Written by: Chris Peppin
Being a lover of all things edible, the CNE allows me to exercise my palate to an extent scarcely available during the rest of the year. However, my bias is not specifically towards the deep fried glory that has been idolized by its apostles in recent years. My interests range from the deep fried to the gourmet – the entire spectrum is satisfied by the CNE.
When my palate is feeling elite and my hunger is for knowledge as well as fine food I make my way to the Food Network Stage to see a celebrity Chef display their culinary prowess. These demonstrations have many dimensions of utility. Not only are the Chefs extremely entertaining to watch, but the demonstrations provide useful tips on how to make gourmet creations in one’s own home. These demonstrations solve a particularly irksome problem for me – my love of food is not matched by my creativity when it comes to making food. Indeed, tips of the trade shown in the demonstrations can transform any habitual PB and J’er into a proud gourmet.
The Food Building is the natural habitat of all food enthusiasts, from the loyal repeat customer, to the adventurous wanderer. As a proponent of the latter I have made it my quest to sample the maximum amount of foods possible whenever the CNE is on. The deep fried, though unquestionably delectable, are part of an increasingly crowded upper echelon of CNE foods. This diversity is, in my eyes, the beauty of the Food Building. I could never pick a favourite dish because each day a new culinary experience is waiting to challenge the last for supremacy of the Food Building, so my favourite CNE dish is constantly in flux.
Whether its culinary knowledge I can take home to impress myself and others or the adventure of a constantly changing favourite food the CNE keeps the entire spectrum of food enthusiasts entirely satisfied and well fed.