Turbo-Charged Toronto Favourites Highlight Honda Indy Toronto Menus

Centerplate serves more than 10,000 meals for guests at high-speed weekend

TORONTO, July 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Centerplate, event hospitality partner in over 300 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America and the United Kingdom, partnered with the Honda Indy Toronto this past weekend. The Honda Indy Toronto is Ontario's largest annual sporting event and it takes place on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place and downtown Toronto.

"We wanted to offer fans a wide variety of local offerings to enhance their enjoyment of the race," said Ashton Sequeira, Centerplate's Regional Vice President responsible for the event. "Our talented culinary team did a great job in creating a number of local dishes that celebrated this event and Ontario by using local, seasonal items. We are also very proud to be partnering with two great local breweries."

A 'Craft Beerfest' area was a highlight, featuring Amsterdam and Muskoka beers with sampling and discussions with the brew masters and craft beer ambassadors from the two breweries. Local foods highlighted the Ontario streetfair scene, with more than 32 vendors including 'Tastefest', where local Ontario food trucks showcased a variety of culinary delights.

In the premium areas, Centerplate dished up more than 10,000 meals over the course of the weekend, which included 4,000 hand-made Wellington County grilled burgers—each topped with a choice of blue cheese and jalapeno or Thornloe Cheddar.

Centerplate worked with local purveyors and the region's farmers to create a menu rich in Ontario ingredients created specifically for the event, including:

• Israeli Couscous and Quinoa Salad featuring Prince Edward County grape tomatoes and cucumber, pine nuts, apricots, red onion, cumin, olives, red peppers, raspberry dressing
• Build your own Willowgrove Hill Farms Pulled Pork Sandwiches with in House-smoked BBQ Sauce on an egg bun, coleslaw
• Chef Suman's signature Wellington County Grilled Juicy Hand-Made Hamburger with blue cheese, jalapeno or Thornloe cheddar, house-made ketchup, mustard, atomic relish, grilled onions served on a buttered bun
• A Muffaletta Sub with traditional olive mix and a variety of Ontario deli meats and cheeses, herbed mayonnaise, chiffonade of lettuce, and tomatoes
• Tender Slow-braised Wellington County Beef Short Ribs served with Yukon gold and sweet potato marble mash

"Centerplate did a great job for us again this year," said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto. "Their locally inspired menu offered something for all fans to enjoy, and our collaborative partnership with the local craft breweries was a huge success."

ABOUT CENTERPLATE
Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." for more than 115 million guests each year in over 300 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America and the United Kingdom. Centerplate has provided event hospitality to 30 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 13 Super Bowls, 21 World Series, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the largest plated dinner in history. Recently, the company was named the fastest growing restaurant/hospitality group in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, and has recently expanded operations in the United Kingdom. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

About Honda Indy Toronto

The Honda Indy Toronto takes place annually on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 26 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a festival of live entertainment and interactive activities.

For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and 'Like' us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto.

SOURCE: Centerplate

Ashley Luneburg, [phone]

http://www.centerplate.com