New Location, But Same Great Taste!

 7^th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste has a New Location.

March 23, 24, & 25, 2012~The Careport Centre, Hamilton

2012’s Festival with Taste is excited to announce their move to The Careport Centre, located at 170 Longwood Road South in McMaster Innovation Park Hamilton, Ontario. While the team at Food & Drink Fest is sad to say goodbye to their home at Copps Colsieum, we felt it was time to take the plunge and move the event to the bigger and more functional Careport Centre. There will be many advantages that come with moving the event to The Careport Centre, which is the region’s largest up and coming trade show and convention facility. Some of those advantages include:

• FREE Parking for both exhibitors and customers
• Over 30,000 square feet of extra space. (allowing exhibitors to expand their presence at the show)
• Everything will be on one floor and in one space
• More loading docks and easier access for exhibitors to load-in and load-out
• Ability to handle an increase in attendance while at the same time making larger and more comfortable aisles
• Larger indoor crunch area for Food & Drink goers if lines get large. (Very important in inclement weather!)
• Ability to move people faster into the show. (Helping to minimize wait times at rush hours and gives our Food & Drink guests the best experience possible)
• Easy access off of Hwy 403 for exhibitors and consumers coming in locally and  from out of town,
• Much more flexibility to evolve the event while still maintaining an intimate, interesting and fun atmosphere
• Very accessible public transportation to the facility
• In walking distance for visitors and university faculty and students that reside in the west end and downtown core of Hamilton.

The team has already begun the exhibitor rebooking process and several of Food & Drink culinary attractions have returned! Such fan favs as La Piazza, Ridge Road Winery, Hot Mamas, Big Rock Brewery, Twisted Lemon, My Thai, Creemore Springs, Wellington Brewery,Caroline Cellars, Dyments, Vineland Estates, Cupcake Diner  and many more have already reserved their booth locations for Food & Drink Fest 2012.

All and all Food & Drink Fest 2012 is already promising to be another fun, delicious night on the town! Be sure to come and visit us at our new digs: The Careport Centre, March 23, 24, & 25, 2012

For Consumer or Exhibit Information, please feel free to contact Shannon or Jennifer at any time

7^th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival

March 23, 24 & 25, 2012

The Careport Centre, Hamilton, Ontario

P: 905-524-3689

info@FoodandDrinkFest.com

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

www.TheCareportCentre.com 

Fans of Chuck Hughes will not be disappointed at Food & Drink Fest this weekend!

Celebrity Chef Chuck Hughes will be appearing on stage at this year’s Food & Drink Fest… The Festival with Taste at Copps Coliseum on Sunday at both 1 and 3 pm. Most famous for his hit show on the Food Network “Chuck’s Day Off”, Montreal native Chuck Hughes has become a household name; bringing outright talent, sex appeal and fun back to the kitchen. Most recently, Chuck took down the competition, Bobby Flay, in Kitchen Stadium on the Network’s show “Iron Chef”. At age 34, he is only the second Canadian chef to emerge victorious with a score of 45-41. He is also the first Canadian to beat the illustrious Flay, the youngest Canadian and first Quebec chef to compete on the show.  To fans of Chuck and attendees to this weekend’s Food & Drink Fest this is all good news! Why? Because the secret ingredient with which Chuck brought home the title of Iron Chef is the very same he will prepare on stage Sunday at Food & Drink Fest! LOBSTER! Not only is this a popular staple fare at his Montreal restaurant, but it is also one of Hughes’ personal favorites (he has a big tattoo of the crustacean on his forearm!) So needless to say, those who nab a seat in the cooking demonstration area Sunday at Copps Coliseum will not be disappointed!

Chuck’s Menu is as follows:

• Beef TarTar  with local cheeses, olives and bread
• Jerk Lobster
• Maple Syrup Pie (His Mom’s Recipe!)

Chuck and his honorary at-show sous chef Tracy Winkworth from the Belworth House in Waterford will be showcasing a number of local ingredients in their recipes, with offerings from Jensen Cheese, Sam’s Cheese at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and Railway City Brewing. Be sure and get your seat, which is FREE with admission to Food & Drink Fest… The Festival with Taste! this weekend, April 8th, 9th and 10th at Copps Coilseum.

Written by Jennifer Odell

Mott’s Clamato Caesar School is in Session!

Mott’s Clamato and the Dean of Caesars, Len Fragomeni are setting up shop at this year’s

Food & Drink Fest… The Festival with Taste!

Be the first to introduce a new Caesar experience to your friends and family this summer by learning four variations on the classic Canadian cocktail.  First created in 1969 in Calgary Alberta, the Caesar quickly became an instant hit with locals. Since then, it has enjoyed rising popularity and taken it’s place among Canadian culture. Somehow a weekend at the cottage just isn’t the same without a  celery ladened pitcher of spicy Casears!

 

Motts Clamato Caesar School

 

Food and Drink Fest… the Festival with Taste has become the region’s largest food and beverage show of it’s kind. With attendance numbers soaring year over year and involvement from some of the area’s most renowned and highly acclaimed restaurants, wineries and breweries, we are now proud to be hosting Motts Clamato as an added component to the Food & Drink Fest experience. Throughout the three day event we invite people to join Mott’s Clamato and the Dean of Caesars, Len Fragomeni, for a 45-minute class where you get to go behind the bar and learn hands-on, the latest techniques for preparing a Caesar. Enjoy four variations of the classic Canadian cocktail, some savory snacks and take home a special gift from Mott’s Clamato. Be sure to visit the Mott’s Clamato in Booth QA to learn and actively participate in the art of making the perfect Caesar!

Click HERE to pre-register for a Caesar Class

Food & Drink Fest.. The Festival with Taste

April 8th, 9th & 10th

Copps Coliseum

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

Must be 19 years of age or older to attend. Please drink responsibly

Written by Jennifer Odell

Taste Test Black Fly Coolers in Hamilton & Burlington LCBOs

Hey gang!

Just wanted to give you a heads up that Blackfly Coolers, Ontarios first Micro-Distillery will be hosting tasting sessions at different LCBO’s in and around Hamilton and Burlington.  I have included the LCBO’s they will be visiting.  Also, don’t forget to visit them at the 6th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste in booth #123.

A little Bit about Black Fly: Made and bottled in London, Ontario, Black Fly Beverage Company is Ontario’s first Micro-Distillery founded by husband and wife Rob Kelly and Cathy Siskind-Kelly in May 2005. Having spent the summers of his youth in Muskoka, Rob drew the name Black Fly from the reputation of the small but determined Canadian insect that like this micro-business can come in under the radar but deliver a mighty bite. The pure wild blueberry juice used in two of the vodka cooler flavours Cranberry/Wild Blueberry and Black Currant/Wild Blueberry also goes to the Black Fly name, as the black fly pollinates wild blueberries. It is truly a proud “Canadian Made” cocktail!

Black Fly Beverage Company

I have personally tried the Cranberry Blueberry and Black Current and Blueberry Vodka Coolers and find both cocktails vibrant in taste and very refreshing (especially with spring and summer just around the corner). They have a new flavour out called Strawberry Rhubarb, which is a great combination in the world of food, so Im excited to try those flavours in a cooler form.  The new flavour will be available to taste at Food & Drink Fest and at select LCBOs.

Another brand new Black Fly drink is their new Premium Pour Cocktail called Black Fly Tequila Sunrise.  This bright and tasty concoction is created from a perfect blend of pure orange, pomegranate juices and genuine Mexican blue agave tequila, which they will also be sampling at select LCBOs.

Since Black Fly products are made using real fruit juices, I don’t find them overly sweet and I have not had to endure the chemical after-taste of artificial sweeteners.  They are a great, colourful drink for your next dinner party and a light alternative to the typical beer and wine choices.

Listed below are some of the LCBO’s and dates and times where you can receive a free sampling of one of Black Flys cocktails and coolersion

LCBO Tasting Locations

Ancaster/Meadowlands LCBO: April 3, 2011-12noon-4pm

Hamilton/Barton St E LCBO: April 7, 2011- 4pm-8pm

Stoney Creek/Rymal Rd E LCBO: April 7, 2011-4pm-8pm

Burlington/Fairview LCBO: April 7, 2011-4pm-8pm

Hamilton/Fennell Ave E LCBO: April 9-11:30am-3:30pm

Waterdown LCBO: April 9 4pm-8pm

Cheers

Shannon

6th Annual Food & Drink Fest 2011

April 8th, 9th & 10th, 2011

Copps Coliseum

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

Food Drive at Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste!

Calling All Socially Conscience Foodies! We need your help with

Stocking the Shelves for Hamilton Food Share

at 6^th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste!

April 8^th, 9thm & 10^th, 2011~Copps Coliseum

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

There are many trends swirling around the world of food right now such as buying local and sticking within a 100 mile diet.  Others include eating raw or organic food or supporting independent restaurants.  All are worthy causes and  should become more a just a trend; but rather a part of our community’s lifestyle.

The team at Food & Drink Fest 2011 also wants to support the local community and promote another important “Foodie Cause” by helping to collect food items so that the less fortunate people of our community also have access to nutritious meals on a regular basis.  6th Annual Food & Drink Fest is encouraging fellow foodies to bring in a few canned goods or nonperishable food items  to the 6th Annual Food & Drink  Fest (April 8, 9, & 10, 2011 at Copps Coliseum), to donate to Hamilton Food Share.

Please drop off your canned goods at the ticket office when you buy your tickets for the Food & Drink Fest 2011.  We hope to raise over 2,000 canned goods for Hamilton Food Share. Even if you can’t stay for the show, we welcome all donations.  PLUS, we challenge you to be creative in your donations and bring some healthy and delicious non-perishable food choices with you.  Leave that old can of cream of mushroom soup at home lol!

For more information, please visit http://www.foodanddrinkfest.com/HamiltonFoodShare

Cheers

Shannon

 

 

Food & Drink Fest “Up-Close” with Cupcake Diner

I had a chance to talk to Natalie from The Cupcake Diner.  Aside from making me crave sweet treats, I learned a lot about a revolutionary business right in our own backyard and a little cupcake history…..

Q: Name of Your Company: Cupcake Diner

www.cupcakediner.ca

Natalie, owner and master baker of Cupcake Diner

Q: Describe Your Company using three adjectives: Unique, Trendy, Gourmet…& I have to add Fun!!!

We are the first to bring a mobile cupcake shop to Canada – this is huge for the country! The gourmet food truck craze is ever so present in hip parts of the States such as New York City, Washington, LA and Chicago, so we are right on-trend with this phenomenon. Something Canada has yet to experience until now! We use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to inform our customers of our daily and hourly location.  Our pick cupcake truck comes right to you, serving cupcakes curbside – what would be more fun than that! You can also have the Diner come to your event.

Q: What is your favourite type of beverage to pair with a cupcake: Tea – no question about it! The tartness of the tea balances out the sweetness of the cupcake

Q: Much of your company is inspired by the nostalgia of the1950′s.  Describe what you call the Classic 1950′s Cupcake

Yes, it’s all about the 1950’s! To us, the 50’s represents a time of good old fashion service. Goods are made with care and served with a smile.  Our cupcake, 1950’s Classic is themed on the Hostess Cupcake which in the 50’s really put cupcakes on the map.  The 1950’s Classic is a chocolate cupcake, filled with vanilla cream, frosted with chocolate ganache and topped with swirls of white icing. A timeless indulgence!

Classic Chocolate Cupcake from Cupcake Diner

Q: What is your favourite combo of cake and icing? This is a tough one – there are so many! If I had to choose one it would be our Caramel Apple Pie Cupcake – this is our vanilla cupcake with slices of baked apple, gently spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, frosted with vanilla buttercream & topped with a light drizzle of caramel. It has all the elements that make for a great cupcake – Delish!

Q: What is the cake/icing combo you just love and wish people would try more? Any cupcake with fresh fruit! Like Mango or Lemon Blueberry. I think people aren’t used to fresh, quality ingredients such as these in cupcakes. I encourage everyone to try them! – Simply decadent.

Q: What is the most unique or “out there” flavour of cupcake? I would have to say our Cannoli Cream Cupcake. You get all the deliciousness of a cannoli in a cupcake – what could be better!

Q: Aside from cupcakes, what would your ultimate “Last meal” consist of (in a less morbid way, what dish always makes your mouth water? lol) Another tough question to ask a “Foodie” like myself! But, I would have to say my all-time fav, whole wheat penne pasta with grilled veggies, tossed in a light olive oil garlic sauce, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. A mixed greens salad and glass of white chardonnay.  A cup of tea and a cupcake for dessert of course!

*In addition to the curbside service Cupcake Diner caters to social events, corporate events and weddings.  They offer: Cupcake Trees, Cupcake Buffets, Fondant Covered Cakes and the Diner live at your event. Your guests will never forget their pink (yes, PINK!) cupcake truck pulling up and serving gourmet cupcakes! They also offer water, pop and coffee on board, as well as custom cupcake toppers, such as company logos and celebratory signs.

Let The Cupcake Diner sweeten up your next event!

The Perfect Gift! YUMM!

Cupcake Diner will be participating in Food & Drink Fest 2011 in booths #195 & 196

Food & Drink Fest 2011

April 8th, 9th & 10th, 2011

Copps Colsieum

April 8: 5pm-10pm, April 9: 1pm-10pm, April 10: 12noon-5pm

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

There’s a new beer on the block….Molson M

While a glass of wine is usually my go-to drink of choice; a girl certainly can’t say no when a bottle or two of beer happens to cross her path at the end of a really long day. I had the pleasure of trying Molson’s newest brand of beer: Molson M. Not only did I enjoy the experience of drinking the cold full-bodied lager; but the story behind the creation of this beer is also quite interesting.  I’ve included some fast facts about  Molson M for your drinking pleasure.

Molson M to be at Food & Drink Fest 2011

Molson M, the Worlds only Microcarbonated lager: Microcarbonization is a revolutionary process implemened by Molson Coors at the company’s brewery on Notre-Dame Street in Montreal, a process during which the beer is injected with CO2 through smaller, finer bubbles with a high level of precision and consistency.

“The injection of smaller CO2 bubbles makes it possible to preserve not only the taste of the hops but also the delicate flavours generated by the yeast during fermentation,” explained Karine Brunelle, brewer with Molson Coors. (explanation from  http://appellationbeer.com/blog)

The Awards: So far, I’m not the only one who seems to enjoy it.  The “real” critics gave it two thumbs up when they awarded Molson M with a Gold Medal in the North American Style Premium Lager category at the 2010 Canadian Brewing Awards

The Molson team has informed me that they will be bringing Molson M to Food & Drink Fest 2011…the Festival with Taste!  You can try it for yourself by visiting them in booths #124 & 125.

Molson M

Cheers,

Shannon

6th Annual Food & Drink Fest 2011

Copps Coliseum

April 8, 9 & 10, 2011

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

 

Food & Drink Fest Foodie Spotlight: Hot Mamas

Interview conducted with Sue Plumbohm, Owner of Hot Mamas

Company Name: Hot Mamas Foods Inc

www.hotmamas.ca

Company Motto: “We’ll Add a little spice to your life!”

Visit Sue, owner of Hot Mamas in booth #205 at Food & Drink Fest

Tell us a bit about where and how your jellies and sauces are created. Hot Mamas Foods Inc is a 100% Canadian Family owned business started in 2005. Our red pepper jelly was our initial product—a secret family recipe that my Mama brought from Jamaica. We use scotch bonnet peppers grown on our family farm in Pefferlaw, Ont from our heirloom plants from Jamaica as well as we import directly from Jamaica on a weekly basis. Our red pepper jelly is unique in flavour and our customers say its the best one on the market. As the years  went on we added more jellies, hot sauces and BBQ sauces. We now have 11 spicy pepper jellies, 5 No Salt Hot Sauces and 5 Low Sodium BBQ Sauces and 3 No Salt Spice Rubs.
Our hot sauces are unique on the Canadian market place as they are 100% Salt FREE—and all of our products contain No MSG or Gluten! Our customers are loving that too!

We are an envirnmentally aware company—as our new kitchen facility is supplemented by solar panels. A large portion of our electricity is derived form the solar panels on site.

What is a “Did You Know?” fact about Hot Mamas you would like to share? Our hot sauces are unique in that they contain No Salt! They are growing in popularity and we hope that more people will appreciate the flavour of the scotch bonnet and the healthy aspects of hot pepper sauces created with NO SALT!

Get Your Hot Mama Jelly at Food & Drink Fest 2011

For people new to the world of “Spicy”, what are your top tips to incorporating hot n’ spicy to one’s palette?

1) If new to “Spicy” we suggest starting with the basics—sweet and spicy pepper jellies and working your way up to the really hot stuff

2) Pair the spice with other food items: incorporate as an hors d’ouevres or with meats, cheese..they are an excellent way to train your palette.

3) Don’t take too much at once …small amounts are best and work your way up. Its all about moderation…so adding a few drops of two of the hot sauces to your soups, stews, chillis—to  appreciate the taste of the scotch bonnet pepper…They can also be added to your favorite cocktail….adding a splash of Hot Mamas to your Casear—-you’ll be hooked!

Over the years, what has been your favourite dish or drink at Food & Drink Fest? Definitely Koi Restaurant’s coconut shrimp with our red pepper jelly —yummmy!

Hot Mama Foods display

Be sure to visit Sue and her full line of Hot Mama’s jellies and sauces at

6th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste!

Hot Mamas Booth # 205

April 8th, 9th, 10th, 2011

Copps Coliseum

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

The Most Delicious Way to Carbo-Load in the Winter

Ah Canadian Winter. Long, dark days, snow covered EVERYTHING and bone chilling temperatures.  And boy this year, did we get a duesy! My recipe for keeping warm: warm, hearty foods like chili, stews and homemade soups.  One of the “make or break” aspects to this type of meal is the bread you serve with it.  Bread is the perfect accessory on cold, wintry days; offering carbs for extra insulation (haha) and acting as the perfect tool to soak up all the yummy juices off your empty plate.  I have included my current top three bread recipes below.  All of them are fairly easy to make and I have included some of my own tips as well. Keep Warm!

1) Laura Calder’s Bacon and Olive Apperitif

Tips: I would serve this bread with a run-o- the mill noodle soup. This apperitif brings together many rich, strong flavours and you certainly do not want anything fighting with them.

-I found the olive flavour to be more prominent than I expected.  If you are not an olive lover, don’t add in the full 2/3 of a cup….or double up on the bacon;)

-I’ve also substituted these three ingredients for roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, feta and rosemary…divine!

2) Chuck’s Day Off Cheddar Biscuits

Tips: For those who are sensitive to spicy foods, these do pack a bit of a punch. However, the great thing about the cayenne spice in these biscuits is that the heat builds slowly so you have an oortunity to tasty the buttery buscuit and sharp cheddar flavours as well.

-Serve warm! Obvious, I know, but there is a drastic difference in the taste of these biscuits when they are cold.  The warmth seems to emphasize every flaky layer.

-After the butter bath, I finish my cheddar biscuits off with a sprinkling of sea salt

3) Anna Olson’s Cheddar Crackers

Tips: Perfect with homemade tomato soup or for a more savoury treat, serve with a smear of garlic cream cheese.

-I have switched out the extra old cheddar cheese for Asiago. Still very tasty but the sharp sweet/but strong taste offers a unique new layer of flavour

 

Cheers,

Shannon

www.FoodandDrinkFest.com

6th Annual Food & Drink Fest…the Festival with Taste!

April 8th, 9th & 10th, 2011

Copps Coliseum

 

YEP Hamilton Presents The Skate at Pier 8

Join YEP (Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals) Hamilton for a night of skating and socializing at Pier 8 in Downtown Hamilton!

WHERE: Watefront Discovery Centre, 57 Discovery Drive

WHEN: Wednesday February 9th, 2011 @ 6pm (networking event at Williams Pub starts at 7pm)

Treats are being provided by Ola Bakery, James St N. So even if skating is not your thing,  please come for the treats and coffee from Ola Bakery! Ole makes the best and FRESHEST Portuguese pastries and Nadas in town….oh and you will meet a ton of connected, fun and energetic young professionals as well;)

http://www.facebook.com/yephamilton

YEP Hamilton Skate @ Pier 8

The Skate @ Pier 8 Event sponsored by CarStar Automotive Canada and Ola Pastries and Bakery