Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show

From the moment I attended the Metropolitan Cooking Preview Show at Cuba Libre, I anticipated going to the actual show a month later. This event was such a tease! An El Fiesta de Sanguches sandwich menu with a variety of sandwich options were featured during the event. Food Network winner, Jeff Mauro "Sandwich King" was the special guest of the evening. But not in physical form, Jeff was Skype into answer a few questions and to discuss the sandwich, which was sent to him via FedEx by Guillermo Pernot, Chef-Partner, Cuba Libre for his special appearance. At the end of night, a swag bag was given to attendees including over 200 products from a few participating food exhibitors who were going to be at the Metro Cooking Entertainment Show.

The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show is one of those events that should be on your must attend list. How could one possibly missed out on 300 + vendors selling specialty food products, kitchen gadgets and top celebrities chefs providing cooking demonstrations? The first show took place in Washington, D.C. in 2006; the show expanded in other cities such as: Houston and Dallas. The biggest names in the culinary world were at this event for booking signings and cook demonstrations. 

This year the show was held on November 3rd & 4th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year's show included Giada De Laurentiis, Top Chef judges Tom Coliccho & Gail Simmons, The Chew's Michael Symon & Carla Hall and Food Network Star winner "Sandwich King" Jeff Mauro, and father daughter duo Jacques Pepin & Claudine.

Celebrity Cooking Corner with Giada De Laurentiis

The 2 day food lovers event featured tastings from over many different food exhibitors, cooking demo stage, tasting, workshops, beer, wine & spirits pavilion and celebrity book signings with top culinary stars. Admission tickets were sold a month in advance ranging from general admission, VIP, special event and Celebrity Theater tickets. The tickets could be purchased from the Metropolitan Cooking website or social deal sites such as Living Social, Groupon, or Capitol Deal. 

Origen Oil, "Mango Mango" Mango Preserves, Bonfatto's Spice Ice Cream

Furthermore, with the show presenting many food exhibitors it also included many grocers and specialty markets, ethnic foods, Kitchen appliances and designers, food manufactures, online and catalog retailers, Beverages, coffee, tea specialty, travel destinations, cookware, culinary & cooking schools restaurants & caterers, brad promotions and even a chance to test drive the new Buick Regal no-hands parking feature.  

This event was the perfect leap into the holiday season. Everything from the various food vendors was simply delicious, however I could not leave empty handed. I purchased as much as I could from several food exhibitors. From the celebrity cooking demonstrations to the The Gourmet Cooking Show it was truly a food lover’s heaven. I look forward to attending the next event and is oh so exciting about using my purchased items in a dish.

Huerto Azul, Herlocher's Dipping Mustard, Dee's Gourmet Pretzels