Sumptuous dinner hosted by the Embassy of Canada and Canada Beef sears its way into the
hearts and palate of food enthusiasts
Inspired by the Chef’s Table events of the LTB Chefs Association Philippines, the Embassy of Canada in the
Philippines and Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) hosted its first Chef’s Table with Chef Mathieu Paré,
Executive Director of Canada Beef’s Center of Excellence in Calgary, Alberta.
Chef Mathieu’s culinary expertise and innovative techniques showcased Canadian beef’s versatility in the sixcourse dinner paired with a selection of award-winning Pillitteri Estates Wines from one of Canada’s sought-after wine regions, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Guests craved even more after savouring innovative beef appetizer concepts, Japanese cowboy tataki and Canadian Surf ‘n’ Turf mac and cheese paired with Pillitteri Gewurztraminer Riesling, a classic Canadian rib steak paired with Pillitteri’s Reserve Merlot, while Pouding Chomeur (a caramel upsidedown cake) served with beef fat mignardises including brownies, blondies and Nanaimo bars paired with Pillitteri’s Reserve Vidal Icewine capped off the evening.
“The culinary scene in Canada has changed so much in the last few years, owing to the growing population of newcomers. Canadians have embraced foreign cultures, including culinary fares, from all over the world. Canada has become a thriving culinary destination due to its innovative, multicultural cuisine. We are proud of our commitment to producing consistent, safe and quality grain-fed beef that global consumers have enjoyed for years,” said Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines John Holmes.
This appreciation of Canada’s welcoming and multicultural society was captured in the fusion welcome drink, Maple Mango by the Bay, which included a healthy dose of maple syrup, local fruits and bay leaves.
Guests also enjoyed other Canadian food ingredients including canola oil, pasta and flour made from wheat, flax seeds, and lobster. And as a tribute to the many areas where Canada and the Philippines engage in agricultural cooperation, locally-harvested table potatoes grown from Atlantic Canadian seed potatoes were promoted during dinner in support of local farmers benefitting from the potato capacity building project of JG Summit, Universal Robina Corporation and the Department of Agriculture. “While Canada and the Philippines benefit from vibrant two-way trade in food, Canada’s thriving agricultural sector can be a model for improving livelihoods in agricultural communities in the Philippines. The Embassy is proud to support the potato capacity program of JG Summit, Universal Robina Corporation and the Department of Agriculture by providing training for farmers receiving Canadian seed potatoes to ensure they derive maximum benefit from our high-quality seed,” said Ambassador Holmes, adding that “we look forward to implementing the next stages of this exciting program.”
“Filipinos are passionate about good food and their enthusiasm for the pleasures of the table is inspiring,” said Chef Mathieu. “The Philippines’ appreciation for high quality ingredients like Canadian beef makes it a natural fit for a discerning clientele that demands safe, delicious and sustainably produced beef that tells a story about the country in which it is raised. It is my privilege and great honor to be in the Philippines working with these world class chefs to explore and discover the quality attributes that differentiate our premium Canadian beef in this market.”
Chef Mathieu’s global exposure as a professional chef in demanding kitchens in Canada, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and his endless pursuit of new food experiences to intensify his adventurous palate has made him the lead of Canada’s industry association to create opportunity for and the competitiveness of Canadian Beef globally.
Trained by one of the Canadian beef industry’s most experienced butchers, Chef Mathieu also shared his expertise in meat cutting and innovating cooking techniques with Canadian beef during their well-attended butchers’ training event earlier in the week. The event was well-received by the local butchers, chefs and restaurant chain owners. LTB Chefs, foodies and guests from resorts, restaurants and hotels relished their palate-pleasing, gastronomic experience with Chef Mathieu’s innovative menu that has brought the best out of Canadian beef and other ingredients, underscoring Canada’s capability to produce consistently, safe and quality food products for the global culinary and food service arena.
About Canada Beef
Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has offices in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Canada Beef works to enable and sustain loyalty to the Canadian beef brand and build strong relationships with trade customers and partners around the world. These efforts increase demand for Canadian beef and the value producers receive for their cattle.
About Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence
The Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE), located in Calgary, Alberta, is the jewel of the Canadian beef brand and one of Canada Beef’s richest resources. The CBCE strives to be a global leader in beef communication, culinary training, education and business development around Canada’s beef industry through a state-of-the-art facility including a full commercial kitchen line, consumer kitchen and beef fabrication room. Through the focus of Connect, Innovate and Inspire, the CBCE brings the Canadian beef brand and story to life.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Pillitteri Estates Winery is a family-owned and operated producer of premium VQA red and white wines. Pillitteri is also the world’s largest estate producer of icewine and have won over 1,000 international wine awards. In addition to being the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine and one of Canada’s most internationally acclaimed wineries, Pillitteri is always experimenting with new and unique production methods, including their innovative approach in the production of their collection of Family Reserve Appassimento wines. Pillitteri Wines may also be purchased online at www.gurkka.com through their local distributor, Global Noble International Corporation.
