This Saturday August 5, one of Ottawa’s best ‘fests is hitting the Shaw Centre with a flavourful bang. The fourth annual TacoFest will unite some of the city’s best chefs under one roof to showcase their individual interpretations of the glorious taco. This is a food fusion extravaganza, with an emphasis on fusing Mexican styles with the flavours of the world. Expect to see original tacos from Occo Kitchen, Kinki, Streat Gourmet, Aperitivo, Petit Peru, Angry Dragonz, Meat Press, Baccanalle and more! There will be 25 restaurants, 3 of them serving dessert tacos (yes, Dessert. Tacos.) I’ve also been told that there will be a vendor selling pupusas, so you’ll know where to find me.
This is definitely a huge fiesta, complete with DJs spinning tunes and a large cash bar featuring wine, spirits, and local beers. Be sure to bring your ID as this is a 19+ event. Dress code is casual, but anything goes!
Advance tickets are $10 each, and you can purchase them through Eventbrite. There are two entry time slots: 4-6pm and 7-11pm. Taco lovers are expected to show up within the time written on their tickets but can stay as long as they wish. Challenge accepted. Tickets will be available for $15 at the door throughout each time slot and subject to capacity. This is a cash only event. There are ATMs on site, but save yourself taco eating time and arrive with cash. Tacos are priced between $2-5 and you pay the vendors directly.
This event is a fan favourite, and as a TacoFest veteran, I encourage you to bring your crew, bring your appetite, and just try all of the options available. Get into the shortest lines, and order whatever looks best to you. It will be amazing. If you are still craving a good old fashioned Mexican taco after the food coma passes, check out our Best Of Tacos article.
TacoFest takes place August 5 at the Shaw Centre with two time slots: 4-6pm and 7-11pm. Tickets are available online for $10 or at the door for $15. Be sure to bring cash to pay each taco vendor directly.
