Pirouette 2011 Celebrates the Culinary + Dance Arts

Kelowna Chefs in the Pink for Pirouette!  Chefs and dancers will soon lace up their aprons and shoes for the arts tour de force of the season.

Jamie Maw, honourary co-chair, announced today that five of the Okanagan’s finest chefs will be participating in Ballet Kelowna’s signature fundraiser – Pirouette 2011 – to be held at the Delta Grand Okanagan, February 5th, 2011.

Each of the chefs is a member of the Okanagan Chefs’ Association which promotes the Okanagan as one of the finest food and wine destinations in the world.

“We’re thrilled to have the very best chefs in the Valley preparing a feast that celebrates where we live,” Maw said. “Each of these chefs has been invited to Pirouette 2011 because of the dedication and leadership they have shown to supporting our region’s farmers, ranchers and winemakers. Like our dancers, these chefs are both artists and athletes, except the kitchen is their stage.”

Stuart Klassen, executive chef of The Delta Grand Okanagan, will again open his kitchens to host Mark Filatow, executive chef and proprietor of Waterfront Restaurant; Bernard Casavant, executive chef of Manteo Resort and Wild Apple Restaurant; Rod Butters, executive chef and proprietor of RauDZ Regional Table; and Roger Sleiman, executive chef at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery and Old Vines Patio.

“Not only will the chefs be performing, but they’ll be bringing with them a full brigade of their emerging protégés,” Maw said. “The chefs feel strongly that our young talent is our future – just as we do at Ballet Kelowna.”

“My fiancée Yvonne and I would like to send you a personal invitation to join us in this wonderful evening, that not only raises our skilled young dancers higher,” Maw said, “but also our entire community.”

Pirouette is the signature fundraising event for Ballet Kelowna and the culinary experience of the season.  Expect a sumptuous five-course regional food and wine paired dinner, an ‘amuse bouche’ ballet performance, silent and live auctions and a not-to-be-missed After Party … all for $250 (with a generous tax receipt).  Get your tickets now by calling Debbie MacMillan at 250-764-4803 or at BalletKelowna.ca.