By Mike Lowe
The third annual Niagara Food and Wine Expo kicked off Friday at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. Although many attendees on Friday night agreed that the show seemed a bit smaller in terms of the number of exhibitors, there are still many palate-pleasing options to whet the appetite and slake one’s thirst.
I never tire of covering events like this but it takes some planning, careful pacing– and a bit of fortitude. Starting with some food in the stomach is well-advised and, luckily, we have Wellington Court first on our list.
Margaret Cooper
Chef Erik Peacock greets us with his usual smile and firm handshake then directs one of his cooks, Margaret Cooper (in the photo above) to dish up his two creations. Farfalle (bow-tie pasta) with tomato sauce, roasted whitefish, fresh peas is a wonderfully delicate dish that just beckons springtime.
Wellington Court dish
Textural contrast comes in the form of crispy pangrattato (toasted breadcrumbs). A similar contrast is displayed with the lightly battered and fried zucchini which is paired with yogurt-caper sauce and chimichurri.
Dale and Erik Peacock
The Blue Nile Ethiopian restaurant of Hamilton was serving some traditional dishes. What I particularly enjoyed was the flatbread they serve with the aromatic stews. Called Injera, this light, spongy gluten-free accompaniment is a delicious match with my plate of lamb stewed with sweet onions.
Tsige Shewamene of The Blue Nile Restaurant
Over at the Scotiabank Centre booth, chefs from the food service group Centerplate are dishing up a hearty dish of braised pork belly with lentils and crispy pork rind (photo below)
Pork Belly
Executive Sous Chef David Berggren, Food and Beverage Manager James Noell and Executive Chef Shaun Goswell
Next door at Peller Estates I relax in a very cool wine barrel stave Adirondack chair (made by chef David Berggren). Peller’s 2011 Gamay worked quite nicely with the pork belly.
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Speaking of wine, let’s move on to the daunting task of beverage sampling. This is where it gets interesting. Rule of thumb here – just like in wine tasting, start light and work your way up.
Highlander’s Justen and James
First up is Highlander Brew company’s Twisted Spruce Ale. This robust, perfectly balanced and rich ale is a must try for beer lovers. Their Scottish ale with hints caramel and roasted coffee is a winner too.
McClelland Premium Imports offers a great line-up of beers from around the world. If you’re a fan of European beers, try the Bavarian Erdinger Dunkel. It’s a dark wheat beer that is not as heavy as the dark colour might suggest. A stop at this booth would not be complete without tasting the classic, rich and fruity character of the Belgian ale, Affligem Blond.
Moving on to wine, I visit with Krystina Roman (in photo above) over at Rosewood Estates Winery. My picks here are the Sémillon, Sussreserve Riesling and the Lock Stock and Barrel Red.
With spring in the air, you must stop at Greenlane Estate Winery’s booth and sample the 2011 Rosé. It’s a delicious, vibrant wine that will pair with a myriad foods.
Between the Lines Winery has a real treat in store for you if you enjoy Pinot Noir. Their 2011 Pinot Noir Reserve is loaded with dark berry, cherry and vanilla flavours supported by a sturdy backbone of tannin. Just delicious!
Between the Lines Reserve Pinot
The new spirits kid on the block is Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers. They are really gathering a following since opening and it was great to see them at the show. Check out their pure, top-quality spirits and you’ll see why they are becoming a favourite of bartenders looking for something a little different.
I can’t leave a show like this without a wee dram of whisky. Over at the Beam Global Brands booth I spy a product called Dark Horse Canadian Whisky. This rye whisky is finished in bourbon barrels pumping up the flavor and rounding out the palate. A great way to end the night, or any night for that matter.
Enjoy the show this year, but please do so responsibly. I handed the car keys to my wife as we entered the hall so I could share some of the highlights with you.
Please check the Niagara Food & Wine Expo website for complete list of exhibitors, show hours and ticket information.
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