St. John's to host top chefs from across North America
CBC News | Posted: July 19, 2015 8:30 AM | Last Updated: July 19, 2015
Money raised will go towards St. John's Farmers' Market
Some of the most popular chefs on the continent will be in St. John's this month, as local culinary master Jeremy Charles hosts the Northern Chefs Alliance.
It's the fourth annual event for the group that refers to itself as a "culinary think tank with a mission to education and affect positive change in the industry."
People are trying to draw awareness to all the beautiful products we have here in Newfoundland- Jeremy Charles
In the past, the cooking event for charity has been held in big centres like New York City and Boston, but this year, it's coming to Newfoundland and Labrador.
"I was in New York last year and [Boston-based chef Matthew Jennings said], 'What do you think about hosting the event next year?' I'm like, 'Matt, we're opening a new restauant, lots going on,' but I will never say no to hosting an event especially like that here in Newfoundland."
Charles is co-owner of world-renowed Raymonds and the newly-opened The Merchant Tavern, both located in downtown St. John's.
Funds raised will go toward the St. John's Farmers' Market to help them move to a larger location. The market currently operates from the Lions Club chalet in St. John's, and is raising money to convert the old Metrobus depot on Freshwater Road.
Chefs to experience Newfoundland wild
Charles is part of a cultural shift in the province that has made Newfoundland and Labrador a culinary destination, with Raymonds as well as restaurants like Mallard Cottage and Chinched Bistro grabbing global acclaim.
"People are trying to draw awareness to all the beautiful products we have here in Newfoundland," Charles said.
"It's important to make sure we can access these wonderful ingredients that are not always common to my grandmother of something like that, she would never eat a whelk or a sea urchin but in today's culinary world, these things are super important, beautiful, and Newfoundland delicacies, really, when you think of it."
Chefs will spend a few days in the woods, searching for wild ingredients, fishing and getting a lay of the land, Charles said.
The Merchant Tavern will be hosting a dinner on Sunday, July 26, with live music and an auction.
Tickets are $250 a head for the 7-8 course meal.