The Black Garlic & chocolate affair

The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair is a rendezvous celebrating the unexpected romance between two unlikely partners—mysterious black garlic and decadent chocolate. Their union defies expectations, teasing the senses with new flavor combinations and indulgent whispers of bliss. Let your taste buds fall head over heels for a love story as unique as it is unforgettable. Curated by Toronto Garlic Festival, this one-of-a-kind inaugural Valentine’s event takes place Saturday Feb 1, 2025  at Evergreen Brick Works.

Garlic and Chocolate? Black garlic and chocolate might seem like opposites, but their flavors create a surprisingly harmonious balance. Past Toronto Garlic Festival creations like Laura Slack’s black garlic-infused Lestat Truffle and Brandon Olsen’s Coffee, Black Garlic, and Passion Fruit Truffle show how black garlic elevates desserts. But not just black garlic. Discover more about the science behind the sweet synchronicity of  black garlic and chocolate and other desserts here.

KEY INFO

Date and Location of the Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair:

Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Evergreen Brick Works in the Young Centre (indoors) 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto Ontario M4W 3X8

Hours: From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

FREE ADMISSION

The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair is hosted alongside Toronto’s largest year-round farmers market at Evergreen Brick Works! Get fresh garlic and black garlic from local farmers including: Samsara Farms, Loco Fields, Joyfully Organic Farms, and Agápe Farmgates. 

 

Getting To The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair

This information is taken from the Evergreen Brick Works website

The free Shuttle Bus runs seven days a week, all year round. It departs every 30-45 minutes from Broadview Subway Station Parkette, located on Erindale Avenue next to Broadview Station. Our Shuttle Bus is kindly operated by our Placemaking Partner, Mulmer Services Ltd.

Google Map: Showing the Evergreen Shuttle Bus near Broadview Subway Station Parkette.

The Shuttle Bus is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not permitted on the Shuttle Bus, but service animals such as guide dogs are welcome.

The Shuttle Bus has a limited capacity of 20 seated and 6 standing. For large groups, including visiting schools, please be aware that the Shuttle Bus is a key method of transportation for staff and tenants working at the Brick Works and members of the public. As a result, priority will be given to such individuals upon boarding at any time of day. This may require your group to take two or more trips at peak times.

There are three steps to get into the shuttle bus. If you are not able to lift your walker or stroller on your own, we recommend having a support worker to assist you. Please click
here to see Mulmer Services Ltd.’s accessibility policy.

Important Notes:

    • The Shuttle Bus will only pick up and drop off at scheduled stops/locations.
    • Weather and traffic conditions may impact shuttle schedule times.

There are several ways to get to Evergreen Brick Works by bike. Check out the City of Toronto’s Cycling Network Map or try our suggestions below.

Trail Maps:

 

Bayview Avenue:

Bayview Avenue is accessible from Pottery Road to the north or River Street to the south. Beechwood Drive (running north from O’Connor, east of Broadview) also offers access via the Lower Don Trail and Pottery Road.

 

Rosedale:

There is bike access via Rosedale Valley Road, which extends off Aylmer Avenue, running east from Yonge Street just south of Rosedale subway station.

 

Beltline Trail:

The Beltline Trail is accessible from several spots, the closest being Milkman’s Run, north of Castle Frank Subway Station. Note: This route is generally impassable by bike in winter.

Milkman’s Lane:

From the Bloor–Danforth Subway and South Rosedale.
25 to 30 minutes, with a relatively gradual descent into the valley.

Directions

    • From Castle Frank Subway Station, follow Castle Frank Road north, past Hawthorne Gardens.
    • Head west on Elm Avenue to South Drive. Head north, past the entrance to Cragleigh Gardens. The entrance to the Milkman’s Lane trail is on the right.
    • Follow the trail downhill to the Beltline Trail. Continue east, following the signs for Moore Park Ravine, all the way to Evergreen Brick Works.
    • Note: Ignore all the little paths down the slope. Be patient! Watch for a maintained trail with a sign at the top of it.

 

Chorley Park:

From the Yonge Subway Line and North Rosedale.

 

Directions

    • From Rosedale Station, take the 82 Rosedale bus to Chorley Park, which is on Douglas Drive.
    • Walk east across the park to where the black fence ends and the trail begins. Follow the paved trail to the right and take the stairs down the slope.
    • At the bottom of the stairs, continue following the paved trail, taking the lower branch where it forks. There will be a path to your right near the end of the pavement, which joins up with the main trail.
    • Take the Beltline Trail south to the entrance to Evergreen Brick Works.

 

Trail Maps

TTC service is available via the 28 Bayview South bus from Davisville subway station.

It runs from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. For more information, please see the TTC website.

Pets are permitted if they’re leashed or in a carrier. This route is wheelchair accessible.

There are three parking lots on-site, managed by INDIGO Park. Paid parking is in effect 7 days a week:

Parking Costs

      • 30 mins — $2
      • 1 hour — $4
      • 2 hours — $8
      • Full day — $10

Please note that because parking on-site is limited and fills up quickly on peak days (Saturdays and Sundays), we recommend considering other methods of getting here. You are welcome to call ahead at 416-596-7670 to inquire about the availability of parking spots on specific days.

Parking is not permitted on Bayview Avenue. Parking on Bayview is very unsafe and is signed “No Parking.” City staff are obligated to issue parking tickets in this area.

If you must come by car, please consider reducing the environmental impact by sharing your ride.

All proceeds raised from parking help Evergreen deliver accessible programming and keep the Brick Works site running. Thank you for your support.

 

Getting There By Car

      • From Downtown: It is easiest to access Bayview Avenue from River Street, which runs north from King Street and joins Bayview just north of Gerrard Street.
      • From the Don Valley Parkway: Take the exit for Bloor Street/Bayview Avenue and head north on Bayview for 300 metres until you come to Evergreen Brick Works.
      • From East York: The easiest way to approach Bayview Avenue from the east is via Pottery Road, which runs between Broadview Avenue (north of Bloor) and Bayview Avenue. Travel 700 metres south on Bayview until you come to Evergreen Brick Works on your right.

Did you know that all revenue generated from paid parking at Evergreen Brick Works goes directly towards running the site and beloved free programming such as Weekend Nature Play and Public Skating? By paying for parking, you are supporting Evergreen’s work in creating great public places for the health of people and our planet.

Indigo is the parking authority onsite and will ticket cars that have not paid for parking. Onsite you will find two parking stations in the central lot and one in the east lot. There are three different ways to pay for parking:

Option 1 – Scan the QR code:

    1. Scan the QR code at the parking station with your phone.
    2. Once you’re on the Indigo webpage, input:
        • The duration of your stay.
        • Your email address or phone number.
        • Your vehicle’s license plate number.
        • Your card details.
    3. Confirm purchase.
    4. You will then receive an e-receipt.

 

Option 2 – Download the Indigo Neo app:

  1. Download the Indigo Neo app.
  2. Complete the registration process.
  3. Select Evergreen Brick Works.
  4. Select the duration of your stay.
  5. Confirm purchase.

 

Option 3 – Pay at the parking station:

  1. Follow the prompts on the parking station’s screen.
  2. Select the duration of your stay.
  3. Enter your vehicle’s license plate number.
  4. Pay (receipts do not need to be displayed).
  5. Receipt prints on the bottom left of the machine.

 

Parking FAQ

What are the parking rates?

For 1 hour it costs $5; For 2 hours it costs $10, or for a full day it costs $15.

As parking on-site is limited and fills up quickly on peak days (Saturdays and Sundays), we recommend considering other methods of getting here. You are welcome to call ahead at 416-596-7670 to inquire about the availability of parking spots on specific days.

Is there a fee to enter/how much is parking?

While we do not have admission fees to Evergreen Brick Works, those who are driving to the site will need to pay for parking. At the meter, it is $10 per day.

How do I pay for parking?

You can pay at the meter, online, or through the app.

 

 

My ticket didn’t print – how will they know I paid?

Your payment is logged in the database, and Indigo staff can look up your license plate to verify payment. If you are unsure that your transaction was successful, check your bank statement.

If you require a receipt for any reason, please contact Indigo Parking directly for more information:
https://ca.parkindigo.com/en/faq.

How/what do I do if I get a ticket?

Instructions can be found on the ticket. Evergreen cannot dispute a ticket on your behalf. Should you have any questions, you can follow up with Indigo Parking.

For disputes, contact: toronto.appeals@group-indigo.com.

Why do I have to pay for parking/Where does the money go?

Parking fees help support various programs, such as Nature Play, our free Shuttle Bus, and other great Evergreen workshops and events.

Why can’t I pay cash?

Due to our location and limited hours, we are unable to handle cash transactions on-site.

*Evergreen Brick Works does not manage parking.
For more information, visit: https://ca.parkindigo.com/en/faq.


When I’m at the Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair

Q: Is this indoors or outdoors?

A: The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair is indoors.
 

Q: How can there be a whole event just for garlic and desserts?

A: There are many interesting and delicious flavour combinations when garlic is roasted or goes through the Maillard Reaction. These processes produce sugars and other properties that are similar to the properties that found in caramel, chocolate, coffee. For example when chocolate is infused with black garlic the flavour result is not only complementary, but heightened. Since 2011 Toronto Garlic Festival has featured desserts made with roasted and black garlic and other forms of garlic.
 

Q: Is this event appropriate for a Valentines date?

A: Absolutely!

Q: Will there be items I can buy as Valentines gifts?

A: Yes, many vendors will be selling chocolates and other items that are great gift ideas.
 

Q:: What vendors and activities will be there?

A: Vendor details to be announced soon.

Q: Will there be Ontario garlic for sale, and what are the prices?

A: All the garlic for sale at The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair is grown in Ontario. Each farmer sets their own prices.
 

Q: Will there be accessible washrooms?

A: Yes, there will be accessible washrooms.
 

Q: Is the festival accessible?

A: Yes, the festival location is wheelchair accessible.
 

Q: Are there places to sit?

A: Yes, there will be places to sit.
 

Q: Will there be free water?

A: Yes, there is a water fountain.
 

Q: What kind of food will be available?

A: While the focus of The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair is garlic and desserts, there will also be savoury items for sale.
 

Q: Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?

A: Yes, there will be options for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free. To be sure, please inquire at each food vendor’s booth for specific dietary accommodations.
 

Q: How long can I store my Ontario garlic?

A: Garlic grown in Ontario can store for several months, under the right conditions. Ask the farmer when you are making your purchase.

Q: Are there activities for children?

A: Yes, eating chocolate.
 

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Only dogs that are registered support dogs can be allowed to the event.
 

Q: How can I stay updated on festival news?

A: Follow the Toronto Garlic Festival on social media or visit the official website for the latest updates on vendors, activities, and schedules.
 

Q: How do I volunteer at The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair?

A: Volunteers are welcome. Please apply here: