And so the week begins!

Delegates have been streaming in for the past few days, anticipation running high for the incredible events planned this week.  Already the National Chefs Challenge, WACS Global Chefs Challenge, and WACS Junior Challenge have left appetites whetted and spirits high.  

This evening, conference delegates and more were treated to an incomparable meal at the sold out Tastes of CCFCC Canada.  With 19 food stations representing regions across Canada, with exquisite beverage pairings, it was a feast for the senses!  

Some of my personal highlights from the evening include the Nova Scotian Farmed Arctic Char with Hodge podge, char cracker, and Oulton’s Smoked Pork Belly and the B.C. Hazelnut S’mores with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Christie Graham Crumbs with dark chocolate and Chef-made marshmallow. Another great station was Manitoba's Smoked Goldeye Terrine with Beet and Goat Cheese Puree with Sautéed Pickerel Cheeks, micro green and a flax seed vinaigrette (below),

and Aboriginal Culinary Team Canada with Lax-Kw'alaam smoked black cod, pickled parsnip root, and dandelion-watercress greens (below).

I don't know about you, but this was a pretty awesome kick-off to what is sure to be a great week.  Good night to you all, and enjoy the CCFCC 2011 Vancouver to the fullest! 

Pictures by Thorsten Gohl, official CCFCC 2011 Photographer.

One last thought: take a look at this summary of the evening by Mark Atal, if you missed any details!

Taste of CCFCC 2011 from Mark Atal on Vimeo.