Toronto Underground Market

Commercial Kitchen and Food Start-up Survey

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:07:05 -0400

Commercial Kitchen and Food Start-up Survey:

TUM wants your opinion!

It’s been an amazing 2 years of TUM: 17 markets. 300 vendors. 35,000 guests. Help us craft TUM version 2.0!

Answer our survey for a chance to win a $250 VIP TUM pack and share it with friends for a chance at 2 free TUM tix!

Everyone going to #TUM tonight, plan your routes & please...

Sat, 04 May 2013 10:21:03 -0400

Everyone going to #TUM tonight, plan your routes & please come hungry & thirsty!! It is a beautiful day & there will be lots of exciting new talent (Bold Creations, Tacocat, Momo Mantra, Tartistry & more) amongst some #TUMalum (including West Side Beef, La Carnita, Little Tomato Catering, Babi & Co. & more).

Special shout-out to the return of the Thistletown High School Chefs who are back from their trip in Italy.

Also don’t forget it’s a beautiful day to drink craft beer (Black Oak Brewery, Kensington Brewery, Muskoka Brewery & Flying Monkeys) & cocktails (Tromba Tequila)!!

Have a food idea? Forget culinary school. Forget 10 years of...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:49 -0400

Have a food idea?

Forget culinary school. Forget 10 years of working in someone else’s kitchen. Get ready to break into the industry and turn your food idea into a food business!

TUM is PROUD & PUMPED to introduce you to the first INSIGHT workshop! Led by game-changer Matt Basile, Creator of food concept Fidel Gastro’s, Hacking the Food Industry is a full-day virtual workshop designed to help budding food entrepreneurs get their business off the ground.

Matt will walk you through how to make sure your idea has legs in Cooking Your Idea, craft a unique and compelling story in Story Selling, cut costs, red tape, and hurdles in Surviving Year 1: Staying Afloat and Making Money in the Food Industry, and how to make pop-ups, food trucks, and incubators work for you in Why Go Pop-Up/Mobile?

A special guest to Hacking the Food Industry, Hassel Aviles, Founder of the Toronto Underground Market (TUM), shares her tips on how to Stand Out from the Crowd in the booming food start-up world. Hassel offers advice on how to achieve success at TUM as a food vendor.

Would you like to quit your job & follow your food dreams? This workshop can help you! Click here to browse through the courses, check out all the bonuses (including an exclusive online community!) and most important, see course ratings and buzz from our live in-studio workshop-ers!

As a BONUS, we’ll add your name for a chance to win a TUM PRIZE PACK (2 TUM tickets, 4 food & drink vouchers PLUS TUM merch) when you use the code yumtum at checkout. Don’t forget to use this promo code!

We are happy to share our first exciting announcement of our...

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:00:36 -0400

We are happy to share our first exciting announcement of our 2013 Summer plans. TUM has partnered with Arts & Crafts to help celebrate their 10th anniversary and to guide the unique culinary experience at Field Trip Music & Arts Festival.

As always, TUM will host a Sample Day to choose vendors, and ensure festival goers have a selection of dishes that represent the diversity of flavours and variety in Toronto’s culinary community. To participate in Sample Day (Saturday, April 27) hopeful vendors can register online at yumtum.ca/vendor (choose ‘Field Trip Sample Day’ when registering).

We hope to see our TUM fans at Field Trip & please stay tuned for more exciting news on our 2013 Summer plans!

TUM 2013

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:40:03 -0400

We are all very busy getting prepared for the next TUM which is quickly approaching next weekend……Sat. April 6th! Buy your tickets before we sell out!

The TUM team is excited to update you on some of our 2013 plans. During the summer months (June, July & August) there will not be any traditional TUM events but we have some very exciting partnerships to announce next week.

TUM will be back in the Fall at the Evergreen Brick Works on the following dates so mark your calendars!

Sat. Sept. 14th
Sat. Oct. 12th
Sat. Nov. 16th

In August, we will be introducing a new event to Toronto called Kids TUM. This family friendly experience will involve discovery, education and fun centred around food and even feature kids as food vendors. Kids TUM will take place on Sunday August 11 at the Evergreen Brick Works.

Thank you for your continued support in TUM!

Our first TUM of 2013 is today!! Please review the map, plan...

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 10:59:30 -0500

Our first TUM of 2013 is today!!

Please review the map, plan your routes & read through our Top 10 Tasty Tips. It’s a beautiful day for TUM so come hungry!!

See you soon TUM peeps.

It is our honour to announce the official introduction of our...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:21:00 -0500

It is our honour to announce the official introduction of our new favourite word: TUMalum.

TUMalum includes either (1) a food vendor who started at TUM & now owns a successful & established food business OR (2) a food vendor whose development & success was directly impacted by TUM.

Currently this group includes La Carnita, Fidel Gastro’s, Rock Lobster Food, Sullivan & Bleeker, Babi & Co., HotBunzz & West Side Beef (with more to come!).

Today I have a very special TUMalum story to share about the Thistletown High School Chefs. They are a group of high school kids lead by a very special teacher, Mr. Keith Hoare (photographed above), who have been to TUM as a food vendor many times in order to raise funds to pay for a trip to Italy.

They were very successful & now will be travelling with 13 students to Sienna, Florence & Rome over the March break.

Together they raised over $40,000 with more than $15,000 of it coming directly from TUM events. Raising this much money meant that the students paid less than 25% of the cost of the trip. This has been such an important project, one that will have a great impact on the students.

The students are planning to come back to TUM on May 4^th & plan to run the slideshow from our adventures in Italy. Not only do the students miss participating in the TUM events but they thought this would be an excellent opportunity to thank the TUM patrons who supported them and helped them reach their goal.

Don't have plans for Valentines Day yet? Love food? Come to #SnN!!

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0500

TUM presents Sips & Nibbles (S&N) with Abbey’s Kitchen.

Come celebrate Valentines Day with 10 of TUMalum at Steam Whistle Brewery. This event is an opportunity to enjoy exclusive menus in an intimate & elegant setting. S&N will offer delicious food, sexy cocktails & fantastic live music.

S&N will have an impressive cocktail menu made with products from our alcohol sponsors including Sailor Jerry’s Rum, Forty Creek Whisky, Dillon’s Distillers, Huff Estates Winery, Tromba Tequila & Steam Whistle.

We are also excited to announce a partnership with Gastropost, Eat Street & our media sponsor is The Grid.

Dress code: Cocktail attire - Dress to impress your date!

Tickets include unlimited eats of exclusive TUMalum menus, live music from St. Royals, a complimentary cocktail & an optional tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery.

For current updates, please visit our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @toundrgroundmkt & @AbbeysKitchen.

Food Entrepreneur Training Program

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:29:20 -0500

Food Forward has put together a Food Entrepreneur Training Program & TUM’s founder Hassel Aviles is honoured to be a part of it.

The program is reaching out to entrepreneurs who have developed or are interested in developing a venture that contributes to healthy, local, sustainable, culturally diverse, and/or fair food and food systems.

The Program involves:

- two sessions focusing on development of your business model and successful marketing;

- resources with links to complimentary trainings and entrepreneurial supports;

- networking opportunities to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and foster potential business relationships.

The two sessions will take place at Bento Miso on the evening of Monday, Nov 26 and the afternoon of Saturday, Dec 1. Guest trainers come with significant experience in the good food sector, including Cookie Roscoe (Manager, The Stop Farmer’s Market), Hassel Aviles (Founder of the Toronto Underground Market), Henry Faber (Business Director, Bento Box), and Matt Basile (Owner, Fidel Gastro).

With support from Heifer Canada and in partnership with Scadding Court Community Centre, they are able to offer this program next to free. Food Forward only asks for a contribution of $20 to commit to your spot in our training sessions and accompanying resources.

To register please email info@pushfoodforward.com with your name, business name/idea (one sentence), and one challenge or question you face (brief). You must also make a $20 payment online or by cheque through the form here: http://pushfoodforward.com/join. (Special for participants: any amount over $20 we will count as a Business Membership with accompanying annual membership perks like promotions & future events).

The number of spots is limited for this program, so please register soon. We encourage participants from diverse backgrounds and income levels.

Thanks to Food Forward’s Executive Director Darcy Higgins for putting this program together!

Just FOUR Hours Till #TUM Doors Open!

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 13:54:15 -0400

We’re SO excited to host you tonight! Here is the vendor Map and handy infographic shock-full of tips (including listing of Vegetarian and Sweet Tooth Options!).

Have a Happy (and delish) TUM! =D

All You Need To Prep For NIGHT #TUM (Sept 2012)

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:16:48 -0400

Revised Map - Sept 30th, 2012 (8:15 AM)

All You Need To Prep For DAY #TUM (Sept 2012)

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:32:00 -0400

Celebrating our 1st Bday with an Extreme #TUM Party!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:42:00 -0400

Toronto’s first social food market, the Toronto Underground Market (#TUM), will celebrate turning one with an extreme TUM birthday party experience.

What: TUM invites one and all to help celebrate a year of accomplishments and events that have helped shed light on the exceptional group of home cooks and budding food entrepreneurs who have taken our city by storm. The event will offer guests two experiences:

1. “Day TUM” – an all ages, farmer’s market style event with takeaways and prepared food from 25 of TUM’s all-star vendors

2. “Night TUM” – a 19+ food party resembling previous TUM events with the added excitement of birthday celebrations, 35 of TUM’s most popular vendors, live bands, beer, wine and tequila.

When: Sunday, September 30, 2012
Day TUM – 11:00am to 3:00pm
Night TUM – 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Where: Evergreen Brick Works, Holcim Gallery and Koerner Gardens
550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto ON

How:

Tickets: Day TUM – $10 (all ages)
Night TUM – $15 (19+ only)
Tickets go on sale Friday, September 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET (Link will be posted here: http://yumtum.ca/guest.html)

are tickets sold at the door?

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:14:06 -0400

No tickets at the door, sorry!

10 Tasty TUM Tips Here are 10 tips to help you get prepared to...

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:04:20 -0400

10 Tasty TUM Tips

Here are 10 tips to help you get prepared to make the most of your night. Take the time to read them and plan accordingly!

See you all tonight.

- The TUM team

Introducing our TUM cup! This Saturday at our upcoming August...

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:44:42 -0400

Introducing our TUM cup!

This Saturday at our upcoming August TUM event, you’ll have the chance to buy a unique cup to enjoy your favorite drink. Whether it’s a craft beer, wine, tequila or simply water you can help us produce less waste while showing your love for TUM.

The TUM team wants to offer these 100% corn plastic cups to all of our BIGGEST TUM supporters. We encourage you to bring it back to each & every TUM. Outside of the obvious environmental impact that these will have on our events, we’ll be providing incentives at future TUM’s for those who purchase and bring them back.

The TUM cup costs $10 and will allow you to stand out in the crowd as a true TUM supporter.

We’re kicking off this initiative with a little bit of a contest as a reward to you. Follow us on Twitter @TOundrgroundmkt and check for clues. Over the next 4 days we’ll be posting pictures of our cup at some of our favorite food destinations across this great city. ReTweet us with your guess and if you are correct, you’ll be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to our 1 year anniversary TUM in September.

Thank you TUM fans!

TUM is very flattered to be featured on Foodspotting blog!!

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:27:15 -0400

TUM is very flattered to be featured on Foodspotting blog!!

Ten Tasty #TUM Tips

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:13:00 -0400

Are you Ready?

Here are some quick tips as you prepare for your night of culinary adventuring at the July #TUM

#TUM tip #1: We have LOTS of Vegetarian options from our #TUM food vendors this weekend!! Including - Babi & Co., Dough by Rachelle, Bix Bakery, Comida del Pueblo, Kalofagas, Snackery, Mama Nashi, Little Tomato Catering, Tatum Pie, Big E’s Hawaiian Grinds, Seven Lives, Ali Morrow, My Little Dumplings, Grub, Pink Velvet Cupcakes, Sim Sim’s Cairo Street Eats, Blue Eyed Baker, El Chinito Pops, Lunch Room & Manual Labour Coffee. And… Ali Morrow, Grub, Sim Sim’s Cairo Street Eats, El Chinito Pops even have Gluten free options!
**Bonus Tip: Always tell vendors your dietary restrictions/allergies before ordering

#TUM tip #2: With too many tasty options and just one tiny tummy Veteran #TUM guests know to bring Tupperware (yes, seriously!) AND we will also be selling some containers if you forget!

#TUM tip #3: We’ve organized EXTRA Buses to get you here. Look out for the Yellow School buses at Broadview station.

#TUM tip #4: Remember we’re a 19+ event, please pack valid ID and call that babysitter quick!

#TUM tip #5: With #TUM being at Evergreen Brick Works we are very conscious of our impact on the environment. Please remember that we have waste bins for garbage, recycling & organics.

#TUM tip #6: Our event is outdoors, make sure to dress in layers + bring an umbrella/poncho (in case of rain).

#TUM tip #7: This is a CASH ONLY event, Drinks are 4 for $20 + food ranges $1-$10. Yes, we have ATMs.

#TUM tip #8: This event is 100% SOLD OUT, no tickets at the door. Re-entry with stamp ONLY.

#TUM tip #9: Designated driver? Not to worry, we have lots of delish drink options for you too (Italian Sodas, Iced Coffee/Tea and Juice cocktails). Remember water is FREE from Water on Wheels if you bring your own container (refills are always free).

#TUM tip #10: Vendor and grounds map will be your friend tonight, keep it handy!

Are you a Social media fanatic? Post pics, blogs or videos of dishes you try but remember to tag them with #TUM - we’d LOVE to feature them on Twitter, Facebook and our brand new Youtube channel!!

#TUM is Delighted to Support the Urban Agriculture Summit!

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:00:11 -0400

Around the world, people are growing food in cities! Want to learn how to advance urban agriculture in your community? Register now for the 2012 Urban Agriculture Summit, August 15 – 18 2012 in Toronto!

The 2012 Urban Agriculture Summit will connect you with inspiring experts from across the spectrum of urban agriculture. Announcing renowned keynote speakers :

· Will Allen, Founder & CEO of Growing Power and author of ‘The Good Food Revolution’

· Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms hydroponic greenhouse farms and supply chain expert

· Joe Lobko, Principal of duToit Allsopp Hillier, interdisciplinary architect, landscape architect and urban designer

· PLUS over 75 session presenters who are leaders in the fields of community and commercial development, policy, research, design and more.

Summit programming also includes:

- Half day professional development courses and training / skills workshops, several of which are approved for continuing education units / professional development hours

- Half day tours and full day tours to visit exceptional and inspiring urban agriculture projects and producers across the Greater Toronto Area.

CAPACITY IS LIMITED. Register online today.

Toronto needs more street food!!

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:39:18 -0400

Dear supporters of delicious Toronto street food!

Thanks to everyone who has written their Councillor and Mayor Ford to show support for diverse street food in Toronto. Your support has paid off with support now coming from across the political spectrum. City staff tomorrow will recommend allowing diverse menu options on Toronto streets! The Toronto Street Food Project will be asking them to go further, with a set of recommendations to bring more street food carts and trucks on the street this summer and create new good food jobs.

We wanted to let you know, so you can come to City Hall if you’re free and show your support! The meeting starts at 9:30AM in Committee Room 1 (second floor). Come & show your support for more street food in Toronto. Let’s pack the room!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/467903603221131/

You can also contact councillors on the Committee to let them know you support the Toronto Street Food Project’s recommendations and don’t want to wait until next year to see more opportunities for carts and trucks. Email: councillor_lee@toronto.ca, councillor_palacio@toronto.ca, councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca councillor_lindsay_luby@toronto.ca, councillor_nunziata@toronto.ca, councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca, lsc@toronto.ca

Thanks for your ongoing support,

- the Toronto Street Food Project
#streetfoodTO