| rev:text
| - Came here last night for the Wine & Food expo.
I'd like to count this as 2 reviews because the expo itself is a seriously impressive event to review and it cannot be tied in with the review of the venue.
Think, shampoo & Conditioner in 1 type of deal.
The Event.
I should point out that I am no wine expert. I would immediately *air explosion five* trade a vintage glass of wine for a glass of beer. With that said, I had heard about this event but never had the opportunity to go.
The annual Gourmet Food & Wine admission tickets often sell out so you can purchase them on line ahead of time. The expected number of attenders is in the 4,000's. The map in the booklet will give you a clear blueprint of the sections. The divisions are made internationally. So, while exploring some Argentinean wine, you an also try out some mahi mahi fish with mango and custard crumbs. It's a rare opportunity that food/wine lovers should attend at least once. The variety is wide and it's a good opportunity to try out all the popular names (Barefoot, Naked Grape, FuZion, girls night out, Yellow tail) lyou pass at the LCBO without being stuck with a whole bottle. With over 300 With over 300 exhibitors, you are bound to learn lots about little differences (Chardonnay Versus Savignon Blanc; Shiraz Versus Merlot). AND if you didn't get a chance to try out winterlicius or summerlicious, this event also gives you the opportunity to risk and savour the culinary stylings of Toronto's best restaurants(EDO, BRASSAI etc).
It's held only for 1 weekend :
Thursday, November 17, 2011, 6pm-10pm VIP Preview Evening
Friday, November 18, 2011 2pm-10pm
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 12pm-10pm
Sunday, November 20, 2011, 12pm-6pm
We went on sat at 5pm. Expect line ups for everything. Coat check, purchasing, entry, sample tasting and last but not least - the bathroom.
before entry, you buy a sheet of tickets for $20.00 (excluding admission tickets) each ticket is worth $1.00. Sample prices range from $1.00 to $14.00
If you walk around long enough, you can find tons of free samples and free giveaways among the mist of drunkards. There was a cool photo booth that was featuring the 'new years' movie with an impressive list of Hollywood A-listers.
The booths give you the opportunity t try out all types of reds and whites along with organic brews. It's pretty neat. I must add, some booths are so generous about drinks and other try and scam you daffy duck style. Lame.
Otherwise, the popularity seems to be justified. You walk in and grab a wine glass to try out all your samples and at departure you may keep it if you wish. Which, for a souvenir collector, tis the straw to my coconut drink. Along with the wine glass, you also receive a go-green bag with coupons and a free Clamato drink. The big appeal is how much fun you can have here. It's a good show to catch with friends, family , colleagues and/or girls/guys night out. I found this show to also do that one impossible job . A chance to hang with all the married couple friends you have been trying to avoid gracefully. Which at any other show would be a matrix evolved bullet to dodge. Needless to say, it went gravy.
The Venue.
I had been here for my friends body building contest and in my defense I had no idea how huge this place was. It's rather easy to get lost. 3 escalators later and the we were told the coat check was on an entirely different floor than the show. Coming to this Convention Centre, be sure to expect riding the escalators quite often. The security is dominated at this show. As in, loads of them around. There were other events happening and there was tons of staff leading the traffic to the right area.
The service is really great and the open space helps you feel less congested with all the people expecting to show up to the event. The floors are clean and all escalators, stairs and walkways are cleared off from any accidental 'spills' so you can strut with your heels shooing your worries away. I really really like that the convention rooms are carpeted inside. 2 stars for heel friendly events.
The bathrooms are large and less crowded. If you needed to use the restroom, you would have to exit the show and use the re-entry line to admit again which is yet another line up. (They stamp you at entrance to check later). Note: There are bathrooms inside the convention , you just have to find them. Talk a walk along the ends of the room. There's an opening to a small set of stalls.
Toronto , with great power comes great responsibility and you def took care of both here.
xoxo
M.
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