GOLD MEDAL PLATES FIRES UP COMPETITION IN THE QUEST TO FIND OTTAWA'S BEST CHEF

Ten of Ottawa's most celebrated chefs will battle it out to see who will be named the city's best chef during the Gold Medal Plates competition held Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

A celebration of Canadian excellence, Gold Medal Plates brings together the finest chefs, wines and athletes. Olympic and Paralympic athletes assist each competing chef, together creating and serving their signature dish to the 500+ guests attending the event. A panel of culinary judges selects the gold, silver and bronze winners; the gold medal winning chef from Ottawa will go on to compete at the Canadian Culinary Championships next February in Banff, Alberta.

Competing chefs are:

Yannick Anton - Signatures
Ben Baird - The Urban Pear
Derek Benitz - Benitz Bistro
Michael Blackie - Perspectives
Matthew Carmichael - Restaurant E18hteen
Patrick Garland - Absinthe
Stev George - Olivea
Arup Jana - Allium
Charles Part - Les Fougères
Steve Wall - The Whalesbone Oyster House

Olympic and Paralympic athletes in attendance include:

Simon Whitfield
Adam van Koeverden
Adam Kreek
Carolyn Waldo
Alex Bauman
Glenroy Gilbert

Date: Wednesday, October 15
Location: Hilton Lac Leamy

Timing:

5:15-6:00 p.m. VIP Reception - Interviews with chefs and athletes
6 - 7:45 p.m. Culinary competition
8 - 9:30 p.m. Speeches, entertainment; performance by Jim Cuddy and Kathleen Edwards
9:00 p.m. Ottawa's gold, silver and bronze medal chefs announced

Gold Medal Plates' regional competitions begin in October and include Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Since its inception, Gold Medal Plates has donated more than $2 million to support Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes and has elevated the profile of Canadian cuisine and wine. Gold Medal Plates thanks title sponsors GE and EPCOR, companies that recognize the value of investing in Canadian excellence and achievement.

Seating is limited. Some tickets are still available. Call 613-274-3107 for ticket information.

For more information contact: Sue Holloway Gold Medal Plates 613-274-3107