Food lovers feast on third annual Taste of Toronto Festival, sponsored by American Express

TORONTO, March 31, 2016 /CNW/ - American Express Canada is proud to be a Major Sponsor of the Taste of Toronto Festival for the third year in a row.  Once again, Cardmembers will have exclusive access to delicious benefits through American Express Invites across the four day festival at Garrison Common at Fort York, including Front Of The Line access to tickets and a special Cardmember offer starting today.

"We know our Cardmembers are passionate about food and dining, so partnering with Taste of Toronto for a third year in a row is a perfect fit," says David Barnes, Vice President of Advertising and Communications at American Express Canada. "As always, we're providing our Cardmembers with an elevated experience at the festival, from advanced presale and lounge access to an exclusive Cardmember offer, and much more."

Taste launched in London, England in 2004, and has since grown into an international foodie phenomenon hosting these festivals in cities across the globe including Amsterdam, Dubai, Milan and Sydney. Toronto is the only North American destination of this tour.

Toronto's take on the third annual festival runs from June 23^rd to June 26^th and offers food lovers the opportunity to taste unique dishes, attend hands on cooking classes, and interact with top local chefs including, Kazuya Matsuoka of Miku, Carl Heinrich of Richmond Station, Mark McEwan of McEwan Group, Victor Berry of Piano Piano, and many more. Over 20 of the city's most sought after restaurants will prepare their finest fare over six half-day sessions.  In addition to sampling unique offerings, guests will also be able to participate in live food demonstrations, gain tips and tricks from the best chefs in Toronto, attend interactive wine tastings, and enjoy live music.

Through American Express Invites, Cardmembers not only enjoy access to Front Of The Line tickets and a special Cardmember package*, they, along with their guests, can also take advantage of exclusive access to the following onsite benefits:

• American Express Priority Line**: Cardmembers can enjoy a dedicated priority line for faster entry into the festival
• American Express Lounge Access**¹: Cardmembers can take advantage of the exclusive lounge onsite where they can enjoy complimentary water and snacks available throughout the event, along with a private bar area and special programming sessions
• Reserved Seating**²: There will be reserved, front row seating available on a first come, first served basis for American Express Cardmembers at the live demonstrations and special events for the Taste Theatre, Tasting Room and Metro Master Class events. Participating chefs include Mark McEwan at the Taste Theatre, Carl Heinrich and Ryan Donovan at the Metro Master Class event, and Jamie Drummond, who will host wine tastings, among others.

American Express Cardmembers can also purchase a Delights package* available through American Express Invites for any of the six (6) half-day sessions¹.  The package includes two (2) general admissions tickets², $25 "Crowns" currency (Taste Festival currency) ³, and a $50 McEwan Group Giftcard (valid for use offsite at any of the McEwan Group restaurants and stores. Not valid for use at Taste of Toronto Festival) ⁴

Select Cardmembers will also be offered a special dining experience that includes a Master Chef class with Cory Vitiello of Harbord room.  This package also includes VIP access to the Taste of Toronto Festival.

"We've seen an overwhelming response to the Taste of Toronto Festival for the past two years  and we are so happy to host this festival again for a third year," says Heidi Ladell , Senior Vice President, Global Head of Culinary. "Our ongoing partnership with American Express comes naturally as we're both committed to giving Cardmembers access to one-of-a-kind experiences and a front row seat at our table, Toronto's Tastiest Restaurant Festival."

Beyond Taste of Toronto, American Express Invites unlocks other memorable moments for its Cardmembers through advanced ticket presales, reserved ticket allotments, priority seating and unforgettable experiences.  Go to amexinvites.ca to learn more.

Terms and Conditions

*Offer only available to American Express^® Cardmembers and payment must be charged to an American Express Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada.

**Admittance granted with an American Express Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada.

**¹ Lounge access subject to capacity.

**² Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (4 seats per class). The seats will be held up to 15 minutes before the sessions begin.

¹Tickets are for individual sessions. The event takes place over 4 days (Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 – Sunday, June 26th, 2016), consisting of 6 different sessions: Thursday (June 23rd): 5:30PM – 9:30PM, Friday & Saturday (June 24th & 25th): 12:00PM – 4:00PM & 5:30PM – 10:00PM, Sunday (June 26th): 12:00PM - 5:00PM. Cardmembers select which of the 6 sessions they would like to attend.

²Subject to availability and to event and ticketing agent terms, conditions and fees. Service charge and applicable taxes are not included. Cannot be exchanged, resold or refunded.

³Crowns are the official dining currency at Taste of Toronto. If you wish to purchase a dish from the restaurants or drinks from the bars, Crowns will be the only accepted method of payment. ($1 = 1 Crown)

⁴McEwan Group GiftCards are only valid for use at the following properties: One, ByMark, North 44)°, Fabbrica and McEwan (Dons Mills and TD Centre locations). Physical Giftcards must be presented at the time of redemption and are valid at participating McEwen group properties after June 26th, 2016. Giftcards can be used during hours of operation from Monday to Sunday and do not have an expiration date. Cardmembers should check the McEwen group website at http://mcewangroup.ca/ to access property locations and hours. Giftcards are not redeemable for cash value and cannot be combined with any other McEwen group promotions.

About American Express Canada

American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express charge and credit cards, with outstanding products like The SimplyCash ™ Card from American Express ©, The American Express® Gold Rewards Card, and the American Express® AeroplanPlus® Gold Card. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada and YouTube.com/AmericanExpressCAD

SOURCE American Express Canada

For further information: Erica Tiangco, American Express Canada, 416-320-3049, [e-mail]