Yes, it’s for real (brand name is MerloCola) and it’s one of the many exhibitors at this year’s Gourmet Food and Wine Expo. I tried it and have to admit that it was quite…interesting. While the small sample was good, I’m not really sure if I’ll ever have a full serving. I think I’m a little too old for this kind of concoction. It might be good for someone in his or her early 20s who isn’t too sure about wine, however. The wines I DID like were the Kim Crawford Chardonnay Unoaked Chardonnay, which the rep at the counter said was a best-seller at the LCBO and the White Zinfandel from Beringer, a California wine with a soft, off-dry taste – great with spicy dishes. The crisp coolness is also perfect in the summer. If you’re like me, a fan of Gewürztraminer, you’re going to love this one. Funny thing is, rosés aren’t really what I typically buy!
Muskoka Lakes Winery’s cranberry wines – I sample this EVERY YEAR! 🙂
MerloCola. Yeah…it’s real
Pintxos from Barsa Taberna
This year, I made it a point to mostly visit exhibitors that I never got a chance to in previous years (with the exception of Muskoka Wineries – just HAD to have the cranberry-blueberry wine, which has a lighter, sweeter taste than their cranberry-only wine – and Bite Bar). Food-wise, I tried a bit of Pie Guyz’s savoury beef and onion pie (not too bad, but kind of what one would expect) as well as the Sexy Veggie Roti Taco from Menu Food Truck and Pintxos from Barsa Taberba among other things . I was very much tempted to try the butter chicken nachos from Magic Oven but was a bit on the full side by the time I reached them. I did want to try it – I’m used to the restaurant’s pizzas and pastas and have never had any of their Indian-inspired dishes. If anyone is going to go to the event this weekend, do report back and tell me how it is! It’s six tickets for a portion. If you’re looking for dessert, Bakeryhaus is there (with some Christmas pastries) and my favourite of the event, Holy Cannoli, with their delicious chocolate and vanilla filled canollis (question: how DOES one eat canolli without making a mess/getting filling over one’s hands?).
Southwestern Style salsa from Sabra
Chia Fruit Spread
Canolli from Holy Canolli
Restaurants and catering services were not the only food-related exhibitors at the event. There were plenty of vendors as well, including Natura, there sampling their almond milk drinks as well as Sabra, with their guacamole and salsas (the Southwestern style, made with tomatoes, black beans and corn, is great!) rather than hummus. Nisos Importing was there with some of the most delicious oils and vinegars, including Evlogia, which features infused olive oils (including lemon, paprika, thyme and garlic) in the Delicatessen line. I was able to sample several flavours, but have to say that oregano is my favourite. Another good one is World of Chia’s fruit spread, made with agave syrup and fruit. It’s a good alternative to traditional jams since it doesn’t contain cane sugar, but the line isn’t widely available in Canada yet. I’ll definitely purchase a jar once they are.
Loved the white Zinfandel
Butter chicken nachos from Magic Oven (sorry so blurry)
Roti tacos from Menu Food Truck
I wish I was able to visit every single exhibitor, especially food (I am not a beer fan, so I did not have any at all) as well as go to some of the demonstrations and celebrity chef events. However, there is only so much one can do (and can spend) in one night.
The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo continues until Sunday, November 23. Tickets are available online or at the door. 19+.
