The Best Food and Drink Finds at This Year’s One Of A Kind Show | TasteToronto
TasteToronto Logo Mark

The Best Food and Drink Finds at This Year’s One Of A Kind Show

Christine Peddie

Written By

Christine Peddie

The Best Food and Drink Finds at This Year’s One Of A Kind Show

After a 700-plus day hiatus, the One Of A Kind Show has triumphantly returned to Toronto much to the delight of anyone with a holiday gift list, shopping habit or interest in the best and brightest artisans the city, and country, has to offer -- namely, everyone. The best food and drink finds are just the thing to help you finish your shopping, prep for holiday get-togethers or simply to gift to yourself so you won't miss out on the most marvellous flavours of the season.

With more than 400 vendors at the show, including 20% who are new this year, there are plenty of sights to see and new flavours to discover. Though samples are forbidden, buy with abandon, knowing that each purchase promises to delight.

Every year, the team behind the OOAK is "inspired by the wonder of creativity," says show director Janice Leung. Perhaps this year more than ever, we're ready to marvel at the artistry, be wowed by the flavours, and surrender to the beauty of shopping together and supporting local every step of the way.

For the best food and drink finds at this year's One Of A Kind show, read on.

Carla's Cookie Box

You can't miss Canadian's signature sweet treat from the award-winning Carla's Cookie Box, with special flavors just for the OOAK show!

Carla's Cookie Box

You can't miss Canadian's signature sweet treat from the award-winning Carla's Cookie Box, with special flavors just for the OOAK show!

Unifruits

Made from sun-ripened fruit (with a focus on sour cherries) from a farm in Quebec, each item from Unifruits bursts with fresh, tart, compelling flavours guaranteed to heighten any dish.

Unifruits

Made from sun-ripened fruit (with a focus on sour cherries) from a farm in Quebec, each item from Unifruits bursts with fresh, tart, compelling flavours guaranteed to heighten any dish.

3/4 oz. Tonic

Carefully-crafted, small batch syrups from 3/4 oz. Tonic makes cocktail hour as relaxing as it should be. With nothing more to do than add mixers and booze, you'll be the most relaxed host in town during your holiday soirées.

3/4 oz. Tonic

Carefully-crafted, small batch syrups from 3/4 oz. Tonic makes cocktail hour as relaxing as it should be. With nothing more to do than add mixers and booze, you'll be the most relaxed host in town during your holiday soirées.

The Lemon Square

A spot that does one thing, and one thing only, The Lemon Square prides itself on luscious coconut lemon squares that are individually wrapped for freshness and for gifting. Made from fresh lemons, each bite of these impeccable morsels is an uplifting moment, especially during hectic holidays.

The Lemon Square

A spot that does one thing, and one thing only, The Lemon Square prides itself on luscious coconut lemon squares that are individually wrapped for freshness and for gifting. Made from fresh lemons, each bite of these impeccable morsels is an uplifting moment, especially during hectic holidays.

The County Bounty Artisanal Soda Co.

When the season overwhelms, The County Bounty's farm-to-glass sodas infused with Ontario produce are the refreshing pause you need. In a range of fruit- and herb-based flavours, these sparkling beverages are just the thing to revive waning energies.

The County Bounty Artisanal Soda Co.

When the season overwhelms, The County Bounty's farm-to-glass sodas infused with Ontario produce are the refreshing pause you need. In a range of fruit- and herb-based flavours, these sparkling beverages are just the thing to revive waning energies.

Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co.

Tiny, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are (mostly) what the holidays are about. Save yourself the mess of making them at home and gift some of the best from Sprucewood. Whether you need sweet, savoury, seasonal or something in between, there's a pack for everyone on your gift list.

Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co.

Tiny, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are (mostly) what the holidays are about. Save yourself the mess of making them at home and gift some of the best from Sprucewood. Whether you need sweet, savoury, seasonal or something in between, there's a pack for everyone on your gift list.

Soul Chocolate

Appease the disappointment of an end to sampling with a sizeable purchase from Soul Chocolates. With an assortment of handcrafted, high-quality, supremely tasty bars -- in flavours from eggnog to gingerbread and matcha white -- and advent calendars on-site, you'll find gifts for loved ones, and for yourself, at this colourful booth.

Soul Chocolate

Appease the disappointment of an end to sampling with a sizeable purchase from Soul Chocolates. With an assortment of handcrafted, high-quality, supremely tasty bars -- in flavours from eggnog to gingerbread and matcha white -- and advent calendars on-site, you'll find gifts for loved ones, and for yourself, at this colourful booth.

Saha Cuisine

With a tempting line of small-batch, locally-made curry bases, seasonings and marinades, a gift from Saha is a gift of calm in a season of stressful, mealtime conundrums.

Saha Cuisine

With a tempting line of small-batch, locally-made curry bases, seasonings and marinades, a gift from Saha is a gift of calm in a season of stressful, mealtime conundrums.

Sachili

This vegan line of artisanal spiced toppings lends dishes a hit of heat tempered by sweet, savoury ingredients. Available in three flavours, these cute gifts will spice up a range of dishes, from Christmas morning brunch favourites to sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more.

Sachili

This vegan line of artisanal spiced toppings lends dishes a hit of heat tempered by sweet, savoury ingredients. Available in three flavours, these cute gifts will spice up a range of dishes, from Christmas morning brunch favourites to sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more.

Organics and Gold Inc.

Give the usual mustard a break in favour of Organics and Gold's locally-made condiments. From classic to dill, garlic, smoked maple and more, you'll find the spread you need to enhance every seasonal snack and sandwich the holidays provide.

Organics and Gold Inc.

Give the usual mustard a break in favour of Organics and Gold's locally-made condiments. From classic to dill, garlic, smoked maple and more, you'll find the spread you need to enhance every seasonal snack and sandwich the holidays provide.

Mados Sauces

A local favourite, you can now stock up on Mado's vegan hot sauce at OOAK. A heady mix of sweet-with-heat, this pepper sauce combines Scotch bonnets, papaya, coconut milk, spices and herbs into a condiment guaranteed to liven up your holidays.

Mados Sauces

A local favourite, you can now stock up on Mado's vegan hot sauce at OOAK. A heady mix of sweet-with-heat, this pepper sauce combines Scotch bonnets, papaya, coconut milk, spices and herbs into a condiment guaranteed to liven up your holidays.

Little Shop of Lobsters

Few things scream "holiday!" in a maritime accent quite like lobster and crab mousse from Little Shop of Lobsters. Each tiny pot packs a bold punch of delicious seafood flavour, ideal for brightening any type of holiday get-together.

Little Shop of Lobsters

Few things scream "holiday!" in a maritime accent quite like lobster and crab mousse from Little Shop of Lobsters. Each tiny pot packs a bold punch of delicious seafood flavour, ideal for brightening any type of holiday get-together.

Les Canardises

A perennial OOAK favourite, Les Canardises is back this year to mollify harried hosts in desperate need of cocktail-hour snack ideas. With a range of duck-based terrines, mousses and rillettes, alongside some luxe foie gras options, a visit to this booth can help sort out your most pressing appetizer dilemmas.

Les Canardises

A perennial OOAK favourite, Les Canardises is back this year to mollify harried hosts in desperate need of cocktail-hour snack ideas. With a range of duck-based terrines, mousses and rillettes, alongside some luxe foie gras options, a visit to this booth can help sort out your most pressing appetizer dilemmas.

Laura Slack Chocolate Artist

Though slightly less showy, Laura Slack's Drink of the Gods drinking chocolate could also go by the name "quintessential holiday staple." Stock up at OOAK for all the cold-weather adventures to come.

Laura Slack Chocolate Artist

Though slightly less showy, Laura Slack's Drink of the Gods drinking chocolate could also go by the name "quintessential holiday staple." Stock up at OOAK for all the cold-weather adventures to come.

Hanes Hummus

Joining the OOAK for 2021, Hanes Hummus brings premium craft hummus in three unique flavours to the beloved show. Sold frozen, this is exactly the type of snack you want in your freezer lying in wait of unexpected holiday guests.

Hanes Hummus

Joining the OOAK for 2021, Hanes Hummus brings premium craft hummus in three unique flavours to the beloved show. Sold frozen, this is exactly the type of snack you want in your freezer lying in wait of unexpected holiday guests.

Genuine Tea Co.

Genuine Tea's comprehensive line-up includes black, white and green teas as well as herbal teas, oolong, sparkling iced teas and more. Find your favourite and gift it to anyone and everyone who needs a moment of calm this holiday season.

Genuine Tea Co.

Genuine Tea's comprehensive line-up includes black, white and green teas as well as herbal teas, oolong, sparkling iced teas and more. Find your favourite and gift it to anyone and everyone who needs a moment of calm this holiday season.

Edna's Pickles

Jolt tired tastebuds out of their seasonal slumber with a variety of bright, bracing pickles from Edna's. With flavours that range from Extra Hot Tangy Lime to Sweet Mango Mash, Crab Apple Chutney and more, there's bound to be more than one gourmet spread that catches your eye.

Edna's Pickles

Jolt tired tastebuds out of their seasonal slumber with a variety of bright, bracing pickles from Edna's. With flavours that range from Extra Hot Tangy Lime to Sweet Mango Mash, Crab Apple Chutney and more, there's bound to be more than one gourmet spread that catches your eye.

Chocolat De Kat

Attention to detail, in design and flavour, is what sets Chocolat De Kat's stunning creations apart. Available individually or in customizable boxes of four to 25 bon bons, these flawless, bite-sized gifts are the definition of holiday joy.

Chocolat De Kat

Attention to detail, in design and flavour, is what sets Chocolat De Kat's stunning creations apart. Available individually or in customizable boxes of four to 25 bon bons, these flawless, bite-sized gifts are the definition of holiday joy.

Christy's Gourmet

Direct from Burlington, Ontario, this shop offers a flurry of luxurious, chocolate-based treats neatly packaged for gifting. You'll be spoiled for choice at the Christy's booth but opt for the store's signature crunch and prepare to be wowed.

Christy's Gourmet

Direct from Burlington, Ontario, this shop offers a flurry of luxurious, chocolate-based treats neatly packaged for gifting. You'll be spoiled for choice at the Christy's booth but opt for the store's signature crunch and prepare to be wowed.

Carolina's Artisan Brownies

Perfectly-packaged, bite-sized brownies from Carolina's come in a variety of flavours and are the chewy, rich, all-natural treat your holidays need. Stow them in purses, lunchboxes or stockings, and you'll have a sweet pick-me-up ready at a moment's notice.

Carolina's Artisan Brownies

Perfectly-packaged, bite-sized brownies from Carolina's come in a variety of flavours and are the chewy, rich, all-natural treat your holidays need. Stow them in purses, lunchboxes or stockings, and you'll have a sweet pick-me-up ready at a moment's notice.

Bay Meats Butcher Shop

Bay Side Meats' assorted signature jerky and pepperettes are the protein-rich snacks the holidays demand. Stock up at OOAK and gift friends a tasting package with a range of addictive flavours.

Bay Meats Butcher Shop

Bay Side Meats' assorted signature jerky and pepperettes are the protein-rich snacks the holidays demand. Stock up at OOAK and gift friends a tasting package with a range of addictive flavours.

Aunt Beth's Gourmet Bakery

The brainchild of local whisky expert Beth Havers, Aunt Beth's cookies are a masterstroke in baked form. Every item on the menu of whisky-infused treats, from Canadian Club Rye and Ginger to Singleton Speyside Big Short, and more, is just the partner your nightly dram has always deserved.

Aunt Beth's Gourmet Bakery

The brainchild of local whisky expert Beth Havers, Aunt Beth's cookies are a masterstroke in baked form. Every item on the menu of whisky-infused treats, from Canadian Club Rye and Ginger to Singleton Speyside Big Short, and more, is just the partner your nightly dram has always deserved.

Allo Simonne

New to the show this year, this Montreal import has a range of award-winning goodies perfect for every stocking you need to fill. Whether you opt for the classic Noisette & Chocolat Au Lait spread or the company's elegant new Praliné & Jaguar bar, we guarantee smiles all around.

Allo Simonne

New to the show this year, this Montreal import has a range of award-winning goodies perfect for every stocking you need to fill. Whether you opt for the classic Noisette & Chocolat Au Lait spread or the company's elegant new Praliné & Jaguar bar, we guarantee smiles all around.