Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton
Edmonton's annual Culinary Team Alberta gourmet dinner evening is always a spectacular occasion — fabulous food prepared by talented chefs, fine wine, great entertainment and convivial surroundings. This year's La Soirée Gastronomique once again supports a grand undertaking and an additonal great cause. And includes a special "Roast and Toast" salute to Chef Simon Smotkowicz, the long-time heart, soul and leadership behind CTA.
"With Chef Simon's retirement from Team involvement, it is likely the last time for this event as we've known it," says Committee Co-Chair Tracy Dalzell Heise, "so we wanted it to be a fitting send-off. For Chef Simon, for Team Alberta chefs as they go for gold at the World Culinary Olympics in Germany, for the community that has supported this annual fundraiser for the past fifteen years. The lights, action and energy of Las Vegas seemed a perfect choice for this year's theme."
With chefs typically more comfortable behind the scenes, being part of the evening's floorshow wasn't something Team Alberta's Business Manager had in mind. "But the evening is a huge help to the Team, so if the committee thinks it's a good idea," says Chef Simon Smotkowicz, "I guess I can handle a few embarrassing stories! Also, the more tickets we sell, the more we help Alberta's future chefs."
From each ticket sold, $75 (tax deductible) goes toward the Canadian Culinary Federation—Edmonton Branch endowment fund for students in the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) culinary arts program. As in the past, NAIT and SAIT students will lend a hand throughout the dinner working with, and learning from, the professional team chefs.
"The menu is definitely a highlight, what guests look forward to experiencing," says Vinod Varshney, Team Manager and Program Head of NAIT's School of Hospitality. "In keeping with the Las Vegas theme, we're doubling the excitement of this year's dinner with two different five-course menus, each paired with specially selected wines." The odds are good that a couple could taste ten different dishes in the evening! Continuing a popular tradition, guests will be able to watch the chefs in action.
During the reception, guests can enjoy a little action of their own: a casino gives everyone a chance to win some funny money and bid on prizes. This year's live auction, emceed by CTA-favourite Danny Hooper, is a return-engagement event. Choice items, favourites at past auctions, are back by popular demand.
La Soirée Gastronomique is the hottest happening in town on April 4th. Come be part of Edmonton's most exciting gourmet dining experience.
