November Fun: Toronto Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

This year my wife and I will not be attending the Food & Wine show as we are on vacation, but we have many fond memories of attending this annual Toronto event.  So, if you are looking for something fun to do this Friday to Sunday than this is a great event to attend.  For the specific details see their official website: http://www.foodandwineexpo.ca/sitepages/

Toronto Gourmet Food & Wine Expo:

My wife and I with friends have attended this annual event probably 6 times in the last 10 years.  Every year we had a fun afternoon out and learnt something.  We have tried wines from around the world, micro-breweries, limited batch liquors and spirits.  We have had the opportunity to talk to vintners, brew-masters and owners about their product and learn what makes them special.  It is just great away to try new things, better appreciate what you already enjoy and maybe get some present ideas for the upcoming holidays.  Many years ago I learnt that I have a fondness of Port and it now is a regular holiday treat for me.

They also have a food section where you can try small portions of gourmet food from various Toronto restaurants and bakeries.  I have happy memories of trying Buddha Dogs, gourmet sliders, fancy cheeses, and fanciful appetizers.  There are also other vendors offering chocolate and various mouth watering desserts.

Friends and I at the 2009 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

It is an expensive day and on food and drink you could easily spend $75 a person. It costs $25 a ticket and you can easily spend $50 on drink tickets and food.  If you are even more adventurous you can sign up for Tutored Tastings which start at $65 and require a reservation..  They also have live cooking shows amd performances by local visual artists and musicians.  I would suggest attending one to give your feet a break from the carpeted concrete floors.  You can easily spend 4 hours in the main hall and I suggest bring friends to compare notes.  Cheers!

My Advice for Getting the Most out of the Day:

• Get to the Metro Convention Center early afternoon on the Saturday or Sunday as it only gets more crowded as the day progresses.  Also, you will avoid longer lines up during the day as they try to control the numbers in the hall.
• Ask questions and try to talk to people that look over 30 working the booths.  Some of the wineries and vendors hire temps to work the booths and they are not that knowledgeable about their product. Sometimes you are talking a winery owner or wine master and you will learn more about the product and get a few extra free tastes.
• Brink a small notepad and a pen.  Right down the products you most enjoy.  Some places do have tasting cards to take with you as well. 
• Take public transit so you don't have to worry about the elephant in the room.  You can easily take the Skywalk from Union Station to get to the South Building of the Metro Convention Center.
• Use the coat check as it gets very hot in the convention room.
• Keep hydrated, they have many fountains around the hall.
• Where comfortable footwear as the carpeted concrete and standing around will tire out your feet.
• Try some of the various cheeses, appetizers and desserts from around the hall.  It is not just about the booze.
• Try to behave better than our Mayor.

Do you like this Toronto Event? Something fun you learned?  Any good tips? Please share them below.