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.
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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.
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:
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.
Includes St. Jamestown and Regent Park
Includes Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park
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.
There is bike access via Rosedale Valley Road, which extends off Aylmer Avenue, running east from Yonge Street just south of Rosedale subway station.
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.
From the Bloor–Danforth Subway and South Rosedale.
25 to 30 minutes, with a relatively gradual descent into the valley.
From the Yonge Subway Line and North Rosedale.
Includes St. Jamestown and Regent Park
Includes Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
You can pay at the meter, online, or through the app.
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.
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.
Parking fees help support various programs, such as Nature Play, our free Shuttle Bus, and other great Evergreen workshops and events.
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.
Q: Is this indoors or outdoors?
Q: How can there be a whole event just for garlic and desserts?
Q: Is this event appropriate for a Valentines date?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Will there be items I can buy as Valentines gifts?
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?
Q: Will there be accessible washrooms?
Q: Is the festival accessible?
Q: Are there places to sit?
Q: Will there be free water?
Q: What kind of food will be available?
Q: Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
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?
Q: Can I bring my dog?
Q: How can I stay updated on festival news?
Q: How do I volunteer at The Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair?