Chicago, Chicago that toddling town

We just got back from a great, really productive trip to the Global Food & Style Expo in Chicago. I think I may have mentioned this before, but this is a trade show produced by the National Association for Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the National Association for State Departments of Agriculture. The Spring Fancy Food Show was part of this event and since we are going to be exhibiting at the Summer Fancy Food Show in June in NY, we thought we should get a better idea of how the show is laid out, what the booths look like as well as the overall ambiance in the convention center.

My mom and I were talking on the 8 hour, toll-ridden drive back to Pittsburgh and we were both really happy that we made the trip. Now we know just how much we're going to have to step up our game in NY!

I kid you not when I say that the show floor is a foodie's paradise- thousands upon thousands of feet of artistically displayed foods & beverages and almost every booth enticing you to try a free sample. And it is really hard to to say no. Really, really hard to say no, especially when it's delicious stuff like pheasant pate, organic fair-trade chocolates and Italian blood orange juice.

There was so much to see, but I think we did a good job of covering ground. If you ever go to one of these types of events though, the term "pace yourself" really applies. As delicious as they were, I'm pretty sure I overkilled on the samples.

Another highlight of the show was a keynote by Bobby Flay. Having eaten at Mesa Grill and Bolo (if you go, the dessert tapas are a must!) and being an avid Food Network viewer, it was interesting to hear him talk about his experiences as a chef, restaurant owner and entrepreneur. He was refreshingly honest and charming. To sum up his talk: do what you love, love what you do- not for the prospects of fame or fortune (i.e. to get your own television show), but because you are passionate about it and you really care.