July Meetup with Travel+Escape

July was one of the most unique events yet for Toronto Travel Massive. We partnered with Travel + Escape for a night of networking, travel giveaways, eclectic food, and a sneak peak at their new app for travel lovers! We even got to meet one of Canada’s favourite rebels!

Travel+Escape is Canada’s only travel and adventure-focused television channel with top rated shows that feature exotic locations and compelling stories from travellers around the world. Launched in 2011, it broadcasts to more than 4.6 million homes in Canada. Online, their website has grown exponentially. They have a network of more than 200 travel bloggers and contributors from around the world, more than 47,000 fans on their Facebook page, 26,000+ followers on Twitter, and an average of 2 million page views per month online!

Now, Travel+Escape has launched a new engaging way to experience the world with their new digital magazine for the iPhone and iPad!  TTM got a FREE sneak peak at the travel magazine everyone is talking about. Loaded with stunning photographs, exclusive video, enriching reads and a local perspective, each issue features an interactive 360-degree experience. There’s tons of inspiration for your next trip and useful tips such as the best hotels to stay at, places to eat, local life and unique cultures to experience. You can download the new app HERE and for a limited time T+E is giving away a FREE 30-day trial!

Each issue features an interactive 360-degree image, virtually transporting readers to a destination using the iPad/iPhone gyroscope (technology that allows you to move within the image by moving your mobile device). Stunning photography, exhilarating video and exclusive editorial content take the reader around the world.

TTMers got to browse the new mag on iPads set up around the venue. This month we were hosted at the new resto, Lisa and Marie run by world renowned chef known as Fidel Gastro. He is the culinary master behind one of the first deliciously famed pop-up food trucks across Toronto and now his very own reality TV show, Rebel Without a Kitchen. TTM got to sample his epic concoctions that included his deep fried Buffalo mozza and Marrow Sangweech, Puttanesca Tuna Rolls, and Alabama Tailgaters.

We absolutely LOVED Lisa Marie as a venue for hosting our Travel Massive event this month. They offer an inventive menu, a fun bartending staff that makes you feel at home, and the King of Rock n’ Roll splattered on the walls gives this place some pretty neat character.

But what REALLY got us all shook up? We had the pleasure of spending the evening with the King of Pop-Ups himself – Fidel Gastro! Not only is he leading the underground food revolution, but we love the fact he’s super down to earth! Fidel (aka Matt) let us go backstage into his personal kitchen to see this sexy man in action. We’ll definitely be back for more of Fidel’s epic menu (and oh my, that cute smile of his) Olé!

MASSIVE thank you to Fidel Gastro and Travel+Escape for sponsoring us.  Lots of happy TTMers including @ProNosher, @CalculateTravel, @LindsOntheRoad and @JaneCanapini walked away with some really great T+E swag too!

Don’t forget to watch Fidel Gastro’s Rebel Without a Kitchen every Tuesday at 9pm EST on Travel+Escape!