On March 1-3, 2015 we had the chance to take part in Canada’s largest food service event of year at the Restaurants Canada Show, formerly known as the CRFA Show. The show was jam-packed with over 12,000 industry professionals, 1,200 exhibit booths, dozens of chef demos and celebrity appearances. Canada’s top chefs like Food Network star Anna Olsen, John Bil owner the Junction’s new fish spot Honest Weight, Susar Lee from Bent and Lee, and celebrated cookbook author and restaurateur Donna Dooher owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen walked the floors for the latest in food trends.
If you didn’t get a chance to visit the show not to worry, we compiled a list of our Top 5 show highlights:
1. EAT & TWEET ~ Mixing Up The Best In Social Media
Our Sean Beckingham held a one hour informative Eat & Tweet Seminar on the main stage at the show featuring four of Toronto’s top food industry experts including; Abbey Sharp, Matt Basile, Trevor Lui, and Suresh Doss who revealed the recipe for restaurant success on social media.
From left to right Matt Basile, Suresh Doss, Abbey Sharp and Trevor Lui.
2. RAISE THE BAR ~ Jon Taffer
Executive producer and host of the hit reality series Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer catches up with Sean Beckingham before his keynote presentation. Taffer, shared his top tips and tricks that have helped him to flip nearly 1,000 bars and restaurants.
Sean Beckingham & Jon Taffer.
3. BREAD WINNERS ~ Boulart
For all the bread lovers, Boulart was the place to be! Their artisan-style bread designed to bring families and foodie lovers together had the crowds coming back for more. The humble bakery was also the winner of the best small booth at the Restaurants Canada Show.
Behind the scenes with Rodney Bowers at the Boulart Booth.
4. SHAKE & SLING ~ Pavilion
From the latest in cocktail trends and spirits to what to pair with your wine and brew, the Shake and Sling Pavilion had it all!
Wine tastings anyone? Photo courtesy of Wine Country Ontario.
5. FOOD OF THE FUTURE ~ Naboo
Ever imagined what it would be like to have your food prepared with the touch of a button?! Well at Naboo their one-touch philosophy does just that. Culinary demos featured the new intelligent cooking technique every half-hour throughout the show.
Photo courtesy of Restaurants Canada Show
For more food trends at the Restaurants Canada Show check out Toronto Life‘s top 9 would-be food trends, from cold brew coffee to pie-flavoured yogurt HERE.
Top 5 Instagrams that buzzed during the Restaurants Canada Show!
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- @thevqawinetruck tasting truck was a hit!
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- @johnplacko’s Lobster Squash from his demo.
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- @chef_rouge scopes the gear from @mediumrarechef
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- @toronto_restaurants catches Dan Aykroyd on stage during the #RestoShow15 breakfast event.
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- @articulateeats is in donut heaven
Did we miss any highlights? Tweet us a note we love to chat!