ribfest

DO NOT GO TO THIS FUNNEL CAKE TRUCK!
Making racial generalizations against your customers is not acceptable.

Just two days ago, we posted about Toronto Ribfest, an event we’ve attended loyally and loved for over five years. The good news is, the people who run the rib stands are fun and friendly and the ribs are still delicious.

However, this year we were sorely disappointed for three reasons:

1) New this year, there are members of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke that block your way at the entrance, making everyone feel like it’s a requirement to make a donation to the club to enter. Considering Ribfest is touted at having no entrance fee, this solicitation feels rather hypocritical. If the donation is voluntary, it shouldn’t feel mandatory. Simply pointing people to the plastic pig that accepts donations would be much less confrontational. Even the family behind us complained, calling it false advertisement. The rotary member started back-pedaling and claiming the donation was voluntary. If people are making the assumption it’s not, your tactics are too aggressive. Please reconsider.

2) While economic times are tough, the lemonade stands don’t seem understand this. We LOVE the lemonade at Ribfest, and it was already steep with a Small costing $3 and a Large going for $5. However, this year, they’ve significantly raised the prices with a small now going for $4, and a large for $7!! We find this outrageous.

3)  Lastly, we were taking some photos of the sights and planned on blogging about the ribs of course, and the delicious funnel cake. But it seems the one of the employees (man on the left below) thought taking photos at Ribfest was a serious offense. He became belligerent to a member of our party, pretty much refused to serve us, and then to add insult to insult, he spat out: “And one more thing, it’s always the Orientals who are taking photos.”

We feel this was uncalled for, and treating your customers in this manner is completely unacceptable. Spread the word.

Strap on those bibs and pack your wet-naps! It’s that time of year again – the one and only event that should matter to rib-lovers from all walks of life. Toronto Ribfest runs from June 26 – July 1 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke (open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). If you’ve never been and you’re a pork-eater, I highly recommend it. I’ve been about four times, and you never forget the first time you walk in and see so many rib & barbeque stands — it literally fills a football field. Here’s an example of two stands from last year (there will be 14 ribber stands in total this year).

And of course, we must talk about the succulent ribs. The best way to go is in a big group, because the social aspect of this event almost outweighs the meat itself. Each person purchases a rack of ribs ($20) from a different stand, then you lay them all out on the table, try each one, and debate your favourites. It’s surprising how much they can vary in taste — some are smokey, others extra saucy or sweet, and last year my favourite had a hint of blue cheese. Some ribbers to try are: Carolina Rib King, Gators, Uncle Sam’s and Camp 31, Bad Wolf and Bibb’s.

But it’s not only about the ribs, there’s also delicious lemonade or cool beer to wash it all down, grilled corn, and also pulled-pork sandwiches, brisket or chicken. If you can manage, there’s plenty of funnel cake, mini donuts and other sweet delights. There are also live bands, rides, and on Canada Day I hear they have fireworks. It can get very busy (it attracts over 100,000 visitors) and the later you go, the longer the lines. But it’s completely worth it and you’ll want to return year after year. Plus, where else can your friends pose like a champ with a pig trophy?

UPDATE: We visited Ribfest this year on Saturday, June 27, and unfortunately were disappointed with the experience compared to previous years. Read our post about Regretting Ribfest in Toronto here.