Saffron's Promoted at Wine and Food Show

Hundreds of people attending the London Wine and Food Show got a taste of what Fanshawe College culinary arts students can deliver and experienced a little of what they'd discover by making a reservation to dine at Saffron's.

Colin Hill, dining room manager at Saffron's, said 12 students from culinary, food and beverage, concierge and hotel programs volunteered to work the Fanshawe College booth at the show that ran from January 16 to 18, 2009, at the Western Fair Entertainment Centre. A number of staff also volunteered to help with the project.

Fanshawe's booth stood out for a number of reasons. It was the only booth where attendees could get free food and the food was presented with flair, literally. About 1,500 people were treated to a mixture of shallots, garlic and a trio of mushrooms flambéed in brandy and mixed with goat cheese before being served on crustini.

"We did this to promote Saffron's," Hill said, "to get people to realize it is open to the public." Everyone who got a taste of crustini also got to take away a lunch and dinner menu listing when Saffron's is open and the number to call for reservations.

"For us," Hill said, "it was an unbelievable chance to show the public that we're open and remind them that we're student-run and get them to come out and show them the care we take with the food and service."