If you normally read my posts, I am sure you can identify that I LOVE food! Particularly shrimp, cheese, and Randy’s patties - lol. I definitely found a new happy place at Toronto's Gourmet Food and Wine Expo (#GWFE2016).
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| SMILE - You're a rockstar! |
The 3 - day expo is held annually in November at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and offers as much as 45,000 guests an opportunity to sample a variety of gourmet food and snacks. You have access to over 1,500 alcoholic beverages from around the globe. Plus you get a souvenir wine glass upon entry.
Check out footage from when I did event coverage back in 2013!
If video above does not work please visit link here: https://youtu.be/OXwjuBED_Rg
This year the expo served as a perfect GNO for me and my bestie. It was a reason to get dolled up and enjoy some grub. The show also offers cooking shows as well as cheese and wine tasting seminars from different experts. The event D.J. event started bumpin' soca as I entered the room! Ha. I wonder if that was planned?
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| Say Hi to Danielle - we go back to GRADE 4! |
I get full pretty easily so I was very particular when it came to my final food and beverage picks! Strangely, the best thing I ate was from the booth below!
The booth was super sketchy but this goes to show you that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Their DILL-CITRUS- FETA POTATOES (with Tzatziki and oregano) were EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING. I resisted ordering two plates ONLY because I wanted to give others a chance. I will try and see if I can recreate this dish on my own.
I was very happy to see a bit of Caribbean flair at the event once again. Check out some of the vendors that showcased some “Carnival Spice” (see what I did there):
King Catering
This company I remembered from the Toronto Coconut Festival (back in August). I had fallen in love with their "King Fish tacos" and "Jerk Chicken tacos"! At the GWFE, the booth was in a prime location and their food options were awesome.
I wished the servers were much friendlier this time around. I tried to remain patient considering their serving conditions were not ideal and they were super busy. I ordered a very delicious "Jerk Chicken poutine"!
Cool Runnings
You may recognize this brand’s spices and sauces. They allowed attendees to sample their sauces and marinades with a tortilla chip.
Liko’s Hawaiian Barbecue
I love this company. Every time I visit their booth, they provide excellent service and delicious food making for an awesome Hawaiian experience. I also loved that they had hot sauces from neighbouring booth "Cool Runnings" available to their customers... That's what I like to see community collaborations!
Danielle ordered the "Spam Musubi" and LOVED IT… she then went back hours later and got the "Kalua Pork on a bun". I supported her with this decision because I had it once before and it was soooooo good.
Robinson’s Cakery Inc.
Home the “Island Pleasure Jamaican Rum Cake” - yesssssss!!!!
Hot Mamas
“Adding a little spice to our life” 😉
Caribbean Vacation Anyone?
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| Aruba Tourism Board |
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| Barbados Tourism Board serving Mount Gay Rum Punch |
Planning To Attend Next Year?
- Dress semi - casual! The vibe is grown and sexy.
- Travel light! Too many items in your hand will become cumbersome. If you have a wine glass holder that would come in handy. They also have a coat & bag check.
- Attend before 5pm!! You will have less lines, space to breathe, and the grounds are much cleaner. Oh and admission will be slightly cheaper too.
- Food and wine does not come with your ticket. "Sample" tickets are sold in groups of 20 for $20. These are the tickets that you must give to booth vendors for tastings.
- Makes for a great bachelorette or birthday party idea. I saw a lot of crews floating around.
In The News
If you like to eat and enjoy Caribbean vibes then I invite you all to the Carnival Spice: "A Reason For The Season Holiday Lime”
Mix & Mingle.
Enjoy a Carnival Spice dance workshop, parang, light refreshments and more.
Dress cute and comfy ("athleisure"). Prepare to sweat***
Entry is $15 but you can get $5 off when you bring a canned good as we will be donating to a local food bank
Event Info:
Friday, November 25th, 2016
2065 Midland Avenue #2 (South Side Muai Thai)
7pm - 10pm
Grab tickets HERE
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