Big names on roster for culinary festival

Stratford is devoting the weekend of Sept. 20-21 to celebrating over 150 years in the art of slow food and the renowned culinary creativity of the Stratford Chefs School, marking its 25th Anniversary Alumni gathering.

Set in the heritage district of York Street and in the heart of Stratford’s beautiful garden district, renowned chefs and the best of local Perth County food artisans will celebrate together to create two days of tastings and the savoring of the best cuisine of the season.

Celebrate all the best of Perth County on Saturday, Sept. 20. Cultivating good food since 1832, over 35 Perth County artisanal food makers will create a one-of-a-kind outdoor farmers’ market set along the banks of the Avon River showcasing the abundance of the harvest season. Local artisanal cheeses, breads, preserves, sausages and meats combined with fresh local fruits and vegetables will be available. As well, local artists and craftspeople will compliment the day devoted to featuring the best of Perth County.

Up the hill, Perth County pork will be sizzling on outdoor barbecues all afternoon long with free outdoor concerts by county musicians.

On Sunday, the York Street Tasting will pair over 30 local and alumni of the Stratford Chefs School with Perth County farmers to create an afternoon of sampling of gourmet creations, Ontario wines and craft beers to the sounds of jazz under marquee tents set upon historic York Street.

Confirmed guests and chefs include Paul Finkelstein from the Food Network Canada’s FINK; Neil Baxter, from the Food Network Canada’s Chefs School and Chef de Cuisine of the Stratford Chefs School and Rundles Restaurant; Soiled Reputation’s Anthony John, from the Food Network’s Manic Organic; Margaret Webb, author of Oysters to Apples; Ancaster Old Mill Chef, Jeff Crump; Ultimate Food for Ultimate Health, author, Mairlyn Smith, with “Food Sleuth” Marion Kane.
Marion Kane describes Stratford as a culinary haven…

“Could it be something in the water?” she asks. “Does the chef school credo somehow permeate this lively town of 30,000 with an affinity for the likes of lemon tart, pumpkin ravioli and herb-crusted saddle of lamb? A stunningly high density of good restaurants…and several brilliant organic farmers who supply local and top Toronto restaurants with their offerings?”

The Savour Stratford culinary festival is a not-for-profit collaboration of the Stratford Tourism Alliance, the Stratford Chefs School, Slow Food Perth, Perth County Visitors’ Association and Canadian Organic Growers.

Sponsors include Stratford Citizen, Chateau-des-Charmes, Pelee Island Winery, Brick Brewing Co. Ltd., Howley Design, Bijou Restaurant, Bradshaws, Long and McQuade, Community Living Stratford and Area, Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Factory 163.