This is a not to miss event for seafood lovers.  GLV

Chef Pabst’s ‘Home Grown’ Initiative Draws Crowds 

 This February executive chef Frank Pabst of Vancouver’s Blue Water Cafe will celebrate the tenth anniversary of his sustainable seafood festival. Aptly named “Unsung Heroes”, Pabst initially created the month-long event to bring awareness to local and unique seafoods and to avoid species that are over-fished or harvested in ways that can damage ocean beds.  It is now one of the most-anticipated events on the city’s culinary calendar.

“Our objective was – and is – to utilize lesser-known ingredients while introducing guests to new experiences and flavours,” says chef Pabst.  “The popularity of the event has increased tremendously and these formerly ‘unsung’ species are now heroes in their own right – they have truly entered the ‘mainstream’ of the public’s consciousness.”

Blue Water Cafe restaurant director Stephan Cachard adds, “We have seen the demand for this event grow immensely – as much as 400% over the past decade – with the majority being repeat guests.”

Known for championing British Columbia’s sustainable seafood movement, Blue Water Cafe is a founding member of the Vancouver Aquarium’s ‘Ocean Wise’ conservation program.  The restaurant strives to educate guests on seafood sustainability while providing an exceptional dining experience.  Every year, Blue Water Cafe donates 10% of the proceeds from Unsung Heroes to the Ocean Wise program.

In prior years, the Unsung Heroes menu has consisted of dishes such as red sea urchin trifle, stir-fried jellyfish and poached periwinkles.  Always aggressively raising the bar, chef Pabst promises new flavours in 2014 with previously unavailable ingredients including steamed gooseneck barnacles and sustainably-raised sturgeon liver mousse.  For further information or reservations, please contact Blue Water Cafe by telephone at 604 688 8078 or online at www.bluewatercafe.net.
Blue Water Cafe is Vancouver’s definitive destination for seafood, widely known for its excellence in celebrating the extraordinary flavours of British Columbia, consistently awarded “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Vancouver, and recognized for its unparalleled service.  One of Canada’s leading hospitality groups, Toptable Group has four elegant, yet approachable, restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler: Araxi, CinCin, Blue Water Cafe and West, as well as the chocolaterie, patisserie and cafe, Thierry.  More information can be found online at www.toptable.ca.