Nova Scotia is rapidly becoming a culinary destination and Taste of Nova Scotia is fostering that growth.
Looking around at the many exquisite restaurants from casual to fine dining, I've become increasingly impressed by the dedication to using local products. As many a foodie will attest, the fresh food just tastes better and dedication to local food serves not only the environment, but also the palate. Just as the seasons change, so do the menus at many of these restaurants. While a summer salad might be bursting with local strawberries in June, or plump wild blueberries in August, our amazing chefs and restaurants have proven to find equal inspiration from a robust turnip from the fall harvest.
Dedication to local products was evident everywhere the recent Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards event I attended, which honoured the best of the best in restaurants, servers, chefs and local products. Attendees and honourees were treated to variety of wines, cheeses and delicious fare, from every region of our province. From Nova Scotiatitos made with Cape Breton's Glen Breton Whisky, to chorizo stuffed calamari, to smoked salmon, to venison burgers with red pepper jelly, to name but a few, guests were free to roam and sample a plethora of treats.
The evening left me feeling not only proud of Nova Scotia and it's product but also impressed by the members commitment to giving the very best experience to it's customers, as demonstrated by awards not only given to best chef but also to best server.
Top Honours of the year went to:
Taste of Nova Scotia Member of the Year: Michael Howell, Tempest Restaurant, Wolfville
Innovative Product of the Year: Baltic Porter, Garrison Brewery, Halifax
Exporter of the Year: Glenora Inn & Distillery, Glenville
Quality Driven Member of the Year: Fox Hill Cheese House, Port Williams
Restaurant Server of the Year: Sandra Gardner, Five Fisherman, Halifax
Cuisine of the Year: Chives Canadian Bistro, Halifax
Restaurant of the Year: Restaurant Le Caveau, Grand Pré
In 2010 Taste of Nova Scotia will host the Culinary Tourism Thought Leadership World Summit and Consumer Marketplace. An honour in which Taste of Nova Scotia and its members will surely embrace and do Nova Scotia proud!
Post a Comment