Canadas largest consumer food festival returns for another year to BC Place Stadium. From May 24-26, EAT! Vancouver will feature more than 250 exhibitors, cooking classes, celebrity chefs, and more. Here is a list of 10 things visitors can expect:
1) Second celebrity chef throwdown
This years official kickoff event will see chef Rob Feenie (Iron Chef ) challenge Anna Olson (Bake with Anna Olson) and Trevor Bird (Top Chef Canada) in a celebrity cookoff. The live competition is May 24 at 7pm on the Food Network Celebrity Stage.
2) Bites of Vancouver
Bites of Vancouver tempts attendees with appetizing dishes from more than a dozen local restaurants at no more than $4 per plate.
3) Wine, beer and spirits tasting pavilion
Where the thirsty foodies hang out! Featuring some of the best wine, beer, and spirits that BC and the world has to offer, sample products and learn from the experts on the Grapes & Hops Stage.
4) Regal kidz kandy korner
How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll centre of a Tootsie Pop? Can you blow enormous bubbles? Did you know it was okay to play with your candy? Regal Confections will present three fun competitions for kids ages 5-12 on the International Culinary Stage on May 25 and 26, 1:30-2:15pm.
5) Food Network celebrity stage
Check out chef Chuck Hughes, Food Network celebrity chef, Spice Goddess Bal Arneson, Anna Olson of Bake with Anna Olson, Vancouvers own Iron Chef America champion, Rob Feenie, to learn tips and tricks from the hottest hosts on TV.
6) Weber Canada turns up the heat
Weber Canadas reveals its newly redesigned gas and charcoal grills and accessories. All advance ticketholders will be included in a draw to win a Weber barbecue, valued at over $1,000.
7) All But Gluten
Weston Bakeries will showcase its new lineup of gluten-free baked goods. Registered dietitian and world-renowned gluten-free diet expert Shelley Case and personal chef Ashton Lauren will show how easy it is to make healthy, gluten-free meals.
8) Culinary classes: The sharp side of culinary techniques knife skills
Following the lead from PICAs expert instructors, learn how to sharpen the perfect knife, mince garlic, chop and keep fresh herbs, and the easiest way to cut an onion.
9) BC Chefs Association culinary art show and competition
The competitions continue on Saturday, where competitors from the high school level all the way up to the professional level strut their stuff in the Grand Culinary Salon Competition.
10) SuperChefs cookery for kids
Who says kids cant run the kitchen? Join the SuperChefs Cookery for Kids on the International Culinary Stage, where local restaurateurs and students of the SuperChefs Cookery for Kids will teach children how to make their own food.
The event runs Fri, May 24 2-9pm; Sat, May 25 10am-9pm; Sun, May 26 10am-5pm. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $9 for kids aged 13-16, and free for kids 12 and under. For more info, and for tickets, visit Eat-Vancouver.com.
