Posts Tagged ‘risotto’

On Friday November 16^th I attended the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  In a change from previous years, the show was on the upper floor of the North Building, instead of in the bowels of the South.  There was no real difference in terms of the show’s layout, but it was nice to be able to see natural light for a while.

As usual, some vendors were offering samples for a reasonable number of tickets, while others appeared to be attempting to earn back the exhibitor fee in one night.  The LCBO Vintages booth is always one of the best values at the show, and they had plenty of interesting options, many for just a single ticket ( $1).  My favourite was Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa.  It showed orange peel, quince, stone, and some lemon, and it went down a treat with three Malpeque oysters from the Rodney’s booth.

At the Wines of Georgia booth

Champagne with friends

With Domaine de la Ville de Colmar, a wine I tried in Alsace during the summer

President’s Choice was serving up lobster risotto, and they happened to be near the Hidden Bench booth, so I paired 2010 Chardonnay with the dish, and it was magic.  Both the food and the wine were rich and luxurious.

Wild boar risotto and Tosalet Priorat

Risotto was on the menu at the Catering by Elio booth, as well, and it’s a go-to spot for me at this show.  I had wild boar risotto with Tosalet Priorat 2007 from the Wines of Spain booth.  The savoury character of the rice was matched by the cherries and chocolate character of the wine.  My second glass of Spanish wine was Beronia Rioja 2007.  Full-bodied, and showing notes of black currant, smoke, leather, and black plums, this wine would be perfect with a roaring fire and some grilled striploin.

Beronia Rioja 2007

The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo spoils people for choice.  They try to have something for everyone, and I would say they manage it.  I look forward to next year.