Forage P.E.I. coming to Charlottetown

A new food symposium in Charlottetown next month will host a formidable lineup of food leaders from across North America.

Forage P.E.I. takes place Oct. 18-19. Renowned chefs, writers, food photographers, farmers and brewmasters will join keynote speaker chef Amanda Cohen for a series of food-related panel talks and food experiences with Forage attendees.

Cohen, a well-known leader of the vegetable-forward movement and owner of New York City’s award-winning vegetarian restaurant Dirt Candy, will deliver the keynote on the first day. She’ll touch on a number of topics, including vegetable-centric cuisine, the year of the female chef, tipping and current food trends.

“We’re really excited to have chef Amanda Cohen joining us at Forage P.E.I.,’’ said Jeff McCourt, food advocate and co-chairman of the Forage P.E.I. committee. “She has a wealth of knowledge regarding many relevant topics and will be a big draw for attendees.’’

The deadline for early-bird tickets has been extended until Sept. 30 to ensure those working in the height of the harvest and tourism season have an opportunity to register. A limited number of tickets is available to primary producers at 50 per cent off the regular rate.

Participants will have the opportunity to take in panels on such topics as the importance of influence and engagement, women in food and cannabis edibles. There will also be an immersive five-hour food experience at the Inn at Bay Fortune with host chef Michael Smith. A highlight will be the creation of a Guinness world record charcuterie board curated by renowned Canadian expert Michael McKenzie of the Seed to Sausage. An after-party at Upstreet Craft Brewing will close out the first annual event.

Tickets are limited to 300 attendees, so early registration is encouraged. For more details on the event, visit foragepei.com/ and follow along on FB at facebook.com/ForagePEl/.