Food

By KELLY PREW
Food Editor

Wind or rain would not keep crowds from the first Food and Kitchen Show held Tuesday at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler.

Folks began arriving when the doors opened at 10 a.m. and vendors and exhibitors began sharing wares and fare throughout the day-long event that drew in hundreds. Flowers Baking Co. offered breakfast and got the show started on a rainy day with something sweet and homemade in Tyler.

"I liked the show," said Barbara Carter, of Flint. "It was very good and very interesting, and there was a lot of good stuff to eat."

The show, sponsored by the Tyler Paper, Brookshire's Grocery Co. and Go Texan, was organized to make the community aware of new perspectives on the food industry in East Texas, according to organizer Robin Land with the Tyler Paper.

"One of the reasons for the show is to introduce people to products that are made and distributed here in Texas," he said. "We picked this year partly because as gas prices rose, and consequently other products, we felt consumers would be interested in finding ways to stretch and save on food products."

The free event included taste tests from Brookshire's, gourmet popcorn companies, barbecue and hot sauce distributors and local bakeries. Donations of nonperishable food items were taken for the East Texas Food Bank, and by 1 p.m. nearly eight barrels were spilling over with goods from attendees.

Exhibitors showed off cookware and cookbooks, not to mention professional products available to the public by local suppliers. Chefs from Tyler and surrounding areas also held free cooking demonstrations.

"Given the weather, the one thing we've learned about people in Tyler," said Jeff Noble, Tyler Paper advertising director, "is that they will not let the weather slow them down when there's a learning opportunity or an opportunity to enjoy good food.

"Next year, we will be bigger and better."

John Denoyelles, also of Flint, brought 14-year-old Travarous Williams and Deandre Taylor, 11, to the show in lieu of the swimming pool on the unusual soggy day.

"I had fun," said Williams, a student at Stewart Elementary. "I cook for myself, like burgers and pancakes and stuff."

Taylor, a student at Birdwell Elementary, said he had fun, too, and the taste tests were his favorite part.

"I liked the pulled pork (from Saddler's Smokehouse) and the pickles (from Gun Barrel Hot Sauce). They were hot and spicy!"

The Sweet Pickle Chips, provided by Gun Barrel Hot Sauce cause a slight traffic jam on one aisle, and distributors were pleased the trip was worth it. The brand of hot sauce already is sold in some Brookshire's stores in the Tyler area, while the pickle chips still are available by special order only.

Owners Barry and Carol Wallace were happy to participate Tuesday and look forward to a new relationship with Tyler-area foodies.

"It was a very good show, and it surprised me. It was better than expected," Barry said. "Will I be back next year? You better believe it!"

Another heavily trafficked area inside the show centered around the Brookshire's Grocery Co. and manufacturing plant booths, where there were products from almost every department to try.

A former competitive barbecue team set up shop with a line of meat rubs, seasonings and sauces from their Pirates Port Trading Company, sold primarily at Skinners Grocery and Market and other grocers in Longview and appealed to potential customers.

Following a cooking demonstration by Chef Nancy Falster, of Falster Farms, Tylerite Ruth Ates and her friends were excited to get back to their kitchens.

"Oh, It was real good, and I have a new recipe to try," she said.

Personal chefs and wholesalers joined groups like Go Texan, Tyler Junior College and Southwest Dairy Farmers to present the first Food and Kitchen Show, and most plan on returning next year. For more information on the show, vendors contact information or how to get involved in 2009, call Robin Land at 903-596-6244.

Katie Robinson eats ice cream at the first Food and Kitchen Show at the Harvey Convention Center on Tuesday.
(Staff Photo By Tom Turner)