Caps, Corks and Forks returns to Niagara College for its 13th edition on February 2.
This year, NC welcomes celebrity Food Network chef Michael Smith to the NOTL Campus to serve as master of ceremonies. Chef Smith has visited the College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute on several occasions, and has also previously been the emcee for Caps, Corks and Forks in 2013.
Beginning in 2012, Caps, Corks and Forks is an annual competition between students in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. In this beer versus wine showdown, guests attend a six-course dinner where each course accompanied by a wine and a beer. After each course, guests vote for the beverage they like best with the dish – beer or wine – with either a cap or a cork.
Dinner is provided by students from Culinary Management, Culinary Skills, Cook Apprentice, and Baking and Pastry Arts programs.
“The student is put to the task of taking their knowledge and experience that is gained in the classroom, and apply it to a real world event that can showcase what make Niagara College unique,” said Craig Youdale, dean of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute.
Formerly a biannual occasion, the CFWI now hosts a one large event in the NOTL campus cafeteria. About 225 guests are attending this year’s food and drink experience.
225 guests are anticipated to participate in the event and vote for the team with the best pairing.
“Caps Corks and Forks is an opportunity for the community to see into the world of student learning, and see the passion and experience that they develop in their programs,” said Youdale.
With everything on the line, NC’s brewmasters and winemakers have been testing and choosing their creations leading up to the event. Entering this year’s competition, the teams battle not only for the Caps, Corks and Forks title, but also for the tiebreaker, with previous years’ score sitting at 6:6.
“The experience leading up to Caps, Corks and Forks has been a whirlwind of wine and excitement,” said Thomas Hartlen, Team Wine member. “It has taught me the importance of focusing on the fine details in wine.”
“We are hoping to really make the guests rethink how different beers can pair well with foods,” said Bethune Yu, member of Team Beer. “I’m also excited to see how the guests enjoy the two beers that we made at the College specifically for the event.”
The next edition of Caps, Corks and Forks will be announced in May 2019.
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