Wine or beer – which will win the challenge of the best food-beverage pairing? Students from Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute will vie for the title – and bragging rights – at a sold-out Caps, Corks and Forks dinner event on February 2.
The evening event, to be held at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, marks the 13th round of this popular dinner series, which features an elegant six-course meal prepared by culinary students and a friendly competition between students on Team Wine and Team Beer, who are challenged to out-do one another by selecting or crafting the best beverage to accompany each dish. The ultimate decision rests with the guests who vote for their preference following each course – with either a cap or a cork.
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- Members of Team Wine prepare for a showdown with the beer students at Caps, Corks and Forks on February 2. Team Wine includes students from NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician and Wine Business Management programs.
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- Members of Team Beer prepare for a showdown with the wine students at Caps, Corks and Forks on February 2. The team is comprised of students from NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program.
CFWI dean Craig Youdale noted how the event creates a unique dining experience for guests that offers them a taste of the applied culinary, wine and beer education the College offers, unlike any other institution in Canada. “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 six victories on record for both Team Wine and Team Beer, from previous Caps, Corks and Forks events, the pressure is on as both teams vie for the event trophy as well as for the overall series tiebreaker. Team Wine’s selections to accompany the menu will include a Sparkling wine from the NC Teaching Winery, in addition to Ontario VQA wines. Team Beer is custom brewing creations for the menu as well as selecting craft brews from across the province.
“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.”
While previous Caps, Corks and Forks events were held at the on-campus Benchmark restaurant, this round has moved to the larger Student Commons to accommodate 225 guests.
