Saturday, June 19th things get cooking at the Gourmet Shellfish Gala Evening!

200 guests will be treated to a nine-course gourmet shellfish extravaganza prepared by nine of BC’s top chefs. Served along the lapping shores of Baynes Sound under the beautiful June sunshine, this classy soirée will start off at 5 p.m. with samplings from the Pacific Kiss raw oyster bar while guests arrive and mingle with a cocktail in hand.

The dinner experience then begins at 7 p.m. For the next few hours, guests will savour the local flavours of BC’s best shellfish prepared by some of the province’s top chefs including:

1. • Nigel McMeans, executive chef at the Blackfin Pub at the Marina, Comox
   

2. • Rick Bowman, executive chef, Monk McQueen’s Restaurant & Patio, Vancouver
   

3. • Jonathan Frazier, executive chef, Atlas Café, Courtenay
   

4. • Troy Fogarty, executive chef, Kingfisher Spa & Resort, Courtenay
   

5. • Scott Practico, executive chef, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, Vancouver
   

6. • Ronald St-Pierre, executive chef, Locals Restaurant, Courtenay
   

7. • Aaron Rail, executive chef, Avenue Bistro, Comox
   

8. • Mark Duncan, executive chef, Union Street Grill & Grotto, Courtenay
   

9. • Matt MacDonald, executive chef, Berwick, Comox
   

Local vintners Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery is providing the evening’s vino that will be expertly paired according to the dish being served. Local brewer Surgenor Brewing will also be on hand offering their premiums ales and lagers for those preferring a brew with their meal.

Island musician Larry Ayre will be strumming his classical guitar throughout the evening entertaining guests with his large repertoire of R&B, Blues, Rockabilly, Swing and Latin melodies including Brazilian bossa novas and sambas.

New this year! The CVSF is pleased to announce that we will be

holding a silent auction during the Gala Evening Dinner with 100%

of proceeds raised going to local charity Y.A.N.A.

Reception: 5 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

Tickets: $120

There will be a free shuttle service available at the end of the evening being able to accommodate up to 24 passengers.

   Sunday, June 20th things get shucking Festival Day at Comox Marina Park!

The party continues on Sunday, June 20th at Comox Marina Park with tasting booths featuring shellfish delicacies as well as desert treats, a beer garden and the much anticipated Oyster Shucking Contest. Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. No entrance fee.

Celebrated home grown musician Des Larson will be lighting up the stage with his truly eclectic repertoire of groovy Island influenced music.

The Pacific Kiss Oyster Shucking Competition will be taking place at 2 p.m. at the oyster shucking booth. If you are interested in putting your skills to the test it could be worth a cool $500 to you. Please click here for more information.

Schedule:

11 a.m. Festival opens

              All food vendors open

11 a.m. Surgenor beer garden opens

12 p.m. Des Larson performs on the main stage

2 p.m. Pacific Kiss Oyster Shucking Competition on the main stage

2:30 p.m. Des Larson on the main stage

4 p.m. Des Larson on the main stage

Fresh seafood sales off the Comox dock weather/availability permitting.

Participating  food vendors include:

Sugar Mamma’s - will be featuring oyster burgers on potato bun with Gomashio coleslaw

Tria - organic strawberry and cream crepes

Fanny Bay Oysters - Clam chowder

Mac’s Oysters - Barbecued oysters

Pentlatch Seafoods - Steamed clams and mussels

Stellar Bay - raw oysters on the half shell

In addition:

Aquatec Seafoods - will be vending their seafood

Steamweavers - providing an array of regular and specialty coffees

Surgenor Breweries - running the beer tent

Island Scallops - selling frozen scallops

There will also be some information booths hosted by Comox Valley Economic Development, the Vancouver Aquarium’s Oceanwise program, the BC Marina Mammal Response Network and others.