The Red and White [Ottawa Food & Wine Event]
[Chef Kirk doing a demo for the crowd - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
The adjectives “boring” “sleepy” “uninteresting” get thrown around a lot here in Ottawa. “The town that fun forgot” is another one we’re all too familiar with. This city has a pretty bad reputation these days and it takes a determined few to plan events that a) get a full attendance list and b) get people excited to leave their homes in the dead of our frigid Canadian winter. 
[Dennis from Domaine Perrault Winery - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
Tracey Gainforth, talented writer behind The Lemon Kitchen and Chef Michael Blackie, among many others, did just that last Wednesday January 18th.
The Red and White, as you may have seen me yammer on about in previous posts, was an incredible evening of food and drink in support of Harmony House Second Stage Women’s Shelter. Knowing who the beneficiaries of the fundraiser were was enough to get most people involved, but the icing on top was the entertainment (not to mention food) from Chefs Michael Blackie of The NAC’s Le Cafe and Lora Kirk of Toronto’s Ruby Watcho. The two of them made quite a captivating team and not only had attendees’ mouths literally watering with their demos, but they had such brilliant stage presence and really got everyone laughing and enjoying themselves right off the bat. Notably, an extensive group of culinary students from Algonquin College helped Chef Kirk & Blackie feed the swarms of famished attendees. They did a formidable job and were commended greatly from most organizers I spoke with. 
[The Hogsback boys Darren and Jay - photos by Laura Jane Photography]
Aside from our accomplished chefs and volunteers, there was also an incredible group of Ottawa/Eastern Ontario vintners and brewers who brought their most sought-after goodies for attendees to sample. Some I’d had the pleasure of tasting before, but some were completely new to me. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk first-hand with the people that create some of Ontario’s most adored beer and wine. 
[photos by Laura Jane Photography]
As usual, I spent too much time chatting to actually take any photos worth sharing. Luckily for me, my sister, Laura, is a way-talented photographer and took some of the most impressive photos I’ve seen her take to date. Please have a look, follow her (@laurajanephotos), and let her know amazing she is. I simply can’t say it enough! 
[Shakira of Little Cakes - her cupcakes are actually to DIE for. And you KNOW I don’t care for sweets that much! - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
The Red and White was a truly awe-inspiring event that not only raised money for a very worthwhile cause, but it also put some of Ontario’s most talented chefs, vintners and brewers on display for the public to see, speak to, and really get more familiar with. Everything ran smoothly, everyone was thrilled to be a part of the evening, and I, personally, had one of the best times I’ve had in a while. It was a night to remember and I’m so thankful to everyone who helped make it possible.
[Dan Sullivan, aka Sully, of Rosehall Run Winery - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
You, yes you, Tracey, truly blew me away with this event. You are an incredible woman and we’re lucky to have you in Ottawa.
Looking forward to next year already!
And a few more photos from the evening courtesy of Laura Jane Photography … 
[John from Sandbanks Winery - what a character he is! Looking forward to a weekend at the winery soon - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
[Jeff from McAuslan Brewery - another incredibly engaging brewer that really had us laughing - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
[The infamous Beau’s Brewery boys. Again - a blast to chat with! - photo by Laura Jane Photography]
