CELEBRATE NIAGARA'S CULINARY BOUNTY AT THE NIAGARA WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC
by Professor Hrayr Berberoglu.

2004


Niagara's world famous falls attract millions of tourists and thousands of honeymooners, but what is less-well-known and publicized is the culinary legacy and viticultural bounty of this fertile region.

The beautiful wine country, the unforgettable sight of the Falls, excellent food and a spectacular array of wines are the best way to spend a week end for a gourmet.

Niagara Wine and Food Classic was created in 2001 to address this deficiency and to show the world the agricultural bounty.

First off, the spacious venue affords an excellent view of the Falls. A well-organized event offers enough variety to interest everyone, even those who profess gourmands rather than gourmets.

Niagara produces a bounty of delicious fruits, from strawberries to raspberries, apricots, peaches, apples, pears, gooseberries, cherries, and produce that titillate the palate. They are juicy, have an appealing texture, succulent, and the taste beats imported merchandise hands down; it is truly as fresh as it looks.

But not only does Niagara produce fruits and vegetables, cheese is a specialty of small farms run by Italian immigrants who still prepare their cheese the "old and traditional" way with no shortcuts. Try their asiago and you will understand what I am talking about.

You want quails or quail eggs? You will not be disappointed. They taste great and local chefs know how to make then even more appealing.

Of course, we must not forget Niagara wines. While the modern wine history of the region is short, it is phenomenally successful. A few maverick winemakers set out in the early 1970's to disprove government scientists who maintained that fine vitis vinifera vines could not survive harsh Niagara winters. The scientists were proven wrong!

Today Niagara wines compete favourably with the best in the world. When it comes to icewine (Canadian spelling), only one or two countries in the world can even try to compete.

Niagara Wine and Food Classic offers an opportunity to observe famous Canadian chefs on stage and TV personalities from the U.S.A. They show their techniques and generously share their secrets.

You can taste the deliciacies of local restaurants in a huge tent and taste matching wines (Niagara and imports).

This gourmet event attracts thousands from across the country and visitors from 31 states, and achievement few shows can claim.

Here is an opportunity to spend a week end of luxurious food and superb wines, learn about terroir and how it affects both taste and texture, experience camaraderie and relax while watching the world famous Niagara Falls.

Niagara Wine and Food Classic is an amazing gastronomic exploration of wine and food.

This year's Niagara Food and Wine Classic takes place September 10 - 12 in Niagara Falls. For more information log on www.DiscoverNiagara.com or call 1 - 800-56 FALLS.

Hrayr Berberoglu took early retirement after lecturing on restaurant management and conducting wine, beer and spirits seminars for over a quarter of a century.

Now he consults and writes to increase wine, beer and liquor awareness. He conducts seminars and would be pleased to consider your requests. To peruse the list of his published books and order please contact him at hirayrberberoglu_3@sympatico.ca

Hryar Berberoglu www.littlefatwino.com