It has been more than 20 years since we first set out in search of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants, sending one food writer on the ultimate food trip across the country to dine under an alias – entirely on our tab. Restaurants have just one night to make an impression, with special treatment and freebies completely off the table.
The annual search starts with our national panel of culinary experts, who tip us off on recent openings in their regions – that means any food establishment that was up and running between late spring 2023 and 2024. Next, we map out a month-long itinerary of flights, meal reservations and hotel stays from coast to coast. Then the feasting begins.
This year, Tara O’Brady – cookbook author, Wall of Bakers judge and food writer extraordinaire – stepped up to the plate to accept the tastiest of missions. Her travels took her to more than 30 restaurants in 16 cities and communities, from the craggy cliffs of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, to the crowded stalls of Victoria Public Market. From crudos to crullers and everything in between, she tasted the best this nation has to offer and then some.
