American Express helps to dish up Taste of Toronto once again

TORONTO, April 14, 2015 /CNW/ - American Express Canada is proud to sponsor Taste of Toronto Festival for the second year in a row.  Once again, Cardmembers will have exclusive access to tasty benefits throughout the four day festival at Fort York as well as Front Of The Line access to tickets starting this Wednesday.

Taste launched in London in 2004, and has quickly grown into an international foodie phenomenon hosting these festivals in cities across the globe including Amsterdam, Dubai, Milan and Sydney.

Toronto's take on the festival runs from July 2^nd to 5^th and offers foodies the opportunity to taste unique dishes and interact with top local and international chefs including, Michael Bonacini, Jonathan Waxman, Carl Heinrich, and many more.  Fourteen of the city's hottest restaurants will dish up their finest fare over six half-day sessions.  Guests will also be able to browse the selection from artisan exhibitors, participate in live food demonstrations, interactive cooking classes and wine tastings, and enjoy live music.

In addition to the Front Of The Line presale access to tickets, American Express Cardmembers can also enjoy exclusive access to the following onsite benefits:

• American Express Priority Line: A dedicated Priority Line and VIP Fast Track line for Cardmembers
• American Express Lounge Access – Cardmembers, along with their guest, can take advantage of the exclusive lounge onsite where they can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks available throughout the event. As well as, additional special programming such as wine tasting, tea sampling, cheese tasting and more.
• Reserved Seating - 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 Franco Stalteri of Charlie's Burgers who will host wine tastings, among others.

American Express Cardmembers can also purchase Delights packages available through American Express Invites.  These packages provide admission to the festival as well as complimentary drinks, $30 worth of "Crowns" (Taste Festival Currency) and a choice of gift from the Taste Producers Market ranging from Barque Smokehouse BBQ sauces and rubs  to Walter's Caesar Mix.

American Express will also offer select Cardmembers special dining experiences that include a meet and greet with Michael Bonacini of Oliver & Bonacini or an exclusive dinner with Jonathan Waxman at Montecito. These packages also include VIP access to the Taste of Toronto Festival.

"Our relationship with Taste continues to serve as a testament to the ways American Express consistently delivers unique experiences to our Cardmembers every day," says David Barnes, Vice President of Advertising and Communications at American Express Canada. "We have seen a growing interest among our Cardmembers for unique dining experiences so we constantly strive to bring them offers that satisfy every palette." 

"Toronto embraced Taste with such enthusiasm last year that we are delighted to host this festival at Fort York once again," says Sam Galet, Vice-President, Managing Director, IMG Canada. "Our ongoing partnership with American Express was a natural fit as their commitment to creating unique experiences for their Cardmembers is what we hope to continue to offer to food-loving Torontonians."

American Express Invites unlocks memorable moments through advanced ticket presales, reserved ticket allotments, priority seating and unforgettable experiences.  Through the program, Cardmembers have access to entertainment, cultural, and culinary events like Taste of Toronto, across the country. 

About American Express in 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 American Express® Gold Rewards Card, and the American Express® AeroplanPlus® Gold Card. Amex Canada Inc. operates the Corporate Travel and Travellers Cheques divisions in Canada. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now employs 3,700 Canadians coast-to-coast. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada.

SOURCE American Express

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