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Celebrity Chef Michael Smith to host the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival

April 25, 2012 (CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival presented by Global Maritimes is proud to announce that Prince Edward Island's own Chef Michael Smith will host the 2012 festival.

"Chef Michael is a figurehead in the Canadian food scene and an authentic fan of Prince Edward Island's culinary experiences," says Liam Dolan, festival chair. "Our visitors are in for a real treat. Smith promises four days of shellfish heaven; culinary demos, photo ops, cookbook signings and lots of laughs. He will also co-host Feast & Frolic, a four - course sit - down shellfish dinner alongside another celebrity Food Network chef yet to be announced."

Join Chef Michael Smith– Prince Edward Island's official food ambassador and popular Food Network Host– as he shares stories and flavours from his home kitchen and ongoing global culinary adventures. As Canada's best-known chef, Michael is a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable home cooking that inspires families to create their own healthy food lifestyle. In 2011, Chef Michael launched his original online web video series Food Country, in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Culinary Alliance, that showcases Prince Edward Island's culinary excellence. Michael is well known for his fun classes, high-energy presentation and insightful style. You can learn how to impress yourself in your own kitchen! Chef Michael's newest book from Penguin Canada "Fast Flavours" will be hitting the stands just in time for festival visitors.

"I'm proud and excited to kick off the most amazing weekend PEI has ever seen." says Michael. "The PEI International Shellfish Festival just gets bigger and better every year. I'm looking forward to sharing a truly impressive adventure cooking up the very best of the sea's bounty with some amazing chefs, and the fact it's all happening in my own back yard couldn't be better!"

"Our government is pleased to support events such as the International Shellfish Festival that grow our fall tourism season and promote Prince Edward Island's world-class shellfish and entertainment," said Robert Henderson, minister for the Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism and Culture.

From Sept. 13-16, 2012, competitive shuckers, celebrity chefs, oyster & mussel growers, music lovers and an array of shellfish fans who just can't get enough of that succulent, salty taste of fresh shellfish will gather in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for four days of festivities, all built around the Island's shellfish industry. The festival will also have a new home this year at the NEW Charlottetown Festival and Event Venue off Water Street, across from the Hillsborough Bridge.

Tickets go on sale Thursday May 24th online at peishellfish.com or by calling 1-866 955-2003.

Background:

The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a joint effort of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association and is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism and Culture, Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, and the City of Charlottetown.

The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a Fall Flavours Signature Event. Fall Flavours is a month long culinary event taking place from September 7-30, 2012 highlighting authentic Prince Edward Island tastes & traditions.

For more information, please contact:
Tracey Singleton
Versatile Management Group (Festival Manager)
902-370-3997
902-940-3195
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Prince Edward Island named second best foodie getaway in the world!

Special mention to the PEI International Shellfish Festival

Prince Edward Island is a shellfish junkie’s dream. Just imagine...lobsters caught a few miles from your table, PEI oysters shucked within arms reach of their beds instead of being trucked down in the bed of eight-wheeler. For the more adventurous foodie, go clam-digging or learn to shuck oysters, then sit back and sip on some local vino. If you go in September or October, the area is ripe with food festivals including the PEI International Shellfish Festival.  (taken from Zagat survey blog http://bit.ly/wIZAYP)

CHARLOTTETOWN, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Finally, everyone around the globe will now learn what East Coasters have long known - that Prince Edward Island produces the world's best food.  Pre-eminent food authority and restaurant surveyor Zagat just crowned Prince Edward Island the second best foodie getaway in the world.

Curtis Stone Dinner Sells Out For Immediate Release (Charlottetown, September 13, 2011) The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival gets underway on Thursday, September 15 at 5pm with an all new sit down shellfish dinner hosted by Chef Curtis Stone and PEI's own Culinary Institute of Canada. Early today, tickets to this shellfish extravaganza sold out. This promises to be one of PEI's largest and most spectacular culinary events. 

“We're making final preparations to serve 420 people a plated four course dinner catered by students and chefs from the Culinary Institute,” says Liam Dolan, Festival Chair.  “For years we've  considered hosting a dinner in the tent.  To say the least, we're pretty excited and relieved to be walking into a sell out situation.  With PEI shellfish and Curtis Stone on the menu, dinner guests are in for a real treat.” 

The evening will feature a reception hosted by Curtis Stone featuring a selection of PEI's top oysters as part of the Oyster Grower of the Year Competition.  Stone will demo a PEI lobster dish which will be featured as the first course. Also on the menu are PEI halibut, mussels, lobster tails, beef and blueberries.  The evening will also highlight chefs and students from the Culinary Institute and local growers. 

Tickets are still available for the Curtis Stone Culinary Demos on Friday, September 16 at 9am and noon.  VIP tickets are sold out for both of these sessions.  General admission tickets are still available at $35 in advance. Tickets will be sold at the door while quantities last at $45 plus taxes. Tickets can be purchased online at www.peishellfish.com or in person at the Reserve it Now Kiosk at Founders' Hall at 6 Prince Street. 

“Large crowds are anticipated for Friday night's performance by Aaron Pritchett and Rawlins Cross on Saturday,” says Dolan.  “We're planning for record crowds all weekend as long as mother nature cooperates. To accommodate increased traffic we've just added a parking and shuttle service due to limited parking available on the waterfront.” 

Parking will be available at the Government of PEI Parking and Glendenning Hall parking lots on Friday, September 15 starting at 5pm until 11pm.  Trius Tours will offer free shuttle service from these parking lots from 5pm to 11pm with approximately 15 minute frequency.  

On Saturday and Sunday parking and shuttle service will commence at 10:30am and run to the close time of the festival.  In addition to the Provincial Government and Glendenning Hall Parking Lots, parking and shuttle service will be available on Saturday and Sunday ONLY from the Culinary Institute of Canada.  

For more information please visit www.peishellfish.com or call 1-866-955-2003.

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For more information, please contact:Tracey Singleton902-370-3997/902-940-3195 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE16th Annual PEI International Shellfish Festival Announces Lineup(CHARLOTTETOWN PE – September 1, 2011) –  

With the culinary talents of Food Network's Chef Curtis Stone and Canadian Living's Annabelle Waugh and featured entertainment by Rawlins Cross and Aaron Pritchett, The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival promises to be the hottest ticket of the fall. Today, organizers released the complete schedule of events for the 16th edition of the festival, September 15-18 on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront

“This year, Islanders and visitors are in for a real treat,” says Liam Dolan, Festival Chair. “We've extended the festival and are enhancing the culinary experience by bringing in Australian Chef Curtis Stone and Canadian Living's Food Editor Annabelle Waugh along with some amazing musical acts. Everyone’s favorite events will still be featured, including lots of music and an abundance of fresh PEI shellfish and agricultural products. The festival will build on its successful foundation, while also making several new additions,” adds Dolan. 

“Our Government is pleased to support festivals and events, like the PEI International Shellfish Festival,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie.  “They not only promote our region as a first-class tourist destination but also showcase our famous seafood, entertainment and hospitality, and expand our tourism season into the autumn months.” 

The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Departments of Tourism and Culture; Fisheries, Acquaculture and Rural Development; Agriculture, and Innovation and Advanced Learning. The festival is a Signature Event of The Fall Flavours Festival, a month-long culinary celebration highlighting authentic Island tastes and traditions in communities across Prince Edward Island during September.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to support the 2011 Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival”, said Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey. “Prince Edward Island is known around the world for its fresh seafood and farm products. This festival not only promotes our local products, it also showcases our famous Island hospitality and entertainment and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors and Islanders each year.”  

 On Thursday evening while the Motts Clamato ‘Best Caesar in Town’ contest kicks off at Peakes Quay, the new Shellfish Feast & Frolic sit down dinner will be getting underway in the Festival Tent. This event is hosted by Curtis Stone and the Culinary Institute of Canada. Stone will create and demo a signature shellfish dish which will be served up as the first course. The grand finale is an Island Kitchen Party featuring Boys in the Kitchen. Tickets are $129 plus taxes per person. Tickets are limited to this exclusive first time event. Currently tickets are over 50% sold.

“Everything this year is bigger and better,” says Dolan. “The Food Pavilion itself will be bigger, with more selection and more shellfish. Oysters and mussels have always been the highlight of the festival.  This year, lobster is joining the party! And there will be an increased focus on key agricultural products.” 

On Friday morning, Curtis Stone will be the main event. Stone will offer two demos featuring fresh PEI shellfish and agricultural products. The demos take place from 9am – 10:30am and noon – 1:30pm.  General admission tickets are $35 plus taxes and VIP Tickets are $55 plus taxes.  VIP Tickets to the afternoon demo are already sold out, while morning VIP Tickets are very limited. The first heat of the PEI Potato Chowder Championship will also get underway at 5:00pm. Entertainment throughout the day on Friday will be provided by 10 Strings and a Goat Skin, Boys in the Kitchen, Richard Wood, and Gordon Belsher. At 9:00pm, BC's country sensation, Aaron Pritchett will take to the stage.

Saturday morning is when The Canadian Living Test Kitchen will be hosting live culinary demos. There will also be live demos by the Mussel Industry Council along with the Go Deep/Masternet Tie One On Mussel competition, the 2nd heat of the PEI Potato Chowder Championship and the Shiny Sea PEI Oyster Shucking Competition. Entertainment will be provided by Amanda Rae Gallant, Boxcar Dan & the Vagabond Strangers, and Le Famille Arsenault. On Saturday evening the kitchen party really heats up with performances by The Navigators and Rawlins Cross.“

The City of Charlottetown is pleased to once again host the 16th annual Shellfish Festival,” said Mayor Clifford Lee. “This weekend features a picturesque waterfront park, talented chefs and fresh local cuisine. It is a celebration of all that is Charlottetown and an important highlight of our shoulder tourism season.” 

On Sunday, the final day, the festival will crown winners of the International Chowder Championship, International Shellfish Chefs Competition and Raspberry Point International Oyster Shucking Competition.  In total over $24,000 in prize money will be awarded throughout the weekend.  There will also be food demos on the main stage and performances by Watertown and Big City.

Guests who purchase a package through one of the Festival’s four participating hotels—The Holman Grand, Canada’s Best Value Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, or the Comfort Inn —will also receive exclusive access to a special meet and greet with Curtis Stone.

This year, there are several different ticket offerings for the festival. Tickets for the Thursday night’s Shellfish Feast and Frolic with Curtis Stone are $129. Tickets to the Curtis Stone Culinary Demo are $35.00 in advance and $45.00 at the door. General daily admission to the Festival on Friday (after 2pm), Saturday and Sunday are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.

The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a project of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association. For more details or to purchase tickets, call 1-866-955-2003 or visit peishellfish.com

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(CHARLOTTETOWN PE - June 24, 2011) – Today, organizers of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, as part of the 2011 Fall Flavours Festival, announce that Chef Curtis Stone will be this year’s celebrity chef. This year's celebration of P.E.I. Shellfish will take place from September 15-18, 2011 on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. Read more. . .

Press Trip - September 15-18, 2011

The PEI International Shellfish Festival serves up wonderful shellfish and Maritime entertainment. Visiting media are invited to pitch their skills against the pros in oyster shucking competitions or help judge the chowder Championships...a tasty chore indeed! Arranged visits to aquaculture operations will round out your shellfish adventure, where you will experience oyster harvesting and Island Blue mussels!

Contact Tracy Stretch to register to be part of one of this Tasty Culinary Experiences.

The Festival:

The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival continues to put Prince Edward Island on the Culinary Map by showcasing PEI indigenous foods & PEI Food Experiences and by creating new opportunities to showcase PEI shellfish & agricultural products.

The VISION is to create a world-class festival that is an iconic culinary event for Prince Edward Island and a leading shellfish/seafood festival in North America.

Background:

The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is a joint effort of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association.

In 1996, the forerunner of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival was introduced as a one-day event. Since that time, it has grown into a four-day festival that showcases Prince Edward Island's distinction as a wonderful place to visit and celebrates its quality shellfish industry. The festival continues to grow in international stature as more international competitors and visitors are finding their way to this celebration! And now an Icon Event of Fall Flavours - a month long celebration of food and culture on Prince Edward Island.

The Festival is truly an authentic PEI experience and continues to attract the attention of visitors from across North America. The appeal of the event is without a doubt the professional competitions and a combination of food, fun and friends! People are truly fascinated with all aspects of the festival, and the opportunity to sample some of PEI's finest shellfish. It continues to be a great introduction to, and a celebration of the industry.

The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is Where Food Meets Fun, attracting a broad base of visitors and Islanders, with activities and entertainment to suit a wide range of ages.

Meida Archives:

Australian Chef Curtis Stone at the NEW Shellfish Feast & Frolic featuring the Culinary Institute of Canada. (VIDEO)

Curtis Stone is coming to dinner for the 16th annual PEI International Shellfish Festival

American Bus Association Names the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival One of North America’s 100 Best Events For 2008

Aaron Lines Headlines PEI International Shellfish Festival Country Concert
2007 Press Trip

Congratulations to 2006 Champions

Everyone On-Board for PEI International Shellfish Festival

PEI International Shellfish Festival ups the ante....

10th Anniversary