In anticipation of the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival and BC Seafood Month this June, more than 200 guests, producers, aquaculture industry leaders, seafood chefs, exporters and media gathered on Wednesday evening on Granville Island to celebrate and discuss the growing seafood sector of B.C.
The evening VIP launch featured tastings and networking at the Vancouver Fish Company Restaurant with six executive chefs – including Chef Ronald St. Pierre of Locals Restaurant and Chef Jasen Gauthier of Avenue Bistro – who provided seafood culinary treats with top seafood products on-hand.
The Comox Valley was also well represented in the production sector, with 40 Knots Estate Winery & Vineyard, Wayward Distillation House, and Salish Sea Foods on hand.
When Don McRae, MLA for the Comox Valley, announced June as BC Seafood Month and presented the declaration, attendees cheered in support, making this a key highlight of the evening.
This event kicks off the celebration of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, held in the Comox Valley, June 9-19. This is the largest shellfish growing region in the province, which also produces the most oysters in Canada. Visitors to the festival will enjoy 11 days of seafood tastings, informative aquaculture producer tours, signature dinner events, competitions, talks from aquaculture industry leaders and more.
Highlights for June 2016 include: BC Seafood on Your Plate Restaurant Campaign, June 1-30; BC Seafood Expo, June 9 and 10; BC Seafood Expo Opening Gala, featuring Executive Chef Ned Bell, June 9; Fresh Fest, June 10; BC Shellfish Growers Association Gala Dinner, June 17; and the Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Competition, June 18.
For more information and tickets, please visit www.bcshellfishfestival.com