If you’ve eaten at any of Whitby’s incredible local restaurants, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about!
Whitby is proud to be a part of Durham Region’s burgeoning culinary scene, and the array of chefs from around the world who now call Whitby home has left local diners spoiled for choice.
Nowhere is this more true than in Brooklin, where locals can sample multiple international cuisines while simply strolling along Baldwin Street. Now, the Town of Whitby is inviting diners to do exactly that.
This summer, Whitby launched the brand-new third edition of their award-winning Food Guide, which promotes some of the town’s finest dining options. In conjunction with the release of the guide, the Town launched two food tours – one for Brooklin in July, and one for Downtown Whitby in August with more to come in the Fall.
“As our community grows and evolves, local restaurants become a pillar of the community to nurture relationships and function as a place that feels like home away from home,” said tour guide Mainika Gera, owner of the Main Lifestyle brand. Gera will be running the tours herself, working alongside the teams at Explore Whitby and Durham Tourism.
“As development thrives, it’s important to value a community feel that is truly Whitby-esque and food is a great way to do just that,” she added.
We got a sneak peek of the Brooklin edition of the tour to visit some of the participating local vendors.
Bangrak
Bangrak Thai Street Food, located on Baldwin Street, has been serving up authentic Thai street food since 2019. Bangrak, which roughly translates to ‘village of love’ in English, delivers flavours that you won’t find at most North American-infused Thai places.
The Pad Ka Prao with chillies, basil, bell peppers, ground chicken or beef and rice is a particular favourite, as are the Crispy Pad Thai and the Spring Rolls. The food comes alive with flavours, so if you’re unfamiliar with Thai street food then get ready to let your palate go exploring.
The Goodberry and The Song Spot
The tour makes a brief stop at The Goodberry, where owner Sheila Corrigan serves up hot and cold beverages made in-house along with a variety of sandwiches, baked goods, and even soft serve ice cream. The cafe is a popular spot for locals looking to take a meeting, work quietly, or just enjoy a great cup of coffee.
Those on the tour will also be serenaded by young students from The Song Spot. The Song Spot is a private local music school on Baldwin offering students lessons in everything from piano and drums to guitar and ukulele. The Song Spot also offers a variety of youth theatre camps and other training programs to encourage young artists to flourish.
El Jefe De Pollo
The tour then moves on to El Jefe De Pollo, which opened its Whitby location in Brooklin in 2022. The restaurant offers a variety of chicken sandwiches and tacos (along with fish and oxtail options) featuring American, Latin, and Caribbean flavours. The food can get messy, but El Jefe himself has you covered! The restaurant offers all patrons disposable gloves so that they can enjoy with their mouths, and not their clothing!
Vitality Juice Co.
Photo courtesy of Vitality Juice Co.
Vitality Juice Co. opened in Brooklin in 2022 as a self-styled juice and elixir bar, serving up some of the healthiest natural non-alcoholic cocktails. Vitality’s juices are organic, cold-pressed and unpasteurized. Those on the tour will get to sample three of the many different varieties that the cafe has to offer.
Cupcake Junkie
Photo courtesy of Cupcake Junkie Canada
Cupcake Junkie, nestled just off Baldwin, has been serving some of the region’s favourite baked goods since they opened a decade ago at their former location in downtown Whitby. They offer all varieties of cupcakes, along with miniature cakes, cheesecakes, and other sweet treats.
If you get a craving but can’t make it to Brooklin, Cupcake Junkie also has items for sale at the Oshawa Centre, and in Port Perry. Best of all? They’re entirely peanut and tree nut-free. Cupcake Junkie can also cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan clients upon request.
The Station
The Station is a traditional European bakery, but they’re not afraid to lean into some of the Latin influences of their owners and staff. Along with traditional sandwiches, coffees, and a wide array of baked goods (hint: try the Portuguese custard tarts!), they are also proud to offer traditional Latin empanadas.
The empanadas, which currently come in beef or chicken (with a veggie option soon to come), are a point of pride for the owners. The empanadas keep them connected to their roots and allow them an opportunity to share their culture alongside the European delicacies. They are also naturally gluten-free, so a great snack choice for anyone with those dietary restrictions.
Banter & Co. Brewing
Since you’ve undoubtedly worked up a thirst by this point in the tour, whet your whistle at the next stop, Banter & Co. Brewing. Since opening in 2022, Banter has been brewing a variety of beers including ales, pilsners, sours and ciders which can be enjoyed in a pint, or as part of a flight.
Those on the tour will get to try the beloved raspberry ale, but curious shoppers can grab some take-home from the fridge for purchase before heading out the door. Banter has also gained a reputation for their ample space in the Victoria Place plaza, and a nice weather day certainly calls for a relaxing seat on their large patio.
Corrado’s Restaurant and Bar
Corrado’s Italian restaurant has become a staple of Brooklin fare over the years, and with good reason! Chef Corrado Tomarchio boasts the best arancini (cheesy rice balls) outside of Italy, and one bite will tell you that he’s certainly in contention.
Since 2010, Corrado has been serving his devoted patrons some of the finest flavours of his native Italy such as authentic pizzas and pastas, calamari, veal parmigiana, and a variety of chicken dishes as well. Just remember to save room for the tiramisu!
Tip Top Creamery
The tour ends with everyone’s favourite summer treat – ice cream! Tip Top Creamery, nestled on the north end of historic Grass Park, offers over 40 flavours of Kawartha Dairy’s finest creations in cups, cones, or sundaes. For those dairy sensitive, Tip Top also has lactose-free flavours, along with a variety of dairy-free sorbets. Enjoy your ice cream while looking at some of the beautiful sidewalk art located just outside the park. The hardest choice you’ll have to make is picking a flavour!
Take The Tour
Keep your eyes out for information about upcoming tours by visiting the Whitby Food Tour website. And, as Gera herself recommends, “come hungry!”
While you’re out eating your way through Durham Region, we’d love to hear where you dined and what you loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!
Durham Region has lots to explore and discover. Check out the Durham Region Discovery Guide for more travel inspiration!