Feast on the Fraser is currently happening until October 2nd and features a series of signature events and special menus. This past week, I was a media attendee for an event at Wild Rice Bistro which included a chef-led cooking demo a and 3-course long table dinner inspired by the Fraser River. The ticket for the event was priced at $65 per person.
To start, we were seated by the open concept kitchen where Chef Dante had a cooking demo.
In his demo, Chef Dante gaves us knife skill tips, taught us how to butcher a salmon, and showed us how to create some old fashion garnishes from the days of King Neptune Restaurant.
Our three course meal included a tuna louie rice paper roll, Fraser river salmon and a sundae. This same menu is currently being offered for the duration of the Feast of the Fraser festival with choice of two courses for $25.
To start, the Tuna louie rice paper roll was absolutely delicious. We were provided a platter of the rolls and I couldn’t help but to eat four of these rolls. They were made with a melt-in-your mouth poached albacore tuna belly, julienned celery, organic greens, tomato, capers, and garlic red pepper dressing. Very light, refreshing and addictive.
Our main was a Fraser river coho salmon with Chinese barbecue glaze, star anise cardamon, infused rice, sauteed Glen Valley leeks and spaghetti squash. The salmon was nicely moist and flaky while the Chinese barbeque glaze offered a sweet and tangy flavour. An easy to enjoy entree.
To finish off this meal was the house vanilla gelato with Grand Marnier macerated strawberries and Bailey’s chocolate sauce. Great smooth gelato texture, refreshing taste and nice fruity and citrusy flavours too.
For a recap of the event, see the video here created by Techno Monkey Media:
I had a delightful evening at Wild Bistro trying their Fraser Valley-focused feast and learning a few cooking tips and tricks from Chef Dante. The food was solid and the $25 prix-fix 2-course meal seems reasonable.
For more information on Feast on the Fraser and Wild Rice’s special menu, visit http://www.tourismnewwestminster.com/feast-on-the-fraser/