As Lizz Hill wrote earlier, the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is at the Metro Convention Centre until Sunday, November 20. With vendors from all over the world as well as tastings and tutorials, it’s definitely a fun-filled weekend for Toronto area foodies. Some of the best stalls include:
Amethyst Wine Agency: This place sources unique wines and spirits for the LCBO. They have several available for tasting, but one in particular to try is the Eldenflower Liquor from Chase Distillery in the UK. Made out of nfused with pressed eldenflower, this drink has a sweet, floral taste and is good straight or made into a mojito (they will do that for you if you like it).
Three Farmers Camelina Oil by Capressco: Camelina oil is made from a plant from the same family as kale, mustard, broccoli and the like and was commonly used in European cooking for centuries. The oil has a very high smoke point, so unlike extra virgin olive oil, one can use it to cook. In addition, it is great for tossing into salads and as a dip for bread. The oil has a unique, mustardy taste.
Ruelo Patisserie: A delicious pastry shop in Richmond Hill (with a second location opening in the Yonge and Eglinton area soon), they are known for their large variety of macarons, including uniquely flavoured ones such as balsamic vinegar and wasabi grapefruit. They also have truffle (as in the mushroom, not the chocolate), which was interesting. Flavours like espresso, vanilla and praline are also available for those who are more traditionally inclined.
Hank Daddy’s BBQ: Really, go just for the pulled pork parfait. A hit at last year’s Royal Winter Fair, this concoction consists of barbecue sauce (Hank Daddy’s original), pulled pork, mashed potatoes, pulled pork, more mashed potatoes and an optional dash of baked beans. Delicious, but really rich and comes in two sizes, a “snack” sized (really, that’s good enough for most people) and a larger one.
Sundance Wines: Two unique fruit wines were available for tasting: Sundance Strawberry Kiwi and Sundance Pink Lemonade. The Pink Lemonade, which I tried, has an interesting taste – very light, yet lemon-y, unlike the lemon-infused bottled cocktails. Not recommended to pair with meals, but great for desserts or snacks.
Other stalls to visit: Brix (chocolate made to be paired with wine – mentioned in last year’s post), Muskoka Lakes Winery (also mentioned last year), Bite Bar for their super-mini cupcakes (Definitely try Ure Makin’ Me Baileys – chocolate baileys cake with vanilla icing) and Switzerland Cheese for flower shaped cheese.
In addition to vendors offering tastings at their stalls, there are also demonstrations from the Food Network, tutored tastings from around the world as well as the Mott’s Clamato Caesar School, where guests are taught to create different varations of the cocktail as well as the Nine of Dine Chefs of Distinction winners. Like last year, almost all samples at the event require tickets, which are purchased in packs of 20 for a cost of $20. Unlike last year, however, some ticket booths are taking credit or debit cards, a welcome change.
Hours of Operation for the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo:
- Friday, November 18: 2 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday, November 19: 12 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday, November 20: 12 pm to 6 pm
Note: Must be 19+ to attend.
