N.S. Foods Among the Best in World
The cream of Nova Scotia's crop takes centre stage Wednesday, Oct. 6, at an event celebrating the province's foods as among the best in the world.
Top chefs who make up the Nova Scotia Culinary Team will prepare a six-course meal using the finest foods produced in the province. The event, called Celebration of Nova Scotia Foods, will highlight the quality and choice of locally grown foods. It's being held at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax.
The evening is sponsored by the Taste of Nova Scotia Quality Food Program, the Taste of Nova Scotia Restaurant Program and the Department of Agriculture and Marketing.
"As minister of fisheries and aquaculture, and minister of agriculture and marketing, I have an intimate view of the impact these industries have on our province," said Ernest Fage, who will be at the event with many of his colleagues. "Our producers and processors work tirelessly to provide top-quality foods. They are a perfect example of how Nova Scotian industries can compete on a global level."
"This is the first time an event like this has been done," said Dana MacGillivray, acting managing director of the Taste of Nova Scotia Quality Food Program. "The Taste of Nova Scotia programs showcase the best that Nova Scotia has to offer, and we want all Nova Scotians to know our agriculture and food industries are world-class competitors that benefit the entire province."
The event also stresses the importance of the province's agriculture and food industry to many other business sectors.
"When you sit back and realize how many people have played a part in bringing dinner to your table, it's astounding," said Ms. MacGillivray.
"Chefs realize that to have a good end product, you have to start out with quality products," said Heather MacKenzie, executive director of the Taste of Nova Scotia Restaurant Program. "There has been a strong move toward more regional foods, and Nova Scotians are fortunate to have one of the safest and best food sources in the world."
Master of ceremonies Marie Nightingale, food editor for the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, will help the 160 guests at the event, from industries as diverse as agriculture, food processing, tourism, fisheries, media and government, realize how dependent they are on each other. Sean Wood, who writes about wines for the Chronicle-Herald, will be on hand to pair each course with a locally made wine or drink.
The Taste of Nova Scotia programs promote Nova Scotia foods and restaurants throughout the province and around the world. Other provinces have launched similar programs but with limited success.
The Nova Scotia Culinary Team features chefs from the World Trade and Convention Centre, the Westin Nova Scotian, Unni's and White Point Beach Resort. The team is heading to Quebec later this month to compete in national and international competitions.
October is Agriculture Awareness Month in Nova Scotia.