Events in Toronto: One of a Kind Show – Foodie Picks – Spring 2014
While the One of a Kind Christmas Show is a yearly tradition for stocking up on gifts for the foodie on your list, the One of a Kind Spring Show offers an more intimate setting to break out of your winter hibernation and support the amazing artisans that make this one of the must-attend shows of the year.
From jellies to shortbread, this artisan craft show is a foodie delight. Since we have been attending the show for years, we have some of our tried and true favourites that we stock up on, and, always look to discover new artisans to support and promote. Check out some of our picks for the foodie on your list.
Tealish (C19)
Coffee lovers beware. Tealish and their variety of hangover helping, waist shrinking, and taste bud satisfying teas make a great gift. Know of a better way to shed those extra pounds we put on staying indoors? We don’t.
Cassis Monna & Filles (B37)
Whether you’re thinking “what’s cassis?” or “score! Cassis!” this variety of jams, syrups, and condiments is sure to tickle the tongue of refined and amateur foodies alike. One of our favourite product lines at the show, we already ran out of the goodies we bought before Christmas and will be sure to stock up again.
Erin Rothstein (G07)
After hearing Erin discuss her art for a few minutes, you will never look at your food the same. Who thought that toast could be so majestic? What about kisses being “naughty”? Have a chat with Erin, see what we mean, and, take home a slice of this collection.
Mary Macleod’s Shortbread (C26)
A frequent stop on our 501 Streetcar Food Tour, there’s a reason Mary Macleod has been doing business for over 30 years. With gorgeous boxes and jars featuring a bevy of flavor combinations, they’re perfect for anyone. We don’t want to meet the man or woman who finds buttery, melt in your mouth shortbread unappealing. Just be sure you grab a few for yourself, as well as the foodie in your life. The smell will drive you to consume these treats well before you leave the show. Their Easter cut rabbits and decorating kits will be the best reward of any Easter hunt.
La Nougaterie Quebec (C44)
All it’s life, nougat has played a supporting role. Help it step in to the spotlight with a variety of out of this world bars and bites. Paired in a basket with flavoured marshmallows, sweet tooth fiends will rejoice! Don’t worry, they’re used to people drooling.
Henderson Farms (B20)
Prickly nettles aren’t usually on the menu. But award winning jelly purveyors, Henderson Farms, want you to embrace new flavors on your toast! We bet you’re going to spend more than a little time sampling at this booth.
Organics and Gold (C29)
Instead of rolling down your car window to ask for ‘grey poupon,’ you’ll be rolling up your window so you don’t have to share Organic Gold mustard. Pretzels, hot dogs, and sandwiches will go from okay to gourmet in one smear. Sorry ketchup, we’ve made a new alliance.
Nutra-Fruit Cranberry (B52)
Versatile and tasty, these plump, sweet cranberries will compliment salads, yogurt treats, trail mixes, and even a big turkey dinner. Of course, you can get them chocolate covered too. Ask about their show promo to score a serious deal on three good sized bags.
Three Farmers (B41)
Three Farmers is a small group of Saskatchewan farmers passionate about growing natural and healthy food and dedicated to providing a personal connection between consumers and producers. Founded in October 2010, Three Farmers was the first to introduce camelina culinary oil to Canada. They even appeared on the Dragon’s Den. Noted for having high levels of Omegas and Vitamin E, a high smoke point and long shelf life, their expeller cold-pressed oil has a truly unique profile, relative to other oils on the market. Your best bread is begging to soak this up!
Pepper Brew (C41)
Pepper Brew’s truly one-of-a-kind, full-flavored and delicious pepper sauces is the creation of Elizabeth Hill. What initially began over 16 years ago in the mountains of Jamaica, being shared amongst family and friends has now become a line of pepper sauces that she is proud to share with everyone. Pepper Brew Gourmet Pepper Sauces has established its home in Ontario and is proud to be a product of Canada. Pepper Brew takes pride in offering their customers a selection of all-natural pepper sauces that are made with the freshest ingredients and have no artificial flavors, colors, fillers, binders or preservatives. All Pepper Brew sauces are gluten-free and contain all-natural ingredients. They know it’s nearly impossible to have just one favourite, and offer adorable packages that feature three.
Jaswant’s Kitchen (C38)
Nutritionist Jaswant Kular (a.k.a. Jessie) created a line of 100% natural Indian spice blends after recognizing the need for a simple way to create authentic tasting, healthy Indian food. The spice blends and her easy-to- follow recipes are inspiring young adults, adventurous home cooks, and all people who love Indian food to cook from scratch. The family dynamic at this booth is infectious and the dal samples can be smelled from long down the aisle.
Jacqueline Poirier Custom Ceramic Art (A38)
If you’re like us, looking down at your plate once you’ve cleared it can be truly heartbreaking. These one of a kind plates take “food porn” to a new level and make sure your eyes will continue to eat long past your stomach. The resident artist at The Ritz Carlton, inviting a Jacqueline Poirier original in to your home is sure to class up the joint. These make seriously fun host and hostess gifts too!
The show runs from March 26-30. Want to make it the tastiest weekend ever? Couple it with our 501 Streetcar Food Tour on Saturday. Happy eating!
Photos by: Eva Lampert