Culinaire

photos: Maryanne Carmack – Lotus Photography

On Thursday April 22, Victoria experienced the inaugural launch of Culinaire – “Victoria’s Premier Food Tasting Experience”.  The event produced a full house at Crystal Gardens where local chefs, food producers and beer and wine makers showcased their talents featuring a bounty of local products. More than 1000 people attended the sold out evening and enjoyed the fruits of the labor of over 40 chefs and artisans.  Our region’s best restaurants and purveyors of fine food presented their signature dishes.  Events included exquisite tasting of cupcakes, coffee, beer, fresh oysters shucked onsite and if you were lucky, a bouquet of tulips to take home.

The Crystal Gardens exuded excitement and energy as Victorians crowded into the festive centre to discover the treats of the evening.  Music, decor, and enthusiastic presenters contributed to the success of our first ever Culinaire.

The masterminds behind this event were Scott Gurney and Amy Pecorelli, a dynamic husband and wife team. They created Culinaire to introduce our exceptional local restaurants and cuisine and to all Victorians who love food.

Gurney says, “We are elated with the success of the event.  The chefs went over the top with their superb creations.  The presenters did an amazing job showcasing their businesses, and bringing awareness.  The feedback after the show is amazing”.  Gurneys added that his favorite comments of the night were those that said that they were unaware of the existence of many of the featured places and now have new favourite spots to check out. This was precisely why Gurney and Pecorelli created Culinaire.  Next year they hope to see even more participation by local wineries, as well as more fine restaurants and specialty food producers.  They are proud to announce that Culinaire will be presenting a scholarship award for excellence in the culinary arts program at Camosun College.

Mark your calendar now for next year’s event, which will most definitely be sold out again – Thursday, March 10, 2011. Check out www.culinairevictoria.com for updates and information. Contact Scott Gurney for further information: scott@culinairevictoria.com