Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival celebrates Canadian cuisine “From Coast to Coast to Coast”

STRATFORD, ON -- From Coast to Coast to Coast, a uniquely Canadian culinary adventure unfolds at the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, presented by GE Café on July 19 - 20. Some of Canada’s most exciting chefs from across the country will join more than 100 producers, vintners, craft brewers and culinary personalities to share their passion, knowledge and love of local food in Stratford, Canada’s award-winning culinary destination.  Nestled in the garden district along the Avon River meet producers, engage with chefs, savour Ontario foods, wines and craft brews and enjoy the free music during two days celebrating summer food.   The Toronto Star Culinary Stage hosts Top Chef Canada winners and Stratford Chefs School graduates from across Canada, including: Current competitor on Top Chef Canada, Rich Francis is one Canada’s leading chefs of modern aboriginal cuisine and brings Northern Canadian cuisine to the stage Carl Heinrich of Richmond Station and Top Chef Canada winner promotes nose to tail pork cooking (Ontario) Todd Perrin, star of Todd Perrin – The Making of Mallard Cottage, demonstrates sea to table philosophy (Newfoundland) Dale Mackay of Ayden Kitchen and Bar and protégé of Gordon Ramsay pairs Saskatchewan lake fish with Perth County produce (Saskatchewan) Doug McNish, international award-winning vegan cookbook author and plant activist, offers organic vegan cuisine (Ontario) Derek Dammann of Montreal’s award-winning Maison Publique and Jamie Oliver’s Canadian partner presents the new trends in heritage cuisine (Quebec) Paul Rogalski, of Calgary’s Rouge and an Iron Chef America contestant, offers a modern twist on the classic soufflé (Alberta) James Walt of Whistler’s Araxi, certified Ocean Wise chef and Stratford Chefs School graduate, presents sustainable west coast seafood (British Columbia) ​Each presenter brings their unique approach creating original Canadian cuisine, sourced from local Perth County farmers and producers. Intimate Tutored Talks and Tastings connect a range of culinary experts on the latest food trends from foraged wild edibles to fermentation, preserving seafood, the pairing of craft beers or sampling Ontario wines from the Great Lakes.  These entertaining workshops are sure to enlighten. The Taste of Ontario Artisan Alley, a lively open-air gathering set along Stratford’s historic York Street offers free admission for an afternoon of ticketed tastings including a wide selection of wines, craft beers and Ontario cheese from across the province. The Perth County Hoot, presented by Mill Street Brewery promises a night of swingin’ and rockin’ as country meets ‘celtibilly’ with Steel City Rovers and the country rhythms of the River Junction Band.  A great night to share with friends under the summer sky. The Grand Tasting, the signature culinary event of the Festival is an elegant garden party pairing 30 local chefs with producers creating an array of seasonal delicacies complemented by VQA wines and craft brews.  Awards are bestowed on the best, and revelers vote for the much-anticipated GE Café People’s Choice award, as the music of 2014 Juno nominee Alysha Brilla Quartet entertains. Not just for gownups, JENN and Larry’s Emporium of Wonders amuses children with interactive, educational culinary fun.  From watercolour juice painting to high-energy entertainers, to veggies for dessert and for the more adventurous, a Bug Fest Feast teaching nutrition facts and samples if you dare!  Three venues mesmerize, delight and humour young gourmands. Our culinary festival celebrates Women in Food at Sunday Breakfast as a panel of women farmers engage in contemporary issues sharing their stories and challenges. Reflect and digest after an exciting culinary weekend at the Sunday Sunset Party, new this year.  Meet Trent Severn – the Canadiana super group, whose lyrics pay tribute to Canadian legends. For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets visit www.savourstratford.com, call 519-271-5140 or follow on Facebook and Twitter @SavourStratford. - 30 -