MISSION EMP-POSSIBLE – BATTLE OF THE CHEFS
One fantastic winemaker & two talented chefs create an unforgettable gourmand evening

 The Fairmont Empress in partnership with Mission Hill Family Estate are pleased to present the inaugural Mission Emp-Possible – Battle of the Chefs, hosted by world-renowned Iron Chef America and The Thirsty Traveler personality, Kevin Brauch, on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

Join us as we embark on an epicurean journey with Executive Chef, Takashi Ito of The Fairmont Empress, who will challenge Mission Hill Executive Winery Chef, Matthew Batey, in a “battle-of-the-chefs” competition. Each Chef will prepare a decadent five-course tasting menu paired with five exquisite wines personally selected and presented by Mission Hill’s chief winemaker, John Simes.

“The lively engagement of Brauch with the expertise of winemaker Simes and culinary talents of Ito and Batey will be a potent combination,” says Martin Leclerc, General Manager, The Fairmont Empress. “Having attended culinary school on the Island and apprenticed at the Empress in the nineties, I’m thrilled to return to my hometown and work with Chef Ito in what will undoubtedly be an entertaining epicurean showdown,” says Chef Matthew Batey.

Critiqued by a panel of celebrity judges from the Pacific Northwest, each Chef will battle to present their courses with gastronomic flair including flavour, appearance and complementary wine pairing. Ultimately, the winning Chef will celebrate the glory of being crowned the winner of Mission Emp-Possible – Battle of the Chefs.

Tickets for this event are C$150 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuities, and only 130 spaces are available. Reservations are available by calling 250.389.2727. Book now for the culinary event of the year which is expected to sell out quickly.

ABOUT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
The Fairmont Empress majestically rises over Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This luxury hotel showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress resort regally captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today’s traveler. Whether its 18-holes of world-class golf in a pristine setting or a soothing aromatic massage with essential oils in our Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress, the luxury castle-style of The Fairmont Empress Resort Hotel in Victoria offers the perfect escape from the stresses of a hectic lifestyle. From exhilarating ocean-bound whale watching safaris, world-class cultural exhibits and epicurean-rich local cuisine to picturesque garden and vineyard tours, you will be awestruck by the countless experiences The Fairmont Empress, Victoria and Vancouver Island has to offer!

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of 59 distinctive hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like The Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi and Canada’s Fairmont Banff Springs. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program.
Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 94 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1.800.441.1414 or vsit fairmont.com.

ABOUT MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE
Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Family Estate is world renowned for its award-winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and its Cuisine de Terroir-based Terrace Restaurant. Honoured as one of the Top Five Winery Restaurants globally, the restaurant and epicurean program is led by our culinary team, Chefs Matthew Batey and Riley Bennett. Majestic mountains, scenic lakes and lush orchards encase the winery’s dramatic architecture and culminate in a setting that celebrates wine, food and the arts. With sustainable practices that ensure care for the environment, and a timelessness that respects the family’s European heritage, guests experience the height of winemaking in an incomparable lakeside mountaintop winery. Visit missionhillwinery.com for more information.