It's the end of the line for one of Toronto's most popular food events. After three years, the Toronto Underground Market is going on hiatus. Initially launched to a ton of buzz back in 2011, the food events scene in this city has become increasingly competitive since then. Add to that the rise of food trucks and affiliated events, and TUM's offerings just didn't stand out quite as much.

It's important to remember, however, that at the time founder Hassel Aviles was taking quite a risk in trying to set up a food event like this in regulation-happy Toronto.

TUM was incredibly popular after its launch and throughout its time at the Evergreen Brick Works. Some of the noteworthy restaurants with roots in the event include La Carnita, Seven Lives and Rock Lobster. It's hard to pin down exactly why the event slipped in popularity, but the move to 99 Sudbury seems to have been a culprit along with the wild increase in food events across the city.

The city owes TUM a debt for paving the way to a more food friendly event scene and for fostering considerable culinary talent that will continue to enrich our palates for years to come.

Photo by Tracy Zhang