Taste of Culinary

Definitely a good display and most of the tables gave much larger portions than expected (and necessary IMO).
Loved wandering and sampling all of the creative items. Some were alright, some were really good, and some were fantastic.
My only gripe is that the flow/​set-​up could have been better. Lots of crowed paths and it would have been nice to have more trash cans and some pub tables splattered around.
I’m looking forward to next year’s event — April 19^th at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

A unique opportunity to taste food from professional chefs as well as culinary students. It was highly enjoyable and gave me the chance to try foods I would have never considered trying. Of all the samples I tried Osteria 166, was my favorite.

Goat, rabbit, crab, wine and pork. what else can I put on my fork? How about decedent chocolate treats, little lemon boats or miniature swan cream puffs? All this and a lot more was presented to all for the tasting by five wineries, eight restaurants and six culinary centers of learning. The restaurants presented moderate portions of their signature dishes (see photo) which were all outstanding but I thought the students stole the show. These young adults worked so hard, and it showed in their presentation and in the taste of the food they brought forth. If I were a judge, I would have presented the blue ribbon to Alfred state, the artistry and decadence of their candies was amazing. If you have never been, plan on attending next year, it will be well worth it. If it was all that good then why not five stars? As the popularity of this grows, so should the venue. After about an hour it got very crowded and apparently there are a lot of rude people who cant wait for a bite of food, a bigger place would make it nicer.

Once a year a bunch of chefs and students get together and do some serious cooking for all us locals.
Osteria 166
The Archer
Pettibones
Savor
ECC
Alfred State
Buffalo convention center
D’Avoilo is offering olive oil tastings
Gigi’s
Gin Mill Restaurant
Niagara Falls Culinary Institute
and more are represented.
The offerings are 2 or 3 bite size samples and some are surprisingly good. All portions are more than generous. There are also many dessert offerings which look good, but I came for the meal samples not the sweets.
There was a «BLT» offering which was great. Served on a piece of toast were bacon, tomato caviar I was told. Whatever it was it tasted great.
Also on offer was a pork served on risotto which was terrific.
There is a poutine which people seemed very happy with. I don’t think I «get» poutine so I did not love it. But others do. Especially the lobster gravy version.
The crab cakes are a hot item as well.
Cost in 2014 was $ 30.
Arriving early there will be a line by 11:45. I was not here at 2:30 but imagine it may be packed by then.
Unilocal is here with a table and a raffle. Unilocal is everywhere!
Come by Buffalo Metro if you can. Parking down here is lousy and will cost you.
4 stars because the traffic flow is terrible and the parking not easy. But it’s a step up from just OK.