Torontonians, foodies and tourists alike - UNITE! At Fort York in downtown Toronto, that is.

Last night marked the grand debut of the first Taste of Toronto, where culinary delights can be tasted, cooking classes can be taken, and foodie heroes can be met. Featuring 17 of Toronto's top chefs, you can sample over 50 signature small plates from each restaurant. Find your favourite? You could then learn how to make it from the chef in the Metro Master Class tent. Be sure to sign up ASAP though as classes fill up quickly! [caption id="attachment_30566" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Do you recognize these amazing chefs? {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption] It's a serious coup to have the international Taste Festivals land in Toronto, after beginning 10 years ago in London, England. To be considered among other Taste culinary capitals like Milan, Johannesburg and Mumbai illustrates the depth of cuisine and flavours to be found in this city -- something I've been exploring for years.  Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? Check out the Tasting Room where wine experts and sommeliers host interactive classes on tastings, food and beverage pairings and other how-to's.  Have a foodie crush on a world famous chef? Check the Electrolux Taste Theartre schedule to see if he/she will be speaking or hosting live demonstrations. Among the joys of eating, you can also enjoy live musical performances curated by the Arts & Crafts record label, including Jason Collett, Jane's Party, Brendan Canning and The Darcys. Whatever you choose to taste and see, there's more than enough to satisfy you at the gourmet playground. Including: [caption id="attachment_30565" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Victor Barry of Splendido {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30564" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Splendido dish: True North Atlantic Salmon from Atlantic Canada with crisp rice, avocado and nori. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30556" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Mark McEwan of The McEwan Group[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30557" align="aligncenter" width="460"] The McEwan Group dish: Bymark's lobster poutine. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30563" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Chris Sanderson of Rose & Sons {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30562" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Rose and Sons dish: BLT with Dr. Pepper bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, feta and herb mayo. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30561" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Patria's dish: (Possibly the largest) seafood paella ever with bacalao, mussels, shrimp, bay scallops, fish, peas and crispy serrano. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30560" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Momofuku noodle bar dish: Summer ramen with dashi horseradish, shiso and ham. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30558" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Momofuku noodle bar dish: Kale alad with pear, sesame and kimchi vinaigrette. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_30559" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Momofuku noodle bar dish: Pork bun with hoisin, scallion and cucumber. {Photo: Elaine Song}[/caption]   This is only a small sample of what is available (come on, I only had a couple hours the first night. And, yes, I plan on going back for more this weekend!). If you go, leave a comment below and share with everyone your favourite dish and foodie experience! Featured restaurants: Splendido Bymark Rose and Sons Patria Momofuku Noodle Bar