The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is proud to present the Food Network Stage. Satisfy your hunger for a fabulous culinary experience, the Food Network Stage offers continuous chef demonstrations throughout the Expo. Don't miss our non-stop line up of celebrated professionals; from breakthrough talents, to trend-setting innovators, to seasoned celebrities. The Food Network Stage is sure to provide something for everyone! Our eager audience is invited to interact with our recognized chefs and learn the secrets of their culinary delights. Aspiring sous-chefs from the Niagara College Culinary Institute aid in the preparation and presentation of each demonstration.
Celebrity Chef Andrea Nicholson
Co-host of Restaurant Takeover on Food Network
Friday, November 16th at 7:30
Don’t miss the Restaurant Takeover co-host and Top Chef Canada competitor live on the Food Network Stage at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo!
Chef Andrea Nicholson found her passion for cooking at the age of 14 when she secured her first restaurant job and since then she has been consumed with the art of food.
Andrea will co-host this season’s new show Restaurant Takeover on Food Network. She is also the owner of Killer Condiments, a line of artisanal condiments. She is a Red Seal-certified chef who trained at the internationally renowned George Brown College and holds a diploma from the A.P.N. of Naples,
Italy, distinguishing her as a Pizzaiuoli, a certified Neapolitan pizza maker. Supporting sustainability, Canadian farmers and Ocean Wise are central tenets of Andrea’s cuisine.
Restaurant Takeover airs Thursdays at 9pm ET/6pm PT beginning August 30 on Food Network.
Philippe Corbiere and Sam Seaver of Niagara College’s Benchmark Restaurant, a hidden gem in Niagara-on-the-Lake, share an innovative twist on a classic seafood recipe.
7:00pm
Cutting Edge
Chef Chris Kalisperas presents one of the signature dishes from Brassaii Restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired fine dining menu.
8:00pm
Entertain with Style
Chef Joseph Adam of Santa Maria Foods shares ideas for tasty appetizers using the freshest and finest products from Mastro and San Daniele foods.
9:00pm
Understanding Sushi
Top talents from EDO Sushi will educate, inform and entertain while debunking some of the biggest misconceptions about preparing and eating sushi.
FRIDAY
3:30pm
Classic Comfort
Chef Graham Pratt of The Gabardine delights in using local and organic produce to create dishes that are best described as comfort food exemplified.
4:30pm
Über Urquell
International award-winningchef, Mick Elliott, shows you how to wow guests by infusing Pilsner Urquell into some of your favourite dishes like chicken wings and fondue.
6:30pm
Simplified Solutions
Jay Sarout of Fontaine Santé shares tips on how to make cooking easy and delicious with healthy appetizers and entrées.
7:30pm
Festive Feast
Chef Andrea Nicholson from Food Network Canada’s Restaurant Takeover and Top Chef Canada uses products from her Killer Condiments line to prepare a special holiday meal.
8:30pm
Lobster-centric
Chef Matt Pettit, owner of Rock Lobster’s Food Truck and Shack, shows how to prepare lobster like a pro and shares delicious recipes and serving suggestions.
SATURDAY
12:30pm
Be Tempted
Chef Matty Matheson presents a tantalizing dish from his restaurant Parts & Labour, which is famous for innovative dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
1:30pm
Nutritionally-Balanced
Prior to cooking for a living, Ursa’s Jacob Sharkey-Pearce worked as a nutritional consultant for pro athletes. He brings a real respect for healthy ingredients to the kitchen.
2:30pm
Social Dining
Kultura draws its inspiration from global offerings and bills itself as a spot for "social dining" with tapas/small plates of exceptional food that take diners on an inventive and inspired world tour.
3:30pm
PC Cooking School
You may know Chef Tom from many of the commercials featuring President’s Choice products, serving up great food. Join him to learn a variety of recipe ideas and inspiration for entertaining that’s sure to make an impression on your guests.
4:30pm
Candy Man
Indulge your sweet tooth when candy expert Todd Gibbons of Northern Confections demonstrates his confectionary skills and teaches you the fine art of making candy.
5:30pm
French Lessons
Amanda Ray’s flair for classic French cuisine has found a home at Toronto’s legendary Biff's Bistro. Learn some of the techniques and traditions behind Ray’s delectable cuisine.
6:30pm
BBQ Refined
David Neinstein, of Barque Smokehouse in Toronto, presents his mouthwatering recipe for smokehouse chicken as he shares new and interesting takes on classic barbecue.
7:30pm
Innovative Cooking
Celebrity Chef Darryl Fletcher, host of At Home with Chef D and Executive Chef at the Buffalo Canoe Club, shares creative dishes and his love of cooking.
8:30pm
Shuck & Awe
Owner Rodney Clark and Chef Rodrigo De Romana of Rodney's Oyster House educate and entertain as they prepare savoury poached oysters with butternut squash, apple, bacon and sage soup.
SUNDAY
1:30pm
Rustic Roots
Chef Aaron Joseph Bear Robe of Keriwa Café creates cuisine inspired by his Aboriginal ancestry. Enjoy a taste of his rustic, elegant and locally sourced cuisine.
2:30pm
Innovative Cooking
Celebrity Chef Darryl Fletcher, host of At Home with Chef D and Executive Chef at the Buffalo Canoe Club, shares creative dishes and his love of cooking.
3:30pm
Tantalizing Trio
Executive chef Matt Hemmingsen of Rockway Glen Golf Course and Estate Winery serves up three delicious, seasonal dishes inspired by Niagara wine country and the holiday season.
4:30pm
Asian Vision
Chef Alec Martin of Hawker Bar has sourced some of the finest Singaporean ingredients in Toronto. Savour a variety of Asian flavours and experience all that the season has to offer.
