Saturday night was a trip to London’s Wine and Food Show to sample some delicious treats with friends. We started with some Ontario pear cider from Twin Pines Orchard and Cider House, yum. Then we managed to taste a whole bunch of local delicacies, from sausage and ham on sweet potato scones by Farmgate Markets, to three kinds of cheese from the Thornloe Cheese Factory, to lemon squares from Killer Desserts. Finally we tried philly cheese steak pizza, mini burgers, nachos and brownies from local restaurants. Of course there was also wine, wine and more wine.

I have to admit my first visit was a little overwhelming. The room was packed, and some people were even dressed to the nines. Then there were more choices than you could shake a stick at. But I did make a very encouraging discovery.

I’m so impressed by the delicious, local products that are available within Ontario. I’m already looking forward to a spring visit to McSmith’s Organic Farm for some organic chicken and pasture-fed beef and ordering herbs and jellies from Heritage Line Herbs and Country Store.

We’ll definitely head back to the show next year, and I’m looking forward to summer road trips and new restaurant adventures. If you go, you should definitely go early, and try the cider.