324674 Sun Sep 10 04:22:39 -0700 2006 3 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1866101 I'm contemplating going this year to the Salone Internazionale de Gusto in Torino, ITALY at the end of October (Slow Food event). I would appreciate any information/advice on any topics/areas related to this event (worth the trip?, what not to miss? restaurants/hotel recommendations?, etc.). Sun Sep 10 04:22:39 -0700 2006 19117 Pollo 1 1866699 I know there is a group from Indiana going. E-mail me cgrover@kiva.net and I can put you in contact with someone who is going and is quite knowledgable about it. Sun Sep 10 18:36:33 -0700 2006 1866101 10285 Candy 1 1867490 For the real thing, go to any of the major fairs for the trade, such as CIBUS (May of all even numbered years, in Parma). Huge variety of vendors, free tastings, unlike the Slow Food events which are tourist traps, and a ripoff to boot. Link to this year's CIBUS: http://www.fiereparma.it/fdp/main.nsf/vw2211/DOMX-6EEB2E?opendocument Mon Sep 11 01:33:37 -0700 2006 1866101 28703 RicRios 1 1873881 I have been in the past to a couple of European Seafood Shows in Brussels, ANUGA in Germany and many Fancy Food Shows in the US so this is what I can use as a reference point. Do I understand you correctly that food sampling at the Salone is not free and/or to the same level as at the "commercial" trade shows? Wed Sep 13 17:00:23 -0700 2006 1866101 19117 Pollo