FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erin Stitt
Communications Specialist
[email protected]
905-371-7972
(Niagara Falls, ON) April 9, 2026 – The excitement continues to build for Fallsview Food and Drink Fest as more Canadian chefs join the festival’s growing culinary lineup. Taking place June 5–7, the event will feature celebrated chefs from coast to coast, bringing their creativity and delectable delights to sample. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of the following celebrated Canadian chefs to our already impressive roster:
Afrim Pristine, co-owner of Toronto’s iconic Cheese Boutique, and Canada’s premier Cheese Master, a family-run institution for over 50 years. With more than 25 years in the business, Afrim has dedicated his life to mastering cheese, earning the rare title of Maître Fromager from the France-based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers—making him the youngest recipient and the only Canadian to receive this honour. Afrim’s passion, rooted in his
family legacy, has made him a national culinary figure. He’s the host of Cheese: A Love Story, Food Network Canada’s first cheese-focused docu-series (also on Hulu), where he travels the world in search of the best cheeses and the
artisans behind them. His bestselling cookbook, For the Love of Cheese, celebrates his favourite ingredient, with a second book on the way, hitting shelves in October 2026. Beyond cheese, Afrim is a skilled chef, recipe developer, and TV personality, regularly featured on Canadian food shows and morning programs including 10 seasons on Marilyn Denis.
Bob Blumer, culinary innovator, TV personality, author, and adventurer known for pushing the boundaries of food and creativity. As an original Food Network star, he hosted three acclaimed series over 12 years, captivating audiences in more than 20 countries with his imaginative cooking and fearless style. He’s also the author of seven inventive cookbooks, each reflecting his quirky, artistic approach to cuisine. Bob holds eight food-related Guinness World Records and is celebrated for turning meals into immersive experiences that blend flavour with visual flair. As a guest chef, his globally inspired, artful presentations leave diners both entertained and inspired. Beyond the kitchen, Bob is a passionate advocate for food justice and sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, this Canadian-born “Gastronaut” also works as a consultant, using his deep knowledge of food, culture, and design to help brands craft bold strategies, develop innovative products, and execute standout campaigns. Whether cooking, writing, or inspiring teams, Bob brings unmatched creativity and energy to every endeavor, reshaping how we experience food.
Andrea Nicholson, owner of Butchie’s and Banana’s by Butchie’s Ice Cream Sandwiches, is a Red Seal-certified culinary innovator, entrepreneur, and TV personality whose passion for food began at age 13. A George Brown College alumna, she blends classical training with the deep-rooted inspiration of her grandmother’s cooking, championing sustainability and seasonal, local ingredients. Andrea’s career includes roles at top Toronto restaurants like Luce, Via Allegro, and Trattoria Nervosa, and training under pizza master Roberto Caporuscio in New York, earning certification from Italy’s Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani. Her love of bold flavours inspired the launch of Killer Condiments, a line of small-batch sauces distributed across Canada. She rose to national fame on Top Chef Canada and has since become a regular on The Marilyn Denis Show, Fire Masters, BBQ Brawl, and more. Andrea also runs Dish Play, a 10,000-square-foot event space focused on immersive culinary experiences.
Michael Hunter of Antler Kitchen Bar , is a professional chef, outdoorsman, and forager whose career blends his love of nature with culinary artistry. Raised on a horse farm in southern Ontario, he developed a deep respect for the land. Michael honed his skills in top Toronto kitchens like Sassafraz and Scarpetta before fulfilling his dream in 2015 with the opening of Antler Kitchen & Bar. As chef and co-owner, he celebrates regional cuisine by showcasing game meat, wild-caught fish, and foraged ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and seasonality. Antler quickly gained acclaim, earning features in Toronto Life, enRoute Magazine, and Eater, and a spot in the Michelin Guide. In 2020, Michael published The Hunter Chef, a cookbook blending recipes with stories from his outdoor life. His second book Hunter Chef in the Wild was released in October 2025. Michael’s work is a tribute to the land and traditions that inspire him, creating unforgettable dishes that honour the beauty of nature.
Vikram Vij (New for 2026!) – Vikram Vij is an Indian-born Canadian chef, celebrated cookbook author, and renowned television personality. He is the visionary owner of Vij’s, an iconic Indian restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia, known for redefining Indian cuisine through bold flavours, refined technique, and an innovative, modern approach. An accomplished author, Vikram has written several influential cookbooks that reflect his philosophy of cooking with heart, generosity, and fearless use of spice. In 2025, he released My New Indian Kitchen, co-authored with Jennifer Muttoo. A true master of spices and a dedicated advocate for sustainable food practices, Vikram Vij continues to elevate Indian cuisine on the world stage creating experiences that are as soulful and welcoming as they are unforgettable.
Also attending the event as Celebrity Chefs are Gabe Bertaccini, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Smith and Craig Wong, who will join the lineup as a celebrity chef while also featuring his restaurant, June Plum amongst the exciting vendor line-up at Fallsview Food Con. A celebrated television personality and restaurateur, Craig Wong hosts Cook Like A Chef and judges CTV’s Milk Masters and MasterChef Canada. With each dish, he creates soulful, flavour-packed food, blending his cultural background and culinary artistry, captivating diners globally.
“Fallsview Food and Drink Fest truly celebrates and highlights the best of the best in the food and drink industry,” said Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos. “With an expanded lineup of talented chefs, this year promises to deliver unforgettable culinary experiences for every guest. Don’t miss out — tickets are going quickly!” said Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos.
This year’s Fallsview Food and Drink Festival is proudly supported by our event partners: Egg Farmers of Ontario, The Furniture Gallery, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited, IGT and Indigo. Their generous support helps bring to life an exceptional celebration of chef-driven cuisine, premium beverages, and live entertainment. We are proud to collaborate with our valued partners and look forward to sharing further details about the Fallsview Food & Drink Fest vendors.
To learn more about the Fallsview Food and Drink Fest visit www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com. All purchased tickets include parkingᶧ!
Dates & Times
Fallsview Food & Drink Fest – Celebrity Chef Dine About*
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: The Grand Hall
Fallsview Food & Drink Fest – Fallsview Food Con*
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Grand Hall
Fallsview Food & Drink Fest – Brunch with Michael Smith Sponsored by Egg Farmers of Ontario*
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 21 Club Steak & Seafood
*This is a 19+ event
ᶧ Parking is complimentary with the purchase of a ticket. Terms & Conditions apply.
Related Links:
Fallsview Food & Drink Fest: https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/fallsview-food-and-drink-fest.html
Fallsview Casino Resort: https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/
Fallsview Newsroom: https://newsroom.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/
About Fallsview Casino Resort
Overlooking the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is an award-winning resort that has been offering premier entertainment and superior guest service since 2004. Featuring a hotel with 372 luxury rooms and suites, Fallsview Casino Resort houses a large and impressive gaming floor with more than 3,200 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. Winner of the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for its two signature restaurants, Ponte Vecchio and 21 Club Steak & Seafood, the state-of-the-art 1,500-seat Avalon Theatre, and the award-winning, 5,000 seat OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, ranked #1 venue in Canada based on size, dozens of dining and shopping options, including OVERTIME Sports Lounge and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. For more information, visit fallsviewcasinoresort.com, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @fallsviewcasino, or call 1-888-325-5788.
About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States, Canada, and Northern Asia. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut, and Pennsylvania; Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls; and Mohegan Inspire is located in Incheon, South Korea. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of customers on a global scale. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit www.mohegangaming.com.
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