This past weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, chefs, foodies and industry leaders gathered to show support for a National Sustainable Seafood Day. Currently there is no such day in Canada. In fact, the only country in the world to recognize it is Australia, and they do so on March 18^th each year. This event and many others like it help bring sustainable fishing & farming practices into sharp focus.

Meet Ned Bell, Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. Ned is also the founder of Chefs For Oceans, and is on a mission to make sustainable seafood accessible to every Canadian. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Ned on a few occasions and hearing him speak passionately about sustainability. It starts with us, chefs & restauranteurs and the choices we make when planning our menus!

For an event that took place a day before Mother’s Day, I was very impressed at the chef star power in the building - a testament to how important this movement is! Recognize any of the chefs in the photo? Can you spot the politician in the photo? Big up to Fin Donnelly for representing and showing his support for a National Sustainable Seafood Day.

Sooooo many good eats! This one was a pan-seared Pickerel with sweet corn and smoked tomatillo.

All the food was outstanding, but this one really caught everyone’s attention in a way that only Black Cod can. It was marinated for 3 days in miso, mirin, sake and birch syrup before being roasted. Yummmmm!!

I caught a stroke of luck that day and was one of 2 people in the room to win a prize. I was presented with a fine bottle of wine from Vineland Estates and a book entitled "Oceans". I also won a dinner at the House Of Commons with Member of Parliament, Fin Donnelly. Not bad for a guy who never wins anything!!

So what can you do to help with the cause? Learn more about the importance of sustainable fishing and farming practices. As chefs and restaurateurs, the decisions you make when planning your menu and partnering with seafood suppliers makes a huge impact. Check out these two great sustainablity partners for more information Ocean Wise & The Marine Stewardship Council - knowledge reigns supreme! High Liner's commitment to sustainability can be found in detail here.

Until next time.....