Collaborative dinners are all the rage. These events combine several chefs' talents and allow diners an expansive taste journey without having to visit different restaurants.
Chefs' Gala and Showcase is Saskatoon's longest-running collaborative dinner. The gala takes collaboration a step further by bringing together not just seven chefs, but also three local theatre and music companies in an event not to be missed.
Chefs' Gala is celebrating 10 years by kicking up the glam factor with a Salute to the Oscars-themed party at Prairieland Park. The Saskatoon Chefs' Association also presents their annual awards at the gala, offering guests an inside look at the city's best in the restaurant business.
Here are five reasons to break out of your winter slumber and go to the Chefs' Gala on Feb. 9.
This isn't your run of the mill rubber chicken fundraiser dinner. Expect a boutique-restaurant feel to the artistic dishes, with thoughtful plating elements and top-quality ingredients.
Cooking for hundreds is a challenge; luckily, the Saskatoon Chefs' Association is more than up to the task.
Each chef designs his or her own course and McCarthy oversees the menu planning.
"We try to get a good balance (of ingredients)," he said.
Several local food suppliers have joined as event sponsors.
"That helps us elevate the event even more," he added.
Ever wanted to judge a food competition? Here's your chance.
Each table gets to vote for a favourite course and chef of the night. The catch is that everyone must agree on the dish, because there's only one vote per table. That means you'll have to decide among yourselves why one course merits a vote over another. Democracy at its finest.
Interspersed between the dinner courses are live theatre, chamber music and opera performances. Live Five Independent Theatre has written a three-part play themed for the Chefs' Gala, while Ritornello Chamber Music Festival and Little Opera on the Prairie will dazzle guests with classic pieces, performed live.
Jacqueline Woods, Ritornello's artistic director and co-founder, said the night's transitions between food courses and entertainment make for a "seamless" evening.
The performances are themed to honour some of the Oscar's best moments, from iconic musical scores to hilarious MC debacles.
Chefs' Gala raises funds and awareness for the three arts non-profit groups mentioned above.
At least a quarter of Ritornello's operating budget comes from funds raised at the Chefs' Gala.
The organization holds an annual chamber music festival, attracting notable musicians to Saskatoon over three days.
"It also helps ensure that we can be at the international level when it comes to paying our artists fairly," Woods said.
That's important when you're based in a smaller city.
Lamenting the big bucks you spent on a sparkly holiday outfit you only wear once a year? This is your chance to wear it with pride.
The more glitz the better at Chefs' Gala, especially since this year it's all about saluting the Oscars. Heck, you can even bring out that floor-length gown or tux if you feel so inspired — just don't spill your welcome cocktail on it.
For tickets and to see the menu and chef lineup, visit: saskatoonchefsgala.com.