Warm up before the Santa Claus Parade this weekend by attending the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo, which takes place Nov. 15 to Nov. 18, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. You’ll get a chance to sample fine wines and gourmet food, take tutored tastings, visit wine and food exhibitors and watch celebrity presenters including celebrity chef Andrea Nicholson, co-host of the Food Network’s Restaurant Takeover, who will appear on the Food Network Stage on Fri., Nov. 16, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
You’ll need to purchase sample tickets, which are $1 each and come in $20 sheets, to be able to sample wine, spirits, beer and food. Be sure to visit the 2012 Connoisseur’s Corner where you can participate in wine tasting classes for only five sample tickets. Times are scheduled throughout the weekend.
If you want to experience the deluxe treatment, the Gourmet Gala takes place Fri., Nov. 16, 2012 with a reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and gourmet dinner at 6:30 p.m. You’ll get a chance to taste sparkling wines, mix and mingle with wine experts, enjoy six courses of chef’s creations, each of which will be paired with two selections of 2012 InterVin Award winners. Tickets to the Gourmet Gala are $215 per person or $1,075 per table and may be purchased online. Your ticket includes a VIP line by-pass to attend the expo throughout the weekend.
Tutored tastings gives you a chance to learn about and sample wine. Classes range from $65-$90 and include:
- Cutting Edge Wines by John Szabo MS and Zoltan Szabo
- California Gold hosted by Brendan McKenna
- Mastering Bordeaux hosted by Laura Ruffolo
- Spanish Stars hosted by Roger Randolph
- Sensational Simple Malts by Melissa Stunden
Be sure to drop by the All You Need is Cheese Stage for free cheese tastings and educational seminars.
The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo hours are Thurs., Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri., Nov. 16 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., Nov. 17 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St. W.
