Want to indulge in tantalizing dishes by local and international chefs, and enjoy some local wineries, breweries, and distilleries? Now add some authentic Bahamian body vibing steel drumming music and an incredible list of items that will be auctioned during their silent and live auction. That my food-loving friends, are the pleasures waiting for you at Hope for Bahamas fundraising event.

The busy mastermind behind this incredible charity soirée, Neil Mather, Executive Chef at Ottawa’s Lord Elgin Hotel & former Executive Chef at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, shared with me his personal thoughts and involvement regarding this amazing humanitarian fundraising cause.

Why is this charity event so important to you?
The hurricane devastated this area of the Bahamas (Hopetown) and they need so much help to rebuild. People are generously donating from all over the world to help them. The chefs and industry partners in Ottawa have always stepped up to help when needed!

What is your personal connection to the Bahamas?
I lived and worked in Nassau for over 3 years, I still have many friends living there with families that were affected. 

What prompted this type of venue as opposed to sending cash donations?
We used to do an event called food for thought in Kanata as a fundraiser for the Kanata food cupboard that was very successful, we used that format for the event.

How did you go about selecting the chefs involved?
I just reached out to the chefs that have done this type of thing in the past, all who were free said YES!

Many of local celebrity and well-known chefs will be on hand and preparing delicious dishes.

• Rene Rodriquez: Chef Grill 41 – Winner Top Chef Canada & Beat Bobby Flay
• Joe Thottungal: Chef Coconut Lagoon & Thali – Winner Gold Medal plates and Silver Medal Canadian Culinary championships
• Michael Blackie: Next – award-winning restaurant owner and chef – Food Network star of various shows including Iron Chef Canada
• Steph the Grilling Gourmet: Chef Legari from the tv show – Grill This Smoke That on Rogers soon to air Season 3
• Neil Mather: Executive Chef Lord Elgin Hotel & former Executive Chef British Colonial Hilton Nassau – Chef of the year Ottawa CCFCC & Ottawa Restaurant Association

What are the dishes guests will have the pleasure of eating at the event?
So many amazing items! 
Chef Cheryl T. McKenzie, Executive Sous Chef of the British Colonial Hilton Nassau – conch chowder
Coconut lagoon – pork masala
Boulton House – foie gras torchon
Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF) – vegan samosa cone
Grill 41 – cowboy steak with Roquefort butter 
NAC – seared scallops 
Chef Legari – a Bahamian inspired slider
Graffiti’s – Bahamian dishes
NeXt – surprise dish
Perspectives – an amazing chocolate story dessert  
Pasticceria Gelateria – French pastries
And more!

Local vintners, breweries, and distilleries include:
KIN Vineyards
Gary Starmer Wines
Liam Wines
Inniskillin
Jackson Triggs
Vintage Ink
Top Shelf Distillers
Ashton Brewing Company
Cartwright Springs Brewery
Brew Revolution
Tuque de Broue Brewery

What items are being auctioned during the charity event?
– Bahamian resort stays
– Local hotel getaways
– Sens box on a Saturday for 18 people
– Chefs dinner with wine and suites at the Lord Elgin Hotel
– An amazing high-end BBQ by Crown Verity
– Fur from Pat Fletcher
And so much more!  

What are your thoughts regarding how the Ottawa community alongside local and international chefs, have come together for such a great humanitarian cause?
It’s amazing to see the good that people do in the face of something like this in our community and in the world. I mean no one has time to spare this time of year, yet we have a bunch of very busy people stepping up to do this for a great cause!

Is there anything you would like to add regarding this incredible charity event?
If your a diner in the city, don’t go out on Nov 21st, all the best chefs are at our event! Where can you ever get something like this for $100? All the food sampling of over 20 wines, 5 craft breweries and signature cocktails by local distillers! We even have a barista from equator coffee on-site doing her magic! 

Important Info

What: A tasty and fun charity event in support of Hopetown, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas

When:   Thursday, November 21, 2019, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites, 101 Kanata Avenue, Kanata, ON K2T 1E6

Tickets: Purchase your tickets here.

**Take Note** Holiday Inn & Suites is offering a reduced room rate for attendees of the event, please request the “Hope for Bahamas” special room rate when booking.

Take part in this amazing charity event…great food, delicious libations, and plenty of fun are waiting for you.

See you there!