Tips for the Ottawa Wine and Food Festival

At the risk of losing whatever foodie cred I have, I won't be going to this year's Ottawa Wine and Food Festival. With a young son and Christmas just around the corner, there's only so much time, money, and energy a guy has to give. But that won't stop me from offering some advice to those of you who plan to check out this annual taste extravaganza.

• Buy your Day Pass online, unless you enjoy waiting in long lines. Hit the ATM beforehand to avoid that lineup as well.
• Go in the early afternoon to avoid the suppertime rush.
• Leave your jacket in the car. It’s hot inside and just another thing to lug around.
• Bring your appetite. Otherwise, what's the point? 
• Forgo dressing up and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. That doesn't mean sweatpants and Snuggies, use your common sense. I know a lot of people use the Festival as a destination for date nights, but putting on your finest duds to sample food, even great food, is silly. There's a reason you don't feel the need to wear a tuxedo or your little black dress when you visit the sample person at the supermarket.
• Budget accordingly, you can only purchase $60 worth of sampling tickets at one time anyways.
• Keep hydrated with water, especially if you only plan to hit the wine and liquor vendors. If your game plan is to only drink, arrange for a ride home afterward.
• Buying some travel-sized stomach remedies beforehand will help in case you overindulge.
• Try not to look greedy.
• Use this as an opportunity to try foods you wouldn't necessarily order at a restaurant, or make for yourself. That being said, remember that you only have so much room in your stomach.
• Bring a big bag to carry anything you buy.
• Remember to take pictures of products or foods you like.