Impressive roster of chefs at 2nd CRFA Show

Melissa Craig of Bearfoot Bistro

TORONTO—Bob Blumer, who pulled his toaster trailer around the United States in the Surreal Gourmet and who now hosts Glutton for Punishment, is among the culinary personalities who will make appearances at the CRFA show, taking place March 8–10 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

Melissa Craig, executive chef at Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia, and winner of the 2008 Gold Medal Plates’ Canadian Culinary Championships, will be representing Western Canada.

Craig will lead two cooking demonstrations at the CRFA’s flagship trade show of foodservice equipment and edible products.

Chefs who have signed up to give demonstrations at the show include Giovanna Alonzi of Terroni in Toronto, Alex Rolland of Globe Restaurant in Montreal and Mark McEwan, owner of North 44°, Bymark and One in Toronto, and host of The Heat on the Food Network.
Returning in 2009 is Kevin Brauch, current host of Iron Chef America.

Notable among the seminars scheduled at the show is one by Jim Laube, founder and president of RestaurantOwner.com, who will provide practical advice for boosting profits and improving business management practices.

More than 11,000 people attended the show last year. This year the CRFA is running two promotions to increase attendance, aimed at “decision makers in Canada’s top 100 chains and leading independents.”

New companies at the show this year are bringing products such as a portable spit-roast oven, sealable hourglass shot glasses, Himalayan salt, air curtains and self-washing floor systems.

Japan will have booths promoting its foods and the city of Guelph, Ontario will be at the show promoting local products.

The show will feature food and beverage products, kitchen equipment, furnishings, smallwares, Point of Sale systems, light and sound equipment and more.

California Wine Fair coming to nine cities across the country

CALIFORNIA—California wine producers start their annual Canadian tour this month in Winnipeg and finish up the nine-city visit in Halifax in April.

In the West, the California Wine Fair makes its first stop Feb. 27 at the Delta Winnipeg.
On March 3 it is at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the next day in Calgary at The Hotel Arts. On March 5 it sets up at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

More than 100 producers offered their creations in Canadian cities last year.
At all cities, there are trade tastings in the afternoon and consumer tastings in the evening.