Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a Visit Florida event in Toronto, held at Cirillo’s Academy, right next to the St. Lawrence Market. The invite promised a fun-filled cooking workshop: “Get your chef’s hat ready and join us for a fun-filled cooking workshop! Sizzle, stir, and savour a taste of Florida’s best flavours with top chefs and delicious recipes.” And let me tell you, the event lived up to its promise.
Cirillo’s Academy
Cirillo’s Academy is a culinary event space tailored for large group cooking parties, offering a space for anyone looking to entertain clients, employees, or friends. It was a perfect setting for this event, allowing us to feel like home cooks, gathered around the kitchen island and diving into some of Florida’s most iconic dishes. The evening not only rekindled my love for Florida but also gave me the chance to reconnect with fellow travel writers and industry professionals.
Did You Know? Canadians Love Florida!
Fun fact: Canadians are Florida’s number one international market! Yes, we love to “snowbird” there, and why wouldn’t we? It’s only a short flight for us Torontonians. To get to the southernmost point, Miami, it’s just a 3 1/4-hour trip. After the longest COVID lockdown of any country, we briefly slipped to #2 (with the UK taking our spot), but we quickly reclaimed our top spot as soon as we could! As you know, I have a long love affair with Florida that started in high school. But let’s save that story for another day. However, if you haven’t read my Florida Series from earlier this year – you can find it here!
The Six Culinary Stations
The evening was divided into six cooking stations, each highlighting a different region of Florida and its signature dish. By some serendipity, I ended up at the Miami station, which felt just right considering how much time I spend there, not to mention my role on the board of the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO). The dish we prepared was the Cubano Sandwich—an iconic meal with a deep cultural significance in Miami.
Miami – Cubano Sandwich
Photo Credit: Vivian Vassos
Chef John Cirillo
The Cubano sandwich is a symbol of Miami’s rich Cuban heritage. Miami’s Cuban community dates back to the 1960s when many Cuban exiles fled to the city, bringing with them their vibrant culture and food. The sandwich, made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, is a beloved staple at almost every Cuban café in Miami. A fun fact? While Miami claims the Cubano, Tampa also has its own version that includes salami! The Cubano sandwich not only represents the flavours of Miami but also embodies the diverse cultural melting pot that defines the city.
Martin County – Fish Tostado with Guacamole and Salsa
Martin County is known for its pristine coastlines and fantastic fishing. With the Indian River Lagoon running through the county, it’s home to a variety of fish species, making seafood a key element of the local cuisine. The fish tostado we made reflects this connection to fresh, local ingredients and the vibrant flavours found in coastal Florida. Did you know that Martin County is part of the Florida Treasure Coast, where shipwrecked Spanish galleons left behind treasures still found on the beaches today? The fresh fish here is a daily treasure for both locals and visitors.
Fort Myers Islands and Beaches – Key Lime Pie Parfait
The Fort Myers area is famed for its stunning beaches, shell-covered shores, and, of course, the key lime pie! While Key West may take credit for the origin of key lime pie, Fort Myers and its neighboring islands offer some of the best variations of this dessert. Here’s a sweet fact: the key lime pie is Florida’s official state pie, and it’s traditionally made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and the juice of tiny yellow key limes that grow throughout the region.
Pensacola – Shrimp and Grits
Pensacola is one of Florida’s oldest cities, with a rich maritime history and a bustling seafood scene. Shrimp and grits are a staple here, a dish that showcases the area’s fresh Gulf shrimp. This comforting dish has its roots in the Lowcountry cuisine of the American South, but in Pensacola, it takes on a coastal twist. A trivia-worthy tidbit: Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags,” having been under Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American rule at various points in history. This blend of cultures is reflected in the diverse flavors found in its regional dishes.
Kissimmee – Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Horseradish Mayo
Kissimmee, located near Orlando, is known for its family-friendly attractions and Southern-inspired cuisine. The beef sliders with caramelized onions and horseradish mayo we prepared reflect the region’s love for hearty, flavor-packed meals. While Kissimmee is famous for its proximity to theme parks, it’s also part of Florida’s cattle country. Fun fact: Florida was home to the first cattle ranching in the U.S., dating back to the 1500s when Spanish explorers brought livestock to the region. These sliders pay homage to Kissimmee’s ranching roots and the area’s down-to-earth culinary traditions.
Visit Lauderdale – Fried Calamari and Fresh Vegetable Skewers
Last but not least, the Visit Lauderdale station brought us fried calamari and fresh vegetable skewers. Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant dining scene that’s heavily influenced by its coastal location and multicultural population. The calamari represents the bounty of fresh seafood that the Atlantic Ocean provides. Here’s a fun tidbit: Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its extensive canal system. The city’s seafood scene is just as diverse as its waterways, and calamari is a staple on many menus, adding a Mediterranean flair to South Florida’s cuisine.
Beyond the cooking and eating, it was a wonderful reminder of how tourism and food play pivotal roles in connecting people to places and supporting local economies. With each dish, we savoured not just Florida’s best flavours but also the stories and traditions behind them. And that, dear readers, is the true beauty of travel and food—experiencing the world one bite at a time.
As you embark on your travels, remember that our journey leaves an impact. Embrace eco-friendly accommodations, support local communities, and reduce plastic use. Respect wildlife by observing from afar and conserve resources like water and energy. Choose sustainable transportation, leave no trace behind, and participate in conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others about the environment you’re exploring. Let’s ensure that we tread lightly on our planet, leaving only footprints of kindness and taking home memories that inspire others to protect our beautiful world. Happy responsible travels!