Araxi – James Walt Showcases Pemberton Valley Farms

WHISTLER, BC – Feast of Fields – A supporter since its Sea to Sky debut in 2006, Executive Chef James Walt will join over forty local producers, food artisans and chefs at Whistler’s Feast of Fields event this Saturday, August 30th from 1:00pm – 5:00pm at the picturesque Rebagliati Park.

A central figure in the Whistler/Pemberton locavore movement, Chef Walt will apply his skillful touch to prepare a composition of fresh North Arm berries with profiteroles and crème fraîche ice cream for participants.

Originally launched on Vancouver Island in 1994, Feast of Fields is an annual fundraising initiative for FarmFolk/CityFolk, a non-profit society that encourages people to eat local, fresh, seasonal foods. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.feastoffields.com.

Whistler Farmers’ Market – On Sunday, August 31st, Chef Walt will be a featured guest at a special BC150 Whistler Farmers’ Market in honour British Columbia’s 150 years. At 1:00pm, Chef Walt will be onsite demonstrating the preparation of ricotta gnocchi with Riverland Farms heirloom tomatoes and fennel.

Located in the Upper Village Market stroll, the market takes place each Sunday from June 15th to October 12th. The BC150 celebration will also include a baking contest, an appearance from the 2010 Olympic Mascots, a cake cutting by Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed and traditional singing and dancing by the Squamish LilWat Cultural Centre.

100-Mile Harvest Menu – A resounding success with locals and visitors alike, Chef Walt is once again showcasing his resident knowledge of the Pemberton Valley farming community to craft his 100 Mile Harvest Menu where every ingredient was sourced, raised, produced or grown from within a 100 mile (160 kilometer) radius.

Beginning Thursday, September 18th, Chef Walt is looking forward to the addition of new menu items including Pemberton Meadows beef and Caribou Honey from Lillooet. With thanks to prime growing conditions throughout the summer, Chef Walt will also feature local berries, including late strawberries, blueberries and raspberries from North Arm Farm. He is particularly excited about showcasing five varieties of Pemberton potatoes including True Blue, Desirée, Fingerling, Kennebec, and German Butter exclusive to Across the Creek Farm.

Voted ‘Best Restaurant in Whistler’ for an unprecedented nine consecutive years, Araxi holds an international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. 4222 Village Square, Whistler. 604.932.4540, www.araxi.com

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Media Contact:
Shelley McArthur
Communications Director
t 604.836.8005
e shelley@toptable.ca