Tonight, at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, some of Ontario’s best Ocean Wise chefs battle it out to become the 2012 Chowder Chowdown Champion. The chefs are all participating in this remarkable Toronto event, as a means to call attention to the fact that overfishing is the greatest threat to our oceans today. The world’s marine life is quickly being depleted. An estimated 90% of all large, predatory fish are already gone from the world’s oceans. A recent scientific study predicted a worldwide fisheries collapse by 2048. The only solution is to turn back from the brink, and to begin consuming seafood in a sustainable manner. http://www.oceanwisecanada.org/about/sustainable-seafood
Mike McDermid of Ocean Wise Holds the Best Choices for Seafood
Thirteen culinary competitors will prepare chowder samples for a crowd of nearly 300 Ocean Wise sustainable seafood supporters. Emcee, Nobu Adilman (Food Jammers), will keep the chowder flowing and the live music of “Black Mink” at a tasteful pace with the guests. It all chows down inside the famed Imperial Room of The Fairmont Royal York at 7:00 p.m. If you still haven’t planned your Wednesday night, there are a few tickets remaining at the door for $45.00, exclusive of taxes. http://www.oceanwise.ca/content/chowder-chowdown-toronto-2012
Chef Morgan Wilson, the 2011 reigning sustainable champion, will represent The Marriott Toronto’s Trios Bistro once again as he goes head to head with the likes of: Chef Albert Ponzo of Le Select Bistro, Chef Patrick McMurray of Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill, Chef Shaun Edmonstone of Bruce Wine Bar, Chef David Kokai of Loic Gourmet, Chef Amira Becarevic of EPIC at the Fairmont Royal York, Chef Takayuki Sato of Hapa Izakaya, Chef Kristin Donovan of Hooked, Chef Frank Byrne of Fishbar, Chef Thomas Heitz of Port Restaurant, Chef Richard Baksh of Earls Kitchen and Bar, Chef Alexandra Gaponovitch of Calphalon Culinary Centre and Chef Stacey Blois of Western University Canada.
Chef Morgan’s tomato, clam and bacon chowder was the winner in the eyes of the 2011 judging panel. Tonight, it’s anyone’s guess over whether a panel of distinguished judges will choose a tomato base over a creamy one. The panel is comprised of: Anthony Walsh | Corporate Executive Chef/Partner, Oliver and Bonacini Restaurants; Carl Heinrich | Partner/Executive Chef, Richmond Station & Top Chef Canada Season 2 Winner; Rebecca LeHeup | Executive Director, Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance; Jamie Kennedy | Owner/Executive Chef, Jamie Kennedy Kitchens and Micah Donovan | The Food Jammers
Guests will also have the chance to voice their own opinion by way of voting for the People’s Choice Award.
Hope to SEA you there…