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.

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.

Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute provides students with valuable hands-on experience and academics in food, innovation, wine and beer. The CFWI, located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, is home to Canada’s first Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery. Its renowned teaching restaurant, Benchmark, focuses on local and seasonal cuisine and is open to the public year-round for fine dining.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

-30-

Media advisory / Photo op

*Media is welcome to attend for event coverage. Please ask for dean Craig Youdale upon arrival.

What: Caps, Corks and Forks

When: Saturday, February 2, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

*The winning team is expected to be announced at 9:15 p.m.

Where: Niagara College Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) Student Commons (lower level)

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368

Cell: 905.328.2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Manager, Communications

Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773

Cell: 905 328-4101

[email protected]