Summerlicious: The Student Edition

As University students, I think most of us could agree on three things;

1. We like to save money
2. We like to eat
3. We don’t like to cook

Forms kind of an oxymoron doesn’t it?  Last week I decided to explore a Toronto event that might be the cure to this seemingly improbable situation; Toronto’s 2014 Summerlicious. Summerlicious is a city-wide program that offers delicious food at exceptional prices. Over 200 restaurants throughout the city of Toronto participate in the program by offering a unique menu for a fixed price. It’s an opportunity for people to explore restaurants outside their comfort, and price, range. For me however, it was an excuse to try a new restaurant, and some yummy new food, all in the hopes of sharing it with you!

There are well over 30 restaurants within walking distance of U of T, ranging in price and location. I decided to try out Insomnia Restaurant and Lounge at 563 Bloor St. W.  Insomnia’s Summerlicious menu offered a 3 course dinner, including a starter, main, and dessert for $25, including taxes and gratuity. I started off with a smoked chicken taco on a soft tortilla with avocado, chipotle aioli, and a mass of other delicious ingredients. I thought I was already sufficiently full after just the starter, until I saw this delicious plate come through the restaurant. The insomnia burger is an Ontario grown beef patty with all the fixings, served with hands-down some of the best french fries I’ve had. (dipped in the garlic aioli I think I would have paid $25 just for a bucket of these!) Luckily I had some friends around to help me with the final course, a pink velvet cake which is essentially a glorified excuse to eat about a pound of cream cheese icing. Regardless, it was delicious.

So while I walked out of the restaurant about 5 pounds heavier, my wallet wasn’t quite as light as if I had gone to Insomnia on a normal day. To get the exact same meal, including tax and gratuity, you would pay $36.39 - which means I saved around $11. I think Summerlicious is a great way to get out in the city and explore some restaurants that are normally out of your comfort zone, or better yet out of your price range. Some restaurants even offer a 3 course $15 lunch! The event runs until the end of this week, so make sure to check it out - and share it with me on twitter if you do! I know that I already have a couple places I want to check out before it’s over, but how about you? Are there any restaurants participating in Summerlicious that you’re dying to try? Let me know in the comments below!