Chef to serve local fare for fancy gala

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/08/2011 (5150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HOT TIP FOR FOODIES: Janellyn Marcial from the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg wanted a completely different fundraiser from the usual posh galas downtown — so she called Chef Luc Jean, the Grand Fromage at Red River College’s culinary institute and full-time instructor. His big idea? Nine primo Winnipeg chefs at nine different stations, using only fresh food from local Manitoba suppliers within 160 kilometres. And it’s being held at a community club at only $125 a ticket, about half the cost of many galas. Dinner choices include Lake Winnipeg pickerel from Mariner Neptune, bison from Ray Salmon of First Nation Bison, veggies from local farmers through Marnie Feeleus at Fresh Options and elk from Lou Farmer of Stonewood Elk. World Wise Distribution is supplying John Russell honey, chick pea flower and organic beef, and Deluca’s is supplying cheese made by Trappist monks from Holland, Man.

Previously, Chef Luc Jean was at The Fairmont as executive sous-chef, and worked at top restaurants in Australia, London, Sweden and France. He’s right into the “farm-to-fork” concept. So, who are the other eight stars? Scott Bagshaw (Deseo Bistro, Pizzeria Gusto), Adam Donnelly of popular Segovia (formerly cooked at Sydney’s, Amici’s), and Makoto Ono of family-owned Edohei Sushi and Japanese Restaurant (also worked at La Vielle Gare back in the day and went to Dubrulle culinary institute). Also on board is Norman Pastorin now at The Grove Pub and Restaurant (formerly cooked at St. Charles Golf and Country Club, Spuntino’s), and Ariel Shor (who’s cooked at The Lobby on York, The Fairmont, and Pizzeria Gusto).

Twitter fiend Alexander Svenne of Bistro 71/4, (formerly of Pineridge Hollow) is also a volunteer chef. Then there’s Ben Cramer who opened up Organza’s Dandelion Eatery, and now owns Diversity Foods providing healthy food for the University of Winnipeg, and “Chef Rob” Thomas often seen on local TV, who opened Mammy’s Caribbean restaurant. It’s all happening in a gussied-up Crescentwood Community Club, 1170 Corydon Ave., Tuesday, Sept 13. For tickets call 982-4941 or email kozak@wbgc.mb.ca

 

THE 39 FALLEN: Winnipeg singer songwriter Linda Koley, who won Winnipeg’s Senior Idol this year, has just written a song for her first CD inspired by the 39 soldiers shot down in the helicopter in Afghanistan. But there’s one big problem. “The song’s called When I Close My Eyes, and it’s from the perspective of one of the wives, but every time I sing it, I start crying.” In two weeks, Koley goes back into the studio with producer Carlin Lemon. “I’ve written 19 songs for my first country CD. We only need six, but I want this to be on it.” Koley, who is musician Ash Koley’s aunt, is practising to audition for the upcoming Canada’s Got Talent as a solo act and also as a duo with brother Jerry Hallock, who won a former Senior Idol contest. Psst! If you are interested in auditioning for Canada’s Got Talent at the convention centre Sept. 9 and 10, go to www.gottalent.ca for more information and fill out the 19-page release form.

 

SPOTTED: Hugh McFadyen, his wife Jennifer and kids James and Rachael were seen Monday night at the Philippine pavilion. Hugh visited his 20th pavilion only midway through the Folklorama festival — but they’re must-sees for savvy politicians. On Monday, he took the whole family. The PC leader of the opposition said, “This was a wild one,” after sitting in the front row while 70 performers jumped off the stage and shook everybody’s hands in the audience. Yours Truly also spotted Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard with wife Naomi at the Serbian pavilion, and she got him onstage in a circle dance. Minister of Finance Rosann Wowchuk sat down early, but the Gerrards just kept on hopping!

 

Got tips, events, sightings or unusual things going on? Call Maureen’s tip line at 474-1116, email Maureen.Scurfield@Winnipegfreepress.com or mail The Insider, c/o The Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, R2X 3B6