A field of 18 Red Seal chefs from as far as the Bahamas will come to the Island to compete in the International Shellfish Festival Chef’s Challenge on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Culinary Institute of Canada.
Innovation PEI and the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development join the International Shellfish Festival (ISF) in welcoming the chefs to this competition highlighting the quality of Island shellfish.
“We are welcoming the chefs to the Island’s shellfish industry – touring shellfish plants and venturing out on the water to see how our fishermen harvest the finest shellfish,” says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “It is a great opportunity to show the quality of our fishing industry here in Prince Edward Island.”
Chefs are arriving throughout the week to enjoy the Island and other components of the ISF before competing in the culinary competition on Saturday.
“Nine judges from across North America’s media and culinary communities will critique the meal,” says ISF founder Liam Dolan. “It is exciting for the chefs because they won’t know which ingredients they have to work with until the competition begins.”
The judges will rate chefs on professionalism, presentation and taste. First year culinary students will get the opportunity to work with the chefs as they assist at the competition.
“This is a great opportunity for fishermen in Prince Edward Island to show the quality of product they can provide to off-Island chefs and importers,” says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell. “During the friendly competition, our budding Island chefs from the Culinary Institute have a unique opportunity to work with chefs from around the world as well.”
The competition concludes with a 6 p.m. gala dinner to honour the chefs, followed by a five-course meal prepared by Island chefs at the Culinary Institute of Canada.
The ISF Chef Challenge Seal and $10,000 cash are awarded to the winning chef while second and third prizes are $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
“Like other International Shellfish Festival events, we’re presenting the finest of Island shellfish, seafood and produce,” says Dolan. “And, being the largest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada, you can’t forget live entertainment and beverages.”
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.peishellfish.com or call toll free to 1-866-955-2003.