Ottawa (Canada) – The National Arts Centre and some of Ottawa’s most popular chefs will host Canada’s top culinary stars at the First Annual Canadian Celebrity Chefs event on January 24, 2011.

The event – hosted by Kevin Brauch, star of The Thirsty Traveller on Food Network Canada –will showcase the best talent and cuisine coming from Canadian chefs and feature demonstrations, discussions and food and wine tastings that highlight the importance of modern Canadian cuisine.

Top Celebrity Chefs from across Canada will come together to match their culinary spirit with renowned local chefs for an unforgettable gourmet experience. The all-day event will consist of two parts:

1)      Live cooking demonstrations in the NAC Studio from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Each chef will have 45 minutes for a live demonstration, including 15 minutes of question and answers with the audience. 

2)      A “walk around” food and wine tasting reception  in the main NAC foyer from 6 to 9 p.m. Each national chef will collaborate with a local chef to prepare a one-of-a-kind tasting sensation. Wine pairings will be provided with each course.

Tickets are $99 for the live cooking demonstrations and $75 for the evening food and wine tasting reception. Tickets for the full day are $145. (Price for all tickets does not include tax). Tickets are on sale now through the NAC Box Office and Ticketmaster at 755-1111.

Participants include several Food Network Canada celebrity chefs including the National Arts Centre’s Executive Chef, Michael Blackie; David Rocco, Dolce Vita (Toronto, Ontario); Brad Long, Belong Café (Toronto, Ontario); and Michael Lyon, Hotel Eldorado (Kelowna, B.C.). 

Some of Canada’s biggest culinary stars will take part, including Anthony Walsh, Canoe (Toronto, Ontario); Michael Howell, Tempest Restaurant (Wolfville, Nova Scotia); Ray Bear, MIX (Halifax, Nova Scotia); Paul Rogalski, ROUGE (Calgary, Alberta); and Mathieu Cloutier, Kitchen Galerie (Montreal, Québec).

Hosting the group of cross-Canada chefs are some of Ottawa’s top chefs, including Clifford Lyness, Perspectives, Brookstreet; Cesare Santaguida, Vittoria Trattoria; Charlotte Langley, The Whalesbone Oyster House; Robyn Bowen, Empire Grill; Marc Lepine, Atelier Restaurant; Michael Moffatt, Beckta Dining and Wine; and Norm Aiken, Juniper Dining.

Canadian Celebrity Chefs event is made possible by The Ottawa Citizen, ARC The Hotel, C.A. Paradis, Testek Instruments Inc., Savvy Company, Orleans Fresh Fruit, Summit, Chef Works Canada Inc., Van Houtte and Food Network Canada.

Proceeds from the Canadian Celebrity Chefs event will go to support the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust which furthers artistic education, training and mentorship for young Canadians.

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For more information, please contact:

Natalie Peachy Marketing – Meetings and Events National Arts Centre (613)947-7000 ext. 353

Carl Martin Communications National Arts Centre (613)947-7000 ext. 560 (613)291-8880 (cell)