Young Montréal Chef to represent Canada in the 2014 S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice, Italy

--First Canadian chef to compete in one-of-a-kind sailing regatta dedicated to emerging international chefs--

MONTREAL, April 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Chef Danny Smiles, chef de cuisine at Le Bremner in Montréal, will represent Canada at the 14th annual S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Italy on June 13th and 14^th, marking the first time a Canadian chef will compete in the event, a unique regatta for foodies with a passion for sailing.

"For sure, it's an unusual cooking challenge," says Danny Smiles, chef de cuisine at Le Bremner, sister restaurant to the famous Garde Manger in Montréal. "Creating a winning dish in a sailboat galley while it's racing around a course in the Venetian lagoon is hard to imagine. But I'm definitely up for it and honoured S. Pellegrino selected me to compete as its first Canadian competitor."

S.Pellegrino organizes the annual regatta in collaboration with the historic Venetian Yacht Club, Compagnia della Vela. The event combines a regatta and simultaneous cooking competition that celebrates two Italian passions: sailing and fine dining.

The two-day event includes:

• Signature Dish Competition: 10 participating chefs prepare their signature dish for guests and judges on Friday evening, June 13^th at the S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Young Chef of the Year 2014 Dinner
• People's Choice: guests vote for their favourite signature dish
• Food Critic Award: media judges vote for their favourite signature dish
• S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup: while crews try to make the best possible time around the sailing course, each chef prepares a dish in the galley, hoping to earn enough points to secure their team's victory
• S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year: the winner, selected by combining scores in the regatta and the Signature Dish competition, is announced at a gala evening event on June 14^th

Each participating chef represents a country where S.Pellegrino is marketed. Last year's event included chefs from Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States.

"Our sponsorship is consistent with S. Pellegrino's position as a trendsetter in the world of fine dining and fine living," says Jennifer Semley Robert, marketing manager, International Brands, Nestlé Waters Canada. "In fact, it's the most recommended water by international chefs and top sommeliers. This event confirms the brand's international appeal."

S.Pellegrino will announce the list of competitors for the 2014 S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in early June, along with the panel of ten internationally renowned chef judges.

Follow the Cooking Cup conversation on Twitter and Instagram: #SPCookingCup

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Sparkling Fruit Beverages are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A. which is based in Milan, Italy.
Distributed in over 130 countries through branches and distributors in all five continents, these products represent quality excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being.
Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs, drinks and iced teas. As a major Italian producer of mineral water, it has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

Image with caption: "Chef Danny Smiles, chef de cuisine at Le Bremner in Montréal, is representing Canada at the 14th annual S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Italy on June 13th and 14th. It's the first time a Canadian chef will compete in the event, a unique regatta for foodies with a passion for sailing. Photo courtesy of Dominique Lafond (CNW Group/Nestlé Waters Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140430_C5738_PHOTO_EN_39767.jpg

SOURCE: Nestlé Waters Canada

For more information (Canada):
English: Michelle Magee- [phone]; [email protected]
French: Ariane Tremblay-[phone] ext. 4957; [email protected]

For additional international information contact:
Sanpellegrino SpA
Antonella Stefanelli - Ph. +39.02.31972796 / Mob. [phone]; [email protected]

Ketchum 
Paola Chiasserini-Ph.  +39.02.62411948; [email protected]
Carmelo Santisi - ph. +39.02.62411928; [email protected]
Claudio Rascio - ph. +39.02.62411964; [email protected]