Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Fabulous Food Show

I am a huge fan of The Food Network and the bevy of shows they air on a daily basis. It seems I can not get enough of their competitions and their culinary delights.

So you say you are not as enthusiastic as I?

That's quite alright. But I would like to share why whether you are a fan of food or not, having the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland, Ohio is a win-win situation for Northeast Ohio.

The Fabulous Food Show people term this event as the "Midwest's largest taste try and buy culinary celebration."

This show does not happen in every city. For the last number of years Cleveland, Ohio has been chosen as the host and on their website they are already planning for the show coming back in 2010.

It's an extremely huge honor.

As Michael Symon explained during one of his demo's, Cleveland is one of the leaders in culinary excellence. If you look at cities with our same demographics, size, or even bigger, Cleveland by far has many more local, thriving restaurants. Local is the key word. Who cares about chains? We have so many local chefs who have turned their dreams into reality.

The celebrity chefs who come into town each year LIKE Cleveland and enjoy their visit.

How could they not enjoy their trip this year with the added bonus of 70 degree temperatures!

The 2009 show featured Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence, Sandra Lee, Jason Roberts, and of course the Ambassador for Cleveland, Iron Chef Michael Symon.

Bobby Flay absolutely LOVED Cleveland. He could not stop talking about how wonderful the people were everywhere he went. Symon took him to the Cleveland Cavs game Saturday night and he had a terrific time (especially seeing his friend Shaq!). Flay said the Knicks fans really need to get as revved up as the Cleveland Cavs fans! Flay and his wife ate at Lola's and could not say enough about Michael Symon, his talent, his staff, the hospitality, and Symon's influence on Cleveland.

When you go to this show, it's similar to others at the I-X Center in the respect that there are booths up and down each aisle. This show, however, doesn't tout floor tilers or hot tub retailers (though a hot tub is not a bad idea) but local food distributors, restaurants, and everything food and drink!

One local woman sold the most amazing Ultimate Brownies. Another stand sold Frappe Vino.

Though these distributors are trying to sell their fares, they all give out free samples. I've never seen so many people lined up from booth to booth just to get a small taste of pasta, a meatball, or a cannoli.

I must admit, I don't stand in those lines. I'd rather see the cooking demos with the stars and walk around to get a glimpse of the stands.

Someone said 'if you go home hungry from these shows, it's your own fault.' Well, I must admit, by 6pm Sunday night, I still had not had a lick of food all day but totally enjoyed my visit.

It was a real treat for me to see my co-worker and friend Jacquie Chakirelis. Jacquie runs our "Momlikeme.com" website. They had a stand at the show and said it was a complete success. There were so many people in attendance all weekend. If you have not logged on to this website yet, please do. It's not just for Mom's, though that is it's focal point. They help Moms with every aspect you can think of, including feeding a family on a budget. There are some pretty hot topics we all get involved in on the website. It's really an interesting site. I suggest popping on some time.

I just can not say enough about the show. They have home made food, they have demonstrations, live music, celebrities, tips, and so much more.

I was lucky enough to attend the Bobby Flay Show and the Michael Symon Show. Not only were both entertaining but they each cooked up three meals to absolutely die for! They offered tremendous tips, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and again, could not say enough good things about Cleveland.

If you've never been to the Fabulous Food Show, I strongly suggest hitting it in 2010. And if you have attended the show and been tantalized by the tremendous tastes, then you too, know why I've chosen The Fabulous Food Show as this week's Hidden Gem!