The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival presented by Global Maritimes is proud to announce that Prince Edward Island's own Chef Michael Smith will host the 2012 festival.
“Chef Michael is a figurehead in the Canadian food scene and an authentic fan of Prince Edward Island’s culinary experiences,” says Liam Dolan, festival chair. “Our visitors are in for a real treat. Smith promises four days of shellfish heaven, culinary demos, photo ops, cookbook signings and lots of laughs. He will also co-host Feast & Frolic, a four-course, sit-down shellfish dinner, alongside another celebrity Food Network chef yet to be announced.”
Join Chef Michael Smith – Prince Edward Island's official food ambassador and popular Food Network Host – as he shares stories and flavours from his home kitchen and ongoing global culinary adventures. As Canada’s best-known chef, Michael is a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable home cooking that inspires families to create their own healthy food lifestyle. In 2011, Chef Michael launched his original online web video series Food Country, in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Culinary Alliance, that showcases Prince Edward Island’s culinary excellence. Michael is well known for his fun classes, high-energy presentation and insightful style. You can learn how to impress yourself in your own kitchen! Chef Michael’s newest book from Penguin Canada, “Fast Flavours,” will be hitting the stands just in time for festival visitors.
“I'm proud and excited to kick off the most amazing weekend PEI has ever seen,” says Michael. “The PEI International Shellfish Festival just gets bigger and better every year. I'm looking forward to sharing a truly impressive adventure, cooking up the very best of the sea's bounty with some amazing chefs, and the fact it's all happening in my own back yard couldn't be better!”
“Our government is pleased to support events such as the International Shellfish Festival that grow our fall tourism season and promote Prince Edward Island’s world-class shellfish and entertainment,” said Robert Henderson, minister for the Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism and Culture.
From September 13 to 16, 2012, competitive shuckers, celebrity chefs, oyster and mussel growers, music lovers, and an array of shellfish fans who just can't get enough of that succulent, salty taste of fresh shellfish will gather in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for four days of festivities, all built around the Island’s shellfish industry. The festival will also have a new home this year at the NEW Charlottetown Festival and Event Venue off Water Street, across from the Hillsborough Bridge.
Tickets go on sale Thursday May 24 online at www.peishellfish.com or by calling 1-866-955-2003.
Backgrounder:
The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a joint effort of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association and is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism and Culture; Department of Agriculture and Forestry; Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning; Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development; and the City of Charlottetown.
The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a Fall Flavours Signature Event. Fall Flavours is a month-long culinary event taking place from September 7 to 30, 2012, highlighting authentic Prince Edward Island tastes and traditions.