Since our last food show (Food and Drink Festival – Hamilton) a couple weeks back I was a bit hesitant to visit the Good Food Festival, but with the professionalism shown to me when I sent in my request for Media Accreditation, I thought I’d give it a try. As I mentioned in the review for the Hamilton event, it was poorly organized (layout) and I hated the fact that there were so many drunks walking around from the wine tasting.

It was Sunday morning so the drive down the 401 was relatively traffic free…  in less than 1 hour I was already inside the venue (International Center) and registering to get in. Seems the rain didn’t deter people from attending as there was a steady flow of people purchasing tickets and grabbing their welcome bag as they made their way in. The welcome bag was one of those reusable shopping bags you can purchase at Metro grocery stores (I believe Metro is the main sponsor for the event, thus the branded shopping bag giveaway). However later in the day when I was about to leave, the bag changed to a “Canadian Living” bag, which was packed with a few goodies. Including the latest issue of “Canadian Living” magazine.

What a great use of space. The event floor was well planned (see pic below) and there was tons of room to move, line up for giveaways and stop to browse, even though there must have been a few thousand people in attendance during the couple hours I was there. At no time were people getting into each others way, so the flow of traffic itself was well maintained.

Highlights of the day!

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This was truly an event with ethnic flair, gourmet goodies, a wide selection of natural foods, cooking advice and an overall amazing experience for foodies to explore different aspects of local and foreign cuisine. And the selection of ingredients on display was enough to tempt anyone to get cooking.

Unlike other similar events, there were many booths with free sampling and for the ones that didn’t offer free samples, had price reductions on their items to make it more affordable for attendees to give it a try. However the ones were there were free samples usually had failry long lines, but the lines moved relatively fast, so you didn’t have to wait too long for that free bottle of flavoured Dasani water.

What stood Out For Me?

I love bread, especially the artisan types and I was stunned by the wonderful gesture by the people at the “Italian Home Bakery Ltd“. As I worked my way through the event, I was told by Vince (I believe that was his name) to come back for something to take home with me, and I’m so happy that I took them up on their offer. Last night’s dinner was made complete by the wonderful French stick he gave to me and for lunch today I had an amazing grilled sandwich made from the sliced Calabrese that was also included in the bag he gave me on my way out. Friends, if you’re looking for GOOD bread, give Italian Home Bakery Ltd a try. You can check out what they have to offer and how to get your hands on the amazing bread they bake at their website http://ihbakery.com/

Grace Foods. From the huge display (booth) they had to the cooking seminar they put on throughout the day, educating people about ethnic foods and preparation methods, Grace didn’t disappoint. One couldn’t leave this event without learning at least one thing. The info provided by the Grace Foods team was stellar.

Chetty’s. If “Chris” from Chetty’s is reading this, please note that our team at FierceSauces would love to do a review on your hot sauces. Please get in contact with us to give your blazing sauces some exposure. I got to taste a couple of the sauces that Chetty’s had on display and the one that really stood out was the lime flavoured one. Quite honestly, this was one of the better sauces I’ve had in a while and I was especially impressed with the after taste. But a review of the sauces will be reserved for our sister site. It was nice seeing these guys on display, showing some of the traditional hot sauces with a Guyanese heritage. Lovely display (see pic above) and great attitude. Just love your friendly nature and proud way you described what you do.

From the time you enter this year’s event and you’re greeted by the scrumptious looking whole roasted pig (wish I could get a few slices), to the friendly nature of all the people who had booths, the freedom to browse and really enjoy the show, to the many cooking lessons and demonstrations and all the samples of food and drinks… this is one of those “must-attend” events that you should etch into your calendar. Free parking and professionally run, you’ll really love this event as much as I did. I only wish I had more time to take in some of the demonstrations… like the one put on my the dairy farmers (cheese). And it would have been nice to meet some of the celebrity chefs that were carded to be there over the weekend. Maybe next year I’ll speak with Amanda to see if she can connect me with one of those chefs to offer a more in-depth side of the event to readers.

That reminds me…special thanks to Amanda Wedgewood for accommodating us at this years event. It’s nice that people are seeing the worth of bloggers and treat them with the same sort of professionalism they reserve to other forms of media.

Important Info.

Website: http://www.goodfoodfestival.com/

Location: International Centre, Hall 5 6900 Airport Rd (at Derry Rd), Mississauga

Festival Hours:
Friday: noon to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 8pm
Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Tickets cost:

Adults : $14 | Seniors $10 | Kids under 12 with a paying adult is free.

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