It’s no secret that Vancouver is a city that encompasses global cuisine. Whether it’s Indian curry, Japanese sushi, or good old burger & fries you’re craving, you’ll be sure to find it at many locations around town. Few would trek to the suburbs for other dining destinations but one event aims to increase our knowledge – and satisfy our cravings – of places that might not be widely known but have equal chance of tickling our tastebuds: The EAT! Fraser Valley Food + Cooking Festival.
Organized by the same company that produces EAT! Vancouver, the Fraser Valley counterpart is in its 4th year at the TRADEX Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre, hosting over 100 food-related exhibitors, cooking demos, and for the first time, the Iron Chef-style Master Chef Competition, sponsored by CityTV and happening on all three days of the festival from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18.
Each year, Food Network Canada hosts the Celebrity Cooking Stage, where this year, Chef Chuck Hughes of Chuck’s Day Off showcases his newest creations. Celebrated Cactus Club Restaurants innovator Chef Rob Feenie will also be present (coincidentally, the only other chef besides Hughes to win an Iron Chef America battle) as well as Galloping Gourmet star and author Graham Kerr, who headlined EAT! Vancouver earlier this year.
Other featured areas at the festival include the Grapes & Hops Presentation Stage hosted by Fraser Valley’s Kathleen Rake and Rick Mohabir of Just Here for the Beer, Dairy Farmers of Canada Cheese Seminars, the Wine, Beer & Spirits Pavilion, and my personal favourite, the Bite of the Valley Pavilion where a variety of Fraser Valley restaurants will offer their signature dishes at a reduced price. Confirmed Bite vendors include A Taste of Ukraine, The Baron Bar & Grill, Fresh Restaurant, Milestone’s, Ric’s Grill, Taste of Africa, Wok Box, and Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre. With so much variety, I dare you to leave the festival on an empty stomach!
EAT! Fraser Valley tickets and information can be found at www.eat-fraservalley.com. A $2 discount applies to tickets if bought online.
By Sandra Garcia
Fees : Online adult tickets are only $10, Seniors $8
Recent Reviews