Canadians who love seafood chowders are about to have their dreams come true.
The first-ever fundraising National Chowder Chowdown Festival kicks off across Canada on February 1, and continues running until the end of the month (February 28)
The Vancouver-based ocean conservation organization Ocean Wise is partnering with 36 restaurants throughout the country to celebrate sustainable seafood-based variations of the stew-like comfort food fave.
Ocean Wise Seafood is a non-profit program made up of nine scientists and account managers across Canada who analyze data about seafood options and make recommendations, based upon science, to food and beverage establishments, seafood suppliers and grocery stores.
These recommendations factor in assessment of species, fishery impacts on the environment and other species, and fishery management.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program had to adapt their annual fundraising events held in Vancouver and Toronto, which raised over $70,000 each year.
Greater Toronto Area restaurants and retailers participating in the National Chowder Chowdown Festival include:
- COAST by Matt Dean Pettit
- Coast Cafe Car
- De La Mer Fresh Fish Market (four locations)
- Fresh City Farms (online and in store through The Healthy Butcher, Mabel’s Bakery and Fresh City locations)
- Holt’s Café Yorkdale
- Holts Café Bloor street
- Pearl Diver
- Pier 87 (Mississauga and Toronto locations)
A version of this story originally appeared in the Georgia Straight. With files from NOW staff.
