Our second excursion to the Fancy Food Show was quite different from last year. I didn't leave with a tummy ache from all of those tasty treats. This year we paced ourselves, stuck to specific countries and regions of the United States and learned to stick to savory and then sweet.
This year's show featured 2,250 exhibitors with regional fare from the Caribbean, Greece, Italy, Morrocco, Portugal, France, Thailand, Serbia and Uganda to name a few. Also exhibitors from across the U.S. from Virginia to Mississippi stopped over. The Top 15 vendors we met and tasted at the show included:
15. Sonoma Jack Creamery. In need of a party tray for that next soiree? This California creamery will leave your guests happy.
14. Jake's Grillin rubs. A premier maker of coffee rubs, sauces and marinades even the most elementary cook can whip up a miracle with these rubs. Purchase online for $3.99 and up.
13. Cypress Grove Cherve cheesemakers. My favorites included Humboldt Fog, Truffle Tremor and Lamb Chopper cheeses. Shop online with quick two day delivery.
12. Natalie's orange juices fresh from Florida available in just about ever market in DC.
11. Hill Country Bar-B-Que Sauces. Stop over at Hill Country in Chinatown or your local Harris Teeter and pick up these sauces.
10. Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost available at area Caribou, Yes! Organics or Cost Plus World Market. These delightful all-natural ginger ales are perfect for a Dark and Stormy. Also available in Pomegranate, Passion Fruit and Jasmine Tea.
9. Hey Shuga! and Lil' Shuga! natural and organic syrups. These are the perfect addition to summer iced tea or cocktail creations. Purchase online for just $7.99.
8. Pedras Salgadas sparkling water from Portugal. I was lucky enough to taste during my time in Portugal last year and this sparkling water is top on my H2O charts. You'll be hard pressed to find it in the states however.
7. Gallo Olive Oil (not owned by the American Gallo Wines) from Portugal. This olive oil is perfect for sauteing and grilling and has won a number of worldwide awards . Try their Colheita Ao Luar for dipping.
6. House Autry Southern Baked seasonings for fried foods. We had fantastic hushpuppies and chicken covered in their Southern Baked Chicken Coating. Carried at Safeway, Giant and Harris Teeters throughout DC.
5. Route 11 Chips. Where can you not find Route 11 chips in D.C. stores and lunch eateries? What started in 1984 has sprung into a top-notch Virginia-owned company with flavors like Chesapeake Crab, Mama Zuma's Revenge, Dill Pickle and Sweet Potato. Did we mention they are owned by the same family behind Tabard Inn?
4. Edward's ham, bacon and sausage. Did someone say bacon? These third generation cure-masters are raising and curing genuine Virginia hams. Try their bacon collection at Wegmans, Balducci's, PNC Market and Dean & Deluca.
3. Alpenglow Sparkling Cider. Hailing from the Shenandoah Valley, these ciders blend of 100% pure, fresh pressed apples from local farmers of the Shenandoah Valley region. Purchase a 6 pack online for about $40 (plus shipping).
2. KIMKIM Korean Hot Sauce. On the market for less than 3 months and already Steve Kim has won a Sofi Award from the Fancy Food Show. Keep an eye out for the hot sauce in stores soon.
1. Callie's Charleston Biscuits (pictured) were by far my favorite item from the show. Featured in Oprah, Country Living and the New York Times, these Southern biscuits are always made by hand and fully cooked. From $17.95 to $22.95 a dozen they can ship anywhere. Or head over to Dean & Deluca in Georgetown to pick up in person.
Exhibitors at the Fancy Food Show expect to donate more than 100,000 lbs of food and beveragse to the Capital Area Food Bank this year. Kudos to NASFT!
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