Feast of Fields Survival Guide

Peaches and Cream Crocodiles, Max's Deli & Bakery

Feast of Fields is the foodie’s highlight of the year. Here are a few tips from our editor, Debbra Mikaelsen, to help you make the most of it.

Before you go:

1. Get a Smart Plate. Pick up one of these brilliantly designed plates, with a built-in hole for your wine glass.

This will prevent that vexing party problem of trying to manage a glass in one hand and a delicate morsel of food in the other. The one pictured was $1.25 at Gourmet Warehouse, but apparently some dollar stores have them too. The little lip around the edge can prevent things like cherries and olives from rolling off. A ceramic version is also available for just a little more money, but note that it would be heavier, and could lead to wrist fatigue.

HINT: bring an extra smart plate, because at least 10 people will ask you where you got yours. Sharing is a good way to make friends/earn hero points.

2. Dress well. As in, be comfortable. Don’t forget sunglasses, good walking shoes, an extra layer in case it gets brrrr.

3. Hitch a ride. If at all possible, take transit or attach yourself to a designated driver, so you can take full advantage of the many wine, beer and spirit tastings. Pregnant friends and partners are especially handy for these situations.

When you’re there:

4. Be strategic. You will be handed a piece of paper with your wineglass and cloth napkin. Most people just stash this in a pocket or bag as they make a beeline for the yummy stuff. But you should study it. Read the whole thing and use it as your strategic Feast plan. Make note of the nibbles and sips that sound especially appealing, and be sure to leave room for those; maybe even go to those places first. Because, (and we know this is a shocking thing to say, many people can’t manage to sample everything made available to them. We didn’t make it through half.)

It would be a crying shame to fill up on a lot of bready things, only to discover that you don’t have room for the wee lamb chermoula dog with apricot and preserved lemon aioli and fresh cilantro (Savoury City).

5. Suck up. Treat your Designated Driver well. Be thoughtful. Bring them tidbits of things they might have overlooked. Make sure they have water, juice, coffee, tea, etc.. Fan them if it gets hot. You don’t want them to a) abandon you at the Field or b) decide you’re not worth it next year. This is extreme, but you might even consider volunteering to be Designated Driver instead of Designated Drinker next year. (Be careful if there are witnesses present.)

6. Be patient. Practice your best manners in the food queues. Yes, some of those popular stops get swarmed by people who act like they haven’t had a solid meal all week. As you wait patiently for a restaurant representative to notice you, other Feasters might butt in and scoop that little Aqua Riva sockeye salmon taco with blueberry salsa that had your name on it. You will be tempted to tell them to go back to the sample lady at Costco. But don’t. Just breathe deeply, and remember that you were raised better than that. Wait your turn. It’s highly unlikely that they will run out before you get your share.

7. Pace yourself. Have a bite to eat and a sip of something. Then walk around, admire the farm, the trees, etc. Have another little bite and another sip. Wander around a bit more. Talk to people. Find out what their favourite nibble has been so far, and if it isn’t already on your priority list, factor it in. Tell them what little morsels you’ve most enjoyed (again, your Feast strategy plan will help you remember where you were and what it was).

8. Say thank you. And more. When you eat or drink something that has you leaping three feet into the air, gleefully shouting “Oh. My. God! Happy belly!”, make sure you tell the person who gave it to you how much you enjoyed it. Just in case they didn’t notice.

9. Drink water. Especially if it’s a scorcher, as Feast sometimes is. (Yesterday’s wasn’t; we saw at least one winemaker getting seriously wind-whipped.) Don’t get dehydrated; you’ll feel awful, your friends will send you back to the car or the bus stop to sleep it off, and you’ll miss out on all kinds of deliciousness. How boring!

After:

10. Moderation. Yes, we know, it’s too late to warn you about moderation now, isn’t it? Well, we hope you didn’t overdo it, but if you did, angostura bitters have been known to help settle an overfed stomach.