Canada’s can’t-miss culinary summit is only weeks away. The Terroir Symposium, presented in partnership with Alberta-based culinary tourism company Food Tourism Strategies, will return to Calgary September 30 to October 2. Over 50 local and international presenters will share their expertise in all things food and drink, while interactive workshops and curated menus allow attendees to expand their own understanding of the Canadian terroir.
The theme for this year’s symposium is “Transformation: transforming self, transforming industry, transforming food.” Some notable new speakers include the Ghanaian chef-chocolatier Selassie Atadika, renowned bartender and cocktail expert Jim Meehan and Dutch worstmaker Paul van den Hooven. Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson of Vancouver’s Published on Main will be returning (this time with a Michelin Star under his belt!), as will celebrated Indigenous chef Shane Chartrand.
The first two days of the Symposium will take place at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and will feature interactive demonstrations and workshops in subjects like butchery, sustainable farming, chocolate tasting, Indigenous cuisine and kitchen technology. On the third day, the venue shifts to the downtown Calgary Arts Commons – specifically the stunning Jack Singer Concert Hall, where a day of inspiring and engaging talks by the resident industry leaders will be held.
Throughout the three days, the Terroir guest chef speakers will collaborate with local restaurants and chefs to present the Signature Dinner Series, a lineup of thoughtful gourmet meals highlighting local ingredients. The symposium wraps up with an elegant evening gala sponsored by Tourism Ireland, where guests will enjoy a unique showcase on Irish cuisine.
Tannis Baker, co-founder of Food Tourism Strategies, says that the symposium comes during an exciting time for the Calgary culinary scene. “From award-winning chefs and restaurants to the exploding craft beverage industry to the heartland of amazing agricultural producers right in our backyard, we are really excited to celebrate and share our story,” she said.
