The Food and Wine Expo opened at Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre on Thursday, November 18, and will run until Sunday, November 21. This annual event features vendors from all over the world, in both the food and drink industries as well as demonstrations and seminars. Of note this year include appearances by celebrity chefs David Adjey of the Food Network’s The Opener (Saturday, November 20 at 8:30 pm) as well as Ted Reader, who made an appearance on November 18 and will again at 7:30 on Saturday. This year also marks the debut of the Fine Scotch Tasting Lounge, which offers superior scotch and rye whiskeys from all over the world, including Japan’s Nikka Whisky, which was founded over 75 years ago. Old favourites like Mott’s Clamato Caesar School as well as the Fine Wine Tasting Lounge and the Tutored Tastings Program are also returning.
Because there are so many vendors at the Expo, it’s almost impossible to visit all of them, especially since most charge attendees for samples (tickets can be purchased both inside and outside of the expo at $20 for a package of 20 tickets). Besides the Scotch Tasting Lounge, other must-visit vendors include:
Muskoka Lakes Winery: Who says Ontario wines all come from the Niagara region? If you’re into non-grape-based wines, there’s fruit wines from Muskoka Lakes Winery, which are cranberryor blueberry-based. These wines are amazingly good, and can seriously convert those who have no previous interest in pre-bottled fruit-based drinks. These wines definitely have a sophisticated feel, and being true to their home, also seem more casual than grape-based wines.
Brix – Chocolate for Wine: Featuring three different kinds of chocolate (extra dark, medium dark and milk chocolate), this is the first chocolate developed to pair with wine. Different types of wines are suggested for each of the flavours such as Port or Riesling for milk chocolate and Merlot or Shiraz for the medium dark. Best of all, unlike many of the other vendors, the samples are free!
Big Shott’s Mini Party Cups: This booth featured Panama Jack’s cream liquers served in edible wafer cups that had a chocolate coating inside. While the alcohol was, of course, for those who are of age, there’s no reason why one can’t purchase these party cups to serve ice cream for both kids and adults.
As wine is very much a focus of this event, there are, of course several cheese vendors. Surprisingly, many of them did not charge tickets for tasting, unlike everyone else. Just a note, however. If you plan on coming, make sure you have a lot of cash. None of the ticket booths take credit or debit cards, and there were no cash machines close to the exhibition hall (a bad idea if tickets were cash only). Also, be sure to try the Irish Porter Cheddar. Absolutely delish!
The Food and Wine Expo’s hours are:
Friday, November 19: 2 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, November 20: noon to 10 pm
Sunday, November 21: noon to 6 pm
Please note that one must be 19 or over to be admitted.
