Recently, Wellington Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (WCSA) and The Food School held their 8th Celebrity Chef Fund Raising Dinner showcasing community spirit, farming, local music and fabulous food.
Chef Emma Cardarelli of Nora Gray restaurant (Montreal) was the guest chef who, along with students at Upper Grand District School Board’s The Food School, prepared a memorable and delectable meal.
It was intended to support and promote learning opportunities that encourage sustainable food communities in Wellington County.
Nora Gray is listed as Canada’s 24th best restaurant by Canada’s 100 Best Magazine.
Their excellence at offering home-style Italian fare of local and seasonal ingredients is a sign that the ownership trio – chef Emma, sommelier Ryan Gray, and front-of-house manager Lisa McConnell – are truly passionate about Canadian cuisine.
One of those at the event was WCSA farmer, Martina Schaefer of Spiral Farm, a half-acre farm incubator program on the property.
This incubator program allows a new farmer the use of land at a minimal cost, to overcome the barrier of land access which stymies many new farmers. The WCSA is happy to have a local farmer using the land, and diners that evening can attest to the quality of food being produced in the backyard.
The students at The Food School are an exceptional class at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus.
Students learn everything from knife skills to safe food handling to food waste management.
Students will graduate from high school with fantastic menu ideas, life skills and most of all a true love and passion for all things food.
A very special mention goes to Madison Galloway, one of Jess’s students, who after serving tables, was onstage singing covers of The Animals, Neil Young and many of her own composed songs.
WCSA owes a lot to its sponsors and contributors including Morton Wholesale, The Breadalbane Inn, Fraberts Fresh Food, Elora and Fergus Tourism, Sante, Red Car Service and Valeriote’s Market. An incredible outpouring of community support was well represented by the 105 guests in attendance.
The entire volunteer board of directors are to be commended as well, for their determination and hard work at hosting special events like this.
For those interested in volunteering check out www. wellingtoncsa.com.
The group’s next event, the 3rd annual Fergus Whole Hog BBQ is on Sept. 11.
Mark Kenny is a Local Food Ambassador with Taste Real, Guelph Wellington Local Food His motto is #EatWellLaughOften, Follow his stories on Twitter @100milemark.
