Emma Bell goes to a preview party for Restaurants Canada’s big trade show.
As one of the country’s biggest foodservice and hospitality events, the Restaurants Canada Show brings together industry leaders, innovative products and learning opportunities geared towards anyone affiliated with the Canadian restaurant scene.
The event’s media launch night took place in early February at Restaurants Canada’s new headquarters in Toronto. In advance of the full show on February 28 – March 1, the evening showcased some of the most anticipated exhibitors, demos and culinary creations.
Parked outside the event space was the Humber School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism’s food truck, serving up bites of street food for attendees as they walked in off Queen Street West. Inside, MADD Virgin Drinks poured a selection of alcohol-free wines, lagers and cocktails while Shucker Paddy served up delectable oysters in partnership with Ocean Wise. Second Waiter Inc. demonstrated its new app, which allows restaurant guests to search menu nutrition data and food allergy information from their favourite eating establishments. Nearby, Cedarlane Culinary prepared deliciously smoky scallops using the Bellini Kitchen Master, a single kitchen appliance with eight distinct functions.
Amidst the bustling booths and exhibitors, Donna Dooher, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, spoke to GFR about what she’s looking forward to most at this year’s Restaurants Canada Show:
“What excites me about this year’s show (and every show) is the connectivity of the industry. We are the industry that never sleeps at night, so the opportunity to come together to discuss issues, learn, network and discover is always welcome. Hospitality is the one of the fastest growing industries in Canada, and this time together is vital. From growers, producers, manufacturers and distributors to food service operators, we all play a role in the success of the hospitality industry. Restaurants Canada is proud to play a role in making this happen.”
For tickets to this year’s show or for more information, visit restaurantshow.ca.
Emma Bell is a Toronto-based food writer and public relations professional who blogs at feedmeto.wordpress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @emmamhbell.
