The Food Show at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland started today. It kind of snuck up on me this year. I guess hibernating over winter does that.
I really enjoy the Food Show and unlike other foodie events, this one is aimed more at the every day consumer rather than the gourmet. We are lucky that we have two big foodie expos here in Auckland and I like to think of The Food Show as the supermarket and home cook expo, whereas Taste is the restaurant and gourmet expo.
The Food Show a mega space and walking through the maze of exhibitors will tire you out. Take breaks when you can. Seating is pretty rare at the expo, but there are many seated food demonstrations in the makeshift theatre if you want a reprieve from meandering the halls.
If you are heading that way this weekend, here are some tips I’ve compiled from years of experience…
Food Show top tips:
- Avoid queues and buy your tickets online.
- Bring cash (notes and coins) as there is a long queue to use the ATM. Bring coins because many businesses ask for a gold coin donation. Wine is often $1 a glass and you get may get a full glass rather than a free mouthful. Bring your old glass if you don’t fancy buying yet another Food Show branded glass. (I have quite a collection).
- Bring a pen. Preferably, in your pocket.
- Wear flat shoes.
- The day is thirsty work. Keep hydrated with BYO water.
- Leave your jacket in the car. It’s hot inside and just another thing to lug around.
- Bring a comfortable, roomy bag.
- Bring a camera if you are a Food Show geek like me!
- Bring an open mind and an appetite.
More information on the event and tickets can be purchased at their website www.foodshow.co.nz.
View photos and thoughts of past events here.
Bunny Eats Design 
Sounds like a great weekend! Are you going this year? I remembered that you have been feeling a little under the weather . . .
I hope that you are feeling better!
I am feeling much better this week due to the right medication and I think just finally getting over it. I’m definitely going, got my ticket and everything. Looking forward to lots of tastings and coming home with lots of delicious bargains.
Oh good! I am glad to hear that you finally got the right medication and are feeling better.
Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear about the weekend! Eat well!
Great tips Genie, thank you. We have a couple if food shows too but they tend to be quite lame; just stuff you can see at a normal grocery store. We also have a few wine and booze shows which are marginally better, but all are expensive for what you get. One of our customers used to sponsor one food show so we used to get free tickets, but they don’t anymore and I just don’t find the ticket cost worth it ($19 each)
I go to the Food Show every year too! Love it! I would add to the list, don’t eat breakfast! Haha! Loved your Food Show photos too!
Hi Lydia, I ate a breakfast small this time around. I found it hard to concentrate when I am super hungry.