Big name chefs, and an even bigger anniversary are celebrated at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair's Chef Challenge preview

- Media invited to a culinary preview as the city's top chefs and mixologists prepare a Royal-inspired menu -

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, October 16^th several of Toronto's top chefs will dig into giant beets, and a giant kohlrabi to celebrate the harvest season, to kick-off the upcoming Royal Chef Challenge and toast The Royal's 90^th Anniversary.

Hosted by The Thirsty Traveler's Kevin Brauch, Chef Robert Mills of The Thompson Hotel, Chef Colin Thornton of The Royal York Hotel, Chef Duff Lampard of The Westin Harbour Castle, Chef Roberto Fracchioni of The Templar Hotel and Chef Kevin Prendergrast of The Hilton Hotel will treat guests to Royal-inspired fare, while also offering a teaser to what they might create during the upcoming three-episode Chef Challenge. On Tuesday, the chefs will serve dishes that reflect local agriculture, The Royal and the spirit of their restaurants, while top mixologists shake-up some uniquely-inspired cocktails.

Coinciding with this culinary preview will be The Royal Wine Competition, where internationally renowned wine experts will evaluate Ontario's finest. Head judge Master Sommelier John Szabo will be at the preview event to speak to elements of The Royal Wine Competition.

The Royal Chef Challenge, taking place Friday, November 2^nd, Sunday, November 4^th and Saturday, November 10^th will match these local chefs against one-another as they create dishes using ingredients from The Royal's prize-winning list of local products. Adding fuel to the competitive fire will be the celebrity status of their hosts, including Padma Lakshmi, Curtis Stone and Bob Blumer.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show.  This year, The 90^th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 2-11, 2012 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Visit royalfair.org for more information or to buy tickets to the Royal Chef Challenge.

ABOUT THE CHEF CHALLENGE

New this year, The Royal will extend its Chef Challenge into a multi-day event. Host of Food Network's Top Chef, cookbook author and model, Padma Lakshmi, will host the Kick-Off Chef Challenge on Opening Day, Friday, November 2^nd. Bob Blumer of Food Network's Surreal Gourmet, Glutton for Punishment and World's Weirdest Restaurants will host the Chef Challenge on Sunday, November 4^th, while Australian chef and co-host of Food Network's Around the World in 80 Plates, Curtis Stone will host the Chef Challenge Finale on Saturday, November 10^th.

WHAT:	Media Preview to The Royal Chef Challenge Media to enjoy a culinary reception in celebration of The Royal and Chef Challenge and Mixology Competition
WHERE:	The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Office The Presidents Room, Enter through Heritage Court Exhibition Place
WHO:	Sandra Banks, CEO of The Royal Chef Robert Mills of The Thompson Hotel Chef Colin Thornton of The Royal York Hotel Chef Duff Lampard of The Westin Harbour Castle Chef Kevin Prendergrast of The Hilton Hotel The Thirsty Traveler's Kevin Brauch Master Sommelier John Szabo
WHEN:	Tuesday, October 16, 2012 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

SEATING IS LIMITED.

SOURCE: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

To confirm attendance or for more information contact:

FISHER AGENCY PR
Tiffany Fisher
P. 416 456 7650
E. [email protected]