Eat & Drink Norfolk makes strong return
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SIMCOE Tara and Chris Beal of Burford brought their friend, Jen Schmidtz, to celebrate her birthday at Eat & Drink Norfolk on Saturday.
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It was Schmidtz’s first time at the event, which made its return after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.
“It’s fantastic,” Schmidtz said. “It’s nice to get out and have a celebration.”
Presented by the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, Eat & Drink Norfolk made its debut in 2010. This year’s edition, which opened Thursday and continued Friday and Saturday, featured 30 local wineries, breweries, restaurants and food producers offering samples of their products.
Tara Beal has been to past versions of the event.
“It’s nice that you can be in one room and get to try everything around Norfolk for a day,” she said. “They’ve got beautiful music, excellent drinks and amazing food.”
Chantal Zorad, special events manager for the agricultural society, said this year’s attendance is expected to top 2019.
“This is the first major event in Norfolk County since things have opened back up,” she said. “We had record advance ticket sales, which really told us that people are back and happy to be out.”
Eat & Drink Norfolk is a fundraiser for the agricultural society, operators of the Norfolk County Fair. Zorad said proceeds go to programs, including youth programming at the fair.
Lynsay Connell and her mother, Sandi Stirling, co-owners of Norfolk Juice Co. at 99 Queensway E. in Simcoe, were first-time vendors at the event.
“It’s been quite a success, and quite busy,” said Connell. “I’m loving it and will be back next year.”
She said her juices are an alternative for those who don’t drink alcohol — and for designated drivers – but they also pair well with items, such as sparkling wines, sold by other vendors.
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Sharing space in Connell’s booth was Mary Benedict, production supervisor for the Norfolk Fruit Growers Association, who represented the Apple Place General Store. The store’s apple cider doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar were popular.
“Everyone has been seeking us out,” Benedict said. “I sold out the first night by 8:15 p.m. So, we have upped the quantities.
She said Eat & Drink Norfolk has been “such a staple, and everybody looks forward to it. It’s good to have it back and feel kind of normal.”
Craig Mann is the owner of Mann’s Botanical Spirits, a craft distillery that opened 14 months ago on West Street in Brantford.
“This is the first ever show we’ve done,” said Mann. “If every show was like this, it would be incredible.”
He noted that it has been challenging to do product promotion under pandemic restrictions and shutdowns.
“Now we’re spending money on marketing and the reception has been overwhelming. Friday night was a zoo, and Thursday night was busy, too.”
Estelle van Kleef and Mischa Geven, co-owners of Meuse Brewing at 1853 Windham Road 3, north of Simcoe, were one of several craft breweries at the event.
“It’s really nice to be in person and be able to talk to people again,” van Kleef said. “This is one of the biggest shows. So, it’s great to connect with people who haven’t known we’re around yet, explain to them where we are, and to make plans to come visit us this summer.”
Zorad described the show as a giant cocktail party.
“People see their neighbours and friends, are happy to see them, and have smiles on their faces.”
bethompson@postmedia.com
Eat & Drink Norfolk draws crowds - Brantford Expositor
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