Oktoberfest 2010 in Kitchener-Waterloo

It seems all my intent to retro post past foodie travels have to wait as I am running around Toronto and surrounding area to show my favorite cousin around.  Last weekend, we went to Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario to check out the Canadian version of Okotoberfest (www.oktoberfest.ca).

Before indulging in beer, we headed out first to see a staging of an 1890’s Thanksgiving dinner held at Woodside National Historic site of Canada. This is the former boyhood home of the former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.  They have meticulously decorated the place to transport you back in time and take part of how the Kings celebrated this Canadian tradition.  Staff would greet you at the door wearing period costumes with a tray of sumptuous pumpkin cookies. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the cookie as my tummy beckoned to have an immediate tasting ;)

What caught my eye was the level of attention to detail that the staff gave in recreating the period.  It is impressive to see how the homey appearance of a potpourri of jars line up the shelves and pies seemingly cool at the top where no lil’ kid can eat a pie prematurely.  Equally impressive was the setting at the dining room where ornate and delicate antique porcelain dinnerware were meticulously arranged as if folks of old would walk in anytime and take their assigned seating to enjoy the best of the harvest bounty.  It makes me smile as I imagine how an ancient foodie would have grinned in anticipation for a tolling of a bell to announce that dinner is served!  I would be smiling ear to ear if I was ever invited to a dinner like the one I am imagining.

The show runs from 11:00 am to 5:00pm. last weekend.  I assume close to the end of the day, they might have a staged dinner too.  Unfortunately, we cannot stay to see that unfold as we have other Oktoberfest festivities to check out.  The list of things to check out in Kitchener was pretty long and we did partake on several of them.  I recommend staying the night to experience a good share of what Kitchener has to offer, loads of fun and lots of beer.   Hey, it’s Oktoberfest after all!