experience. At the heart of our summer special is the technique of compression which is used to concentrate the flavours. Using a vacuum sealer, we compress the watermelon and cucumber, intensifying their natural flavours and creating a delightful, almost velvety texture. We start with the juiciest, ripest watermelons and the crispest cucumbers, both sourced from local farms to ensure peak freshness. These summer staples are compressed to concentrate their flavours, creating a more vibrant and satisfying taste experience.
Lemon Pepper Salmon (gf)
With apple parsnip puree, seasonal vegetables, wasabi green pea sauce, crisp heirloom slaw and leek hay.
Lemon Pepper Salmon, paired with an Apple Parsnip puree and accompanied by a vibrant assortment of seasonal vegetables, captures summer's essence. The Wasabi Green Pea Sauce introduces a subtle, spicy kick that beautifully complements the fish, while the crisp Heirloom Slaw adds a refreshing crunch. As a final touch, we like to add Leek Hay, offering a textural contrast to the dish.
Food Truck Land
With smoked beef brisket and lobster rolls, blistered shishito peppers and Korean fried cauliflower.
Inspired by the picnic of my dreams, our 2024 Food Truck Menu has large, small, and sweet items all literally bursting with flavour. Smoked Beef Brisket and Lobster Rolls, Blistered Shishito Peppers and Korean Fried Cauliflower…it’s juicy, a little spicy and seriously fun in our Food Truck Land.
Plant-Based ‘Tuna’ Poke (veg, gf)
With avocado aioli, forbidden black rice, spicy edamame, seaweed salad, pickled carrot and reddish.
Our new Plant-Based 'Tuna' Poke offers a refreshing and innovative twist on a classic poke bowl. Featuring a combination of avocado aioli, forbidden black rice, spicy edamame, seaweed salad, and pickled carrot and radish, it delivers vibrant flavours and a visually stunning presentation. This plant-based dish not only caters to diverse dietary preferences but also encapsulates the essence of summer with its fresh, colourful ingredients.
Aged Balsamic Compressed Watermelon Wrapped with Cucumber (veg, gf)
With mango pineapple serrano pico de gallo.
Watermelon always brings summer to mind, and this appetizer offers a sophisticated approach to including it. This season, events are embracing Micro-Dining, featuring mostly bite-sized meals shared among guests. These balsamic watermelon bites wrapped in cucumber are also highly versatile, catering to various dietary requirements.
The Everything (Detroit-Style Pie)
With cream cheese base, salmon and house-made everything bagel seasoning.
Longer summer days means we have more time to indulge! We’re re-imagining the classic bagel and schmear by carrying over the familiar flavours to our soft and pillowy focaccia-style pizza dough. Everything is rich and creamy, with a vibrant flavour profile from the cream cheese base, a subtle smokiness from the salmon, and finished with our house-made everything bagel seasoning. Whether you’re looking to spice up your breakfast routine or add some flair to your summer picnic, this Detroit-style pie is perfect for any time of day.
Miso Black Cod (gf)
With baby bok choy, sesame seeds, edamame puree, scallions and rice cake.
Our delicious Miso Black Cod is a crowd-pleasing dish that shines in all seasons. Baby bok choy, sesame seeds, edamame puree, and scallions add fresh flavours to an appetizing rice cake. This versatile dish is the perfect way to elevate your menu and give guests a sensory combination of exquisite taste and presentation.
Caviar and Crème Fraiche
With jalapeño, uni, orange, macadamia and cilantro.
Yes, you read that right – caviar isn't just for the elite anymore; it's making its way onto the plates of food enthusiasts everywhere! Try caviar and crème fraiche served on a crisp, golden cracker — an irresistible fusion guaranteed to add a touch of luxury to summer soirées and backyard barbecues alike — making this catered appetizer a quintessential highlight of the top summer food trends of 2024.
Ribbon Salad (veg, gf)
With homemade white balsamic vinaigrette and pink peppercorn.
Sometimes simple is best! Fresh local vegetables are the star of our Ribbon Salad. Paired with a homemade white balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with pink peppercorn dust, this dish is great as a starter or palate cleanser!
Falafel Plates (veg)
With mini naan, quinoa tabouli, fresh picked cabbage and herbed tahini.
Move over buffets and stations, passed around, composed plates are here to stay for 2024! These vegan falafel plates come with mini naan, quinoa tabouli and fresh picked cabbage all drizzled with a herbed tahini.
Surf and Turf Masterpiece Fresh Off The Grill (gf)
With succulent cob of corn, roasted garlic and basil butter.
Indulge in the essence of summer with our Surf and Turf masterpiece fresh off the grill. This delectable dish epitomizes the quintessential summer BBQ gathering, whether enjoyed in the laid-back company of friends or presented in an exquisite manner to captivate that special someone. Elevate the experience by pairing it with a succulent cob of corn generously slathered in our signature roasted garlic and basil butter, guaranteeing a home run throughout the entire summer season!
Passion Fruit Panna Cotta (gf)
With Ontario strawberries, passion fruit panna cotta and caramelized white chocolate-cashew crumble.
When it comes to summer, there's a sweetness in the air, everything is fresh, vibrant, and visually stunning. This dessert embodies all those characteristics. Ontario strawberries are in peak season and we wanted to elevate and complement their natural sweetness on a canvas of a very bright, slightly tangy, and creamy Passion Fruit Panna Cotta. The caramelized white chocolate-cashew crumble adds both a textural crunch and a beautiful nutty balance. This dessert is perfect for sit-down functions such as weddings and galas - we have even varied the size for both passed mini desserts and live-action stations where our talented culinary team assembles everything in front of the guests.
