Cleveland’s Fabulous Food Show was well…uh… just fabulous! As an ex Food Network celebrity chef would say my expectations were “BAM” blown away! Any foodie would love this event!

There were plenty of opportunities to view national celeb chefs & aspiring local ones cook on the main stage/kitchen and the side kitchens.

A one-day, advance-purchase ticket was $25, which gives you a seat at your favorite chef’s show and a chance for a seat at a second show. Initially I thought this was a bit pricey but after attending the event I discovered that it was a great value.

Besides I could have dropped much more cash for a Browns ticket and what would I have received for my investment? Not much!

During my visit I watched celebrity chefs Sandra Lee and Tyler Florence wow the crowds with entertaining and engaging cooking presentations.

Each day featured different presentations making the show highly educational and informative.

Free samples of meats, cheeses, sauces and much more flowed throughout the main show room.

I ate my ways through the many aisles that were stocked by vendors displaying their wares. Cookware and cutlery were peddled and hawked by product master.

Much of the display room floor was a lively info-mercial. But I was nice to touch and personally observe many of the products being hyped on the telly. I almost broke down and purchased a garlic shredder but I avoided the temptation and walked away.

Plenty of locally grown produce and/or made fresh in Ohio products were available to taste and purchase. I could spend a couple of days touring the farms and shops that presented their goods.

One item I sampled at the Fabulous Food Show was Shearer’s Home Run Hot Dog flavored potato chip.

According to the company “Shearer’s Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips are loaded with the classic taste of a flavor of plump, juicy Sugardale® beef wiener smothered with mustard and relish.” Sorry guys but I struck out on this one. I’ll wait for next summer and a real stadium dog at the ole ball park.

I would love to see how potato chips are made but was disappointed when the Shearer representatives said that they did not offer a factory tour.

But they do have what looks like an interesting company store so a visit to the Shearer’s Potato Chip Company Store is on my schedule for next summer.

Many companies offer factory tours and I’ve discovered that these to be fun, informative (and often free and/or inexpensive) educational activities.

To locate these I go to the company home and search for “factory tour” or “visitors centers”.

The American Wine School presented a vast array of wines, spirits and specialty beers for sampling in the Grand Tasting Pavilion.

Tasting passports start at $10 each, available online and at onsite kiosks.

Each passport entitles attendees to six (6) tasting tickets, Schott Zwiesel crystal glass, and a useful information booklet!

True foodies need to keep early November 2010 free so they partake in the next Fabulous Food Show! As soon as I get the date I’ll posted it on my blog at

Be kind to your travel agent and get out of town!