Once again, I had the opportunity to attend the VIP event at this year’s Gourmet Food & Wine Expo. Some old favourites are back, as noted in an earlier post (and some were missing, as well, such as long time attendee, Hank Daddy’s BBQ). Of course, I saw the wonderful people at Muskoka Lakes Wineries (known for their cranberry wine), and this year, tried their blueberry and cranberry blend, which I really liked. It’s described on their website as being “off-dry,” but I found it a bit sweeter than most off-dry wines. Other brands I tried included:
Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Wells Banana Bread:
The double chocolate stout definitely had an interesting taste and not what I was expecting. Not that chocolatey and a bit on the bitter side. Kind of like very strong, black iced coffee. Something to try if you’re into it.
The banana bread beer is from the same company as the above mentioned chocolate stout. It, too, has an “interesting” taste – something I can’t really describe. It DOES taste more like banana bread than the chocolate beer tastes like chocolate and it (surprisingly) isn’t “fake” banana bread, either. And I’m unsure what it will pair well with, either. It’s not really something I’d have with barbecue (nor would the double chocolate) or pizza, for example. And it’s not something one would have alone, either. Again, acquired taste.
I tried their Malaysian chicken skewers (with sweet soy, pickled chili fingers, crushed pistachios and cilantro). This delicious crispy chicken dish is definitely a consideration on my menu if I decide to have an hors d’oeuvres and desserts “cocktail supper” event in the near future! Sometimes, crispy dishes (other than chips) get soggy with sauce, but this one didn’t have too much. Yet, it was extremely flavourful and the pistachios definitely added more “crunch.”
One of several eateries from the St. Lawrence Market area, Bindia describes itself as having a “nouveau approach” to Indian cuisine. Sampling at the event included a chicken kebab and the haryali tikki, which I tried. This consisted of veggie patties made with broccoli, carrots and peas as well as spices. It is definitely something I’d order when I visit the restaurant! I think Indian cuisine makes one of the best vegetarian items – much better than Italian or Chinese (especially Chinese – I find that it’s pretty much tofu and nothing but tofu if you’re looking for protein).
This local favourite was not only sampling their chips and dips but also some of the items they offer with their catering service. I tried their Gorditas de Poblano – a crispy Mexican corn pocket with poblano peppers, caramelized onions, lettuce, salsa and more. It was very refreshing, too, considering many of the other dishes at the event were a bit on the heavier side – especially if one does not finish the corn pocket.
This is courtesy of Noteworthy Wines, a licensing agent which provides wines from many parts of the world. This wine is from Austria and is light and refreshing. It’s ideal for those who love a good Riesling or Gewurztraminer.
On the sweet side, Holy Cannoli was back and my favourite cookie bar, The Red Bench was also there. The Red Bench was also selling boxes of cookies consisting of their Classic (i.e. chocolate chip) as well as the Brookie and Cookies N Cream. I also saw macarons and ice cream. Of course, most places charge tickets (anywhere between one and six), but there were also exhibitors which gave out free samples (mostly cheese and oil)!
