There are interesting culinary events happening all around town during the festival. The neuroscience of molecular gastronomy is being discussed at the Reiss gallery on February 1st and 2nd for those of you interested in the science of taste. Tented Moroccan cuisine with appetite inducing belly dancers is being served at Casablanca for $75 per person. Visit www.thesultanstent.com for more information. Leave it to the Drake to take the cake, though. “Guilty Pleasures IV: Fashion + Food = Fabulous!” is having three seatings during the morning and early afternoon of February 2nd. The $35 brunch comes complete with a fashion show, exclusive shopping and a goody bag to boot. Tickets are selling out like a Madonna tour though so hurry if you’re interested.

The highlight of the Winterlicious Chef’s Series is the ten-course dinner being prepared by Executive Chefs Claudio Aprile of Toronto’s Colborne Lane and Curtis Duffy of Chicago’s Alinea and Charlie Trotters. It’s not everyday two fabulous chefs collaborate on ten courses. It’s bound to be one of the best meals ever served. Dinner is served on January 28th and 29th at 6pm. Tickets are $150 per person with an extra $50 for wine pairings. Your taste buds will assure you it’s worth every penny. Call 416-368-9009 for tickets.

Be sure to book your reservations and buy your tickets before you decide to embark on the environmental crisis convo. It will be a more manageable topic on a full, happy stomach. –J.T.