The Good Food Festival

If you happen to be in Toronto on April 25, 26 or 27^th be sure to check out the Good Food Festival. I first hit the stage at the GFF way back in my Harrowsmith Country Life days and I've been back every year since. In its 16^th year, the festival is a great place to check out celebrity chefs, new products and trends in the food industry.

Where else can you watch Canadian foodie icon Elizabeth Baird whip up something amazing, food trend expert Dana McCauley talk about what's around the corner in the foodie world and check out some sexy firefighters who cook dinners, all in the same building? Yes, the firefighters are coming and with any luck it'll be the hunky ones from the calendar.

The Good Food Festival isn't just about eating and ogling half nude firemen. Okay, you can in fact eat your way through the show, but I really suggest you nibble and learn. And while you're lightly noshing, watch your back for the odd hip-checking food snarfer.

There are seven stages that you can sit down at and take in a cooking demonstration or a "quick bite" of information. The food will always be there, but the chefs, celebrities and demonstrators are on a schedule. So plan ahead, then sit down and learn something from Canadian Living and its Test Kitchen, the Gimmee 5 Stage, the Whole Foods kitchens or one of the other stages.

The happening buzz this year is about a fabulous new stage called Ask a Professional organized by the Ontario Home Economists Association. Don't be afraid, this isn't your old home ec teacher back to haunt you; these professionals are here to help.

If you're tired of being confused about what to cook that's healthy, tastes great and is easy to make, this is the place with all the answers.

As professional home economists they are the go to it people who can help make your life easier. Okay, maybe not your entire life, but certainly anything to do with a stove, a pot and some food.

Learn how to navigate a grocery store, read a food label, add eggs to your diet, cook with brown rice, add heart-healthy walnuts to your next meal, pack a lunch that rocks, learn the latest preserving techniques, make a wicked stir fry, bake treats that not only taste amazing, but are healthy and won't stick to the pan to boot, or get great recipes from cook book authors who are also professional home economists, all at the Ask a Professional Stage.

Oh, and here's a coincidence — I helped put the stage together along with fellow professional home economist and mentor Barb Holland. No wonder its going to be fabulous. So if you're in the area, make sure that you check us out.

If you're not going to be in Toronto, well, there's always next year.

For more information visit: http://www.goodfoodfestival.com/

Where
International Centre, Hall 5, Mississauga
6900 Airport Road at Derry Road — Free Parking!

When
Friday April 25
Media Preview: 11am
Doors Open: Noon to 8:00pm
Saturday April 26: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday April 27: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Admission
Tickets are available at the door and online
General Admission: $12 (at door) or $11 (online)
Seniors (65+): $11
Children under 12 are Free (when accompanied by an adult)