Jan Norris: Food and Florida

The first Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show arrives this weekend at the South Florida Fairgrounds — and already tickets for Paula Deen are sold out. Other shows have been in Atlanta and Washington D.C. but this is the first in Florida.

It’s going to be a big event for food lovers  – think one of the home shows, with dozens of exhibitors and demonstrations – and sure, freebies and tastings.

Paula, Bobby and the Neelys

The Neelys

The big names are Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, and the Neelys of TV and barbecue fame. Special prices are involved to see them — but prices include admission to the show — keep that in mind. Buy tickets online in advance to get the best price; they’re higher at the door.

Almost famous me!

Jan Norris

I’ll be there, showing you how to cook with our backyard fruits and vegetables and offering a taste of a Sensational tropical salsa for you — and a fun bookmark. (See me on Saturday, 3:30-4 p.m. and Sunday, noon-12:30).

On the same stage, one of my peers, Bill Citara, will teach you to “Eat Like a Food Critic” at 2 p.m. Sunday.  

Others you may know:

• Sushi “Joe” Clark will show you how to roll sushi at 1:30 on Saturday.
• Jennifer Reed from the sugar monkey pastry shop will demonstrate pastries at 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Ryan Artim, chef from The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach will have a demo at 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Forte’s chef Mark Liberman will present a demo on Saturday at noon.

A number of other restaurants locally will have their chefs on the stages, including Chops Lobster Bar in Boca Raton, Clematis Social, West Palm Beach; Coco Palm Beach; the Addison Boca Raton, and Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa.

Vendors offer tastings

Then there are all the vendor booths — that’s where the freebies and tastings come in. A number of cookie makers, vinegar and sauce makers, cheesemakers, pasta sauces, linen and tableware,cutlery and cookware and other exhibitors will be set up all around the floor.

Taylor Morgan

Stop by and say hello to Taylor Morgan and my friends at SouthFloridaDines and learn about half-price dining certificates for some of the better local restaurants, available through the click of a mouse.

Say hi to “Tahiti Joe” Turner — of Tahiti Joe’s Hot Sauces. Great guy and very tasty sauces to spice up your fish and chops.

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches also will have members there selling their latest cookbook — recommended.

At the Palm Beach Prime booth, you’ll learn about mail-order meats and poultry — and probably be able to pick up a coupon that offers a discount from the show.

There should be plenty for everyone to eat and explore, so come on out and have some tasty fun.

For the show schedule, information and tickets, go to their web site at: www.metropolitancookingshow.com/2009FL/home.html

Stop by and say Hi!