#FOOD: FICOA X MINAMI TORONTO COLLABO

 In honour of National Espresso Day on November 23, Ficoa is gearing up for the ultimate coffee-inspired bar battle with Minami Toronto. Happening on November 20 at 6PM at Ficoa, the second consecutive Bar Battle will pit two top Toronto mixologists together – Nick Meyer, regional beverage director for Minami Toronto and Mauricio Lopez, head bartender at Ficoa. Generously sponsored by True Theory Vodka and Hatch Specialty Coffee , the next bar battle in the ongoing series will be a fierce yet fun contest, in which the two create the best coffee-themed cocktails. 

For $45 per person (plus taxes), guests can expect a high energy face-off as each bartender stirs and shakes his way to impress. And of course each of the delicious creations will be enjoyed by guests who will also have say in who the winner is by voting in the “People’s Choice” part of the bar battle. The drinks will be complemented by an irresistible selection of snacks, thoughtfully curated by Ficoa’s head chef, Gerry Quintero to enhance the bartender’s caffeinated concontions. Drawing inspiration from Ontario’s microseasons and his Mexican heritage, Quintero will craft an eclectic array of bites that embody his culinary philosophy at Ficoa—playful, dynamic, and sustainable. These will be laid out in different sections of Ficoa’s space, allowing guests to move and graze as they become fully immersed in the experience of Ficoa, thoughtfully designed to holistically engage guests in the ultimate sensory experience.

Nick Meyer, shared his excitement ahead of the event: “I’m thrilled to be competing with Mauricio [Lopez] at Ficoa. The bar battle concept is always a fun challenge, and I’m planning on winning!”    The night will conclude with a panel of distinguished judges, including cocktail expert Brenton Mowforth, renowned for his acclaimed Instagram persona @cheerstohappyhour, who will decide which bartender claims the title of Best Coffee Cocktail. Guests will have a chance to vote for their favourite cocktail of the evening. The winners of both the judges’ vote and the audience vote will each take home bragging rights.  

Known for its upscale, Mexican-inspired fine dining, Ficoa’s culinary philosophy celebrates Toronto’s cultural diversity and Ontario’s micro-seasons. Chef Gerry Quintero uses sustainable techniques like fermentation and dry-ageing to create inventive, seasonal menus that maximise the potential of every ingredient. This commitment to craftsmanship and creativity will be on full display during the coffee-themed bar battle as the competing mixologists aim to impress.  

The vodka sponsor for this event, True Theory is a hand-crafted vodka made with locally sourced ingredients and water. The brand uses a unique distillation process to create a high-quality spirit. All its grains are sourced from Canadian farms, reflecting a strong commitment to both quality and community. Focusing on care and craftsmanship, the brand makes sure each bottle stands out. 

The coffee sponsor for this event, Hatch Specialty Coffee prioritises building strong relationships with coffee growers and importers to select high-quality beans for its products. The roasting style, inspired by Scandinavian light roasts, brings out the unique flavour profiles of each coffee origin.  

Tickets for the Bar Battle at Ficoa can be purchased HERE.   

About Ficoa

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Ficoa stands as a testament to Toronto’s rich cultural tapestry with its eclectic fine dining offerings. Chef Gerry Quintero, the visionary behind Ficoa, joins forces with co-founder Patricia Toro to curate a culinary journey that celebrates Toronto’s multicultural food scene. Drawing from Quintero’s Mexican roots and Toro’s Ecuadorian heritage, Ficoa stands out as Toronto’s premier destination for multifarious season-focused fine dining. Soft launched in March this year, Ficoa has quickly become synonymous with hospitality, drawing parallels to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of dining at grandma’s house.

About Minami Toronto

Located in the heart of the financial district, Minami Toronto stands out as a premier destination for contemporary Japanese bites. Part of the ABURI Restaurants Canada family, Minami is renowned for the ABURI Group’s signature flame-seared sushi that has quickly become synonymous with contemporary Japanese fine dining.