The Delicious Food Show 2014
By Samantha Chibani
From food to lifestyle, the Delicious Food Show (DFS) has it all! Sponsored by the Food Network Canada, the annual three-day, mouth-watering event draws patrons in abundance of 25,000 to put their senses to the test as they take in the sights, aromas, and tasty bites of attending exhibitors. Over 200 vendors lined the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, showcasing their wares and delicacies while others created a stir working their cocktail magic.
DFS day one kicked off with a delectable media breakfast courtesy of renowned Toronto Chef Rob Gentile of “Buca” fame, followed by a press conference with Chef Gentile positioned alongside distinguished cuisiniers and restaurateurs Mario Batali – Iron Chef, writer and co-host on ABC’s The Chew; Tyler Florence – Food Network celebrity host of The Great Food Truck Race and author of one of the most innovative new cookbooks to hit the shelves, entitled “Inside the Test Kitchen”; and, Montreal born Chuck Hughes, best known for his self-titled Food Network favourites, Chuck’s Day Off & Chuck’s Eat the Street. During this endearing gathering, the chefs each offered insight into their latest and greatest and took part in an open forum Q and A. Closing out the morning, it was announced that FOOD & WINE will be the official media partner for the Toronto Food & Wine Festival commencing September 2015, aligning Toronto with the likes of Los Angeles, New York and South Beach foodie fêtes.
The buzz during the DFS weekend was electrifying. The Food Network celebrity stage was all the rage, graced by both the afore mentioned chefs as well as Toronto’s own Mark McEwan; Bitchin’ Kitchen Nadia G; Chopped Canada’s judge Roger Mooking; and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia/co-host of Everyday Food, Lucinda Scala Quinn. The floorshow celebrity chefs sported their knack in the kitchen during live cooking demonstrations while taking questions from fans awestruck by the incredible grace and skill of these culinary artists.
A new addition to this year’s eatable extravaganza was the chance to be part of the celebrity chef kitchen in the Exclusive Chef Series. This unique culinary experience gave participants the ‘inside cookery’ on their favourite chefs while taking part in hands on demonstrations in the Delicious Food Show’s private kitchen. One hour of this fully interactive and energizing experience, working side by side with culinary experts, learning the master’s tips and tricks proved a bucket list experience for those fortunate food lovers who savoured every bite. Strolling through DFS this past October, was a great time had by all. The abundance of vendors goods, hands on workshops, book signings, lifestyle and entertaining ideas, demos, and food tastings brought home the old adage that we really are what we eat.