What’s a blogger to do when he’s invited to an event and he can’t make it? He reaches out to one of his Belly Monsters friends, of course. The annual Gentlemen’s Expo made it’s way into Toronto three weeks ago and I was invited to attend as part of the media. Since I couldn’t attend, I asked my friend, Adrienne De La Rosa, if she’d represent the site and write an article about her general impressions about the show. Thankfully she agreed. So without further ado, please read on as Adrienne collaborates with Goat Roti Chronicles for a recap of The Gentlemen’s Expo!
Returning to Toronto for its 3rd year the annual Gentlemen’s Expo took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre recently. Giving those in attendance a mix of all things gentlemanly was the aim of the consumer trade show and expo bringing us the newest in Men’s Fashion, Lifestyle and Experiences!
We wanted to start the evening off with something to wet our whistles. We were also still very much savouring the last bits of the fading summer so it was a great find to see Quebec craft brewery Unibroue sampling their fine Belgian Trappist style beers. Their Belgian White Ale Blanche de Chambly is refreshingly citrusy and crisp and transported us right back to those summer patios. The aptly named Fin du Monde (End of the World) will carry well into the colder seasons as darker golden ale that we were advised would pair well with a slow braised pork belly or roasted duck. Yum!
Fin du Monde and Blanche de Chambly from Quebec craft brewery Unibroue
Around the corner iconic beer brand, Guinness was sampling their newest product, the Guinness Blonde. A guided beer tasting and food pairing show cased this new American style lager and we were divided. The experts at the bar told us, if you’re a die hard fan of the black traditional Guinness (and one of us was) then you’ll be skeptical and slow to like it (true). People who may find Guinness too strong or dark, will like it. You’ll have to taste it for yourself to find out where you stand.
The new Guiness Blonde
Walking around the 100,000 square feet space gave you a great variety of everything that related to the make up of the modern gentleman. But ladies are more than welcome and the lovely folks at the Cutthroat Shaving Company let us know that many of their hand-made Canadian products are loved by both men and women. We loved the Ruffian Shave Soap Bar that will apparently last you at least a few weeks’ worth of shaves. A naturally soothing and earthy scent without too much lumberjack manliness. Though they have that too if you want a more rugged flannel smell!
There were so many things to see and do at the Gentlemen’s Expo and the schedule was packed all weekend. We had fun watching the staff from 365 Group oversee attendees leaping (or coercing the nervous ones!) from a height into a giant air bag!
The schedule had celebrity appearances such as Toronto Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman and Daniel McDaniel, aka DMC from world famous rap group Run DMC as well as advice gurus such as Sexologist and Relationship Expert, Dr. Jess. There surely was something for every gentleman and gentlewoman to see or learn something new.
Whether you’re interested in fashion, technology, grooming, sports, music, food, business, alcohol or any other topics to make you a more rounded man then the Gentlemen’s Expo is definitely worth checking out. We have definitely checked out much larger convention shows but found the GE to be truly concentrated on relevant content, exhibitors and programming. It only promises to be bigger and better next year so we’re looking forward to it!
