Norfolk County chefs impressed the 200+ media and influencers who attended Terroir Rural Retreat on Tuesday, April 24.
Local restaurants that are Feast On certified were front and center at the Terroir Rural Retreat, which will attract about food and drink influencers from Canada and other nations.
Over a dozen chefs, including those from the Blue Elephant, The Combine, David’s and Erie Beach Hotel, gathered at the Burning Kiln Winery to create a unique experience for the media influencers.
Local food and drink from Norfolk County were featured in the dishes served, including products from Feast On certified purveyors such as VG Meats and Pristine Gourmet Oils. Wine and beer from Norfolk County wineries and breweries were also served.
The invitation-only event is presented annually by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in cooperation with the host community – this year Norfolk County – and Feast On certified chefs, on the day after the Terroir Symposium held at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Norfolk County was also highlighted at the Symposium.
Terroir is how a region’s climate, soils and waters, terrain, and farming traditions affect the taste of food and drink. The Terroir Rural Retreat allows guests of the Symposium to connect with the people and places that make Ontario terroir worth celebrating.
“The impact of this event is huge,” said Tracy Haskett of Norfolk County. “These media contacts have many followers who can increase awareness of Norfolk County through social media and mainstream media.”
Norfolk County is Ontario’s number one grower of asparagus, cabbage, sour cherries, ginseng, squash and zucchini, strawberries, peppers, pumpkin. Farmers in Norfolk County are also leading growers of apples, cucumbers, lettuce, popping corn, potatoes, raspberries, sweet corn, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Norfolk County is home to several wineries and craft breweries. Norfolk County also acknowledges the support of Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corp. for the Terroir Rural Retreat.
For more information, visit norfolktourism.ca or terroirsymposium.com.
