The Chefs’ Table Society of BC (CTS) and Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association (PPFA) are thrilled to announce that the “Wildly Popular” Spot Prawn Festival is returning Sunday, May 26, 2024 tot Fishermen’s Wharf on False Creek.
Chefs’ Table Society President, Chef Johnny Bridge, who has done his share of spot prawn fishing on the coast, states, “Every year, I eagerly anticipate the spot prawn season, when we celebrate the arrival of this incredible shellfish from British Columbia’s waters. The Spot Prawn Festival unites the Chef’s Table initiatives, supporting both our culinary community and the peak season of BC’s spot prawns, in a delightful event that brings families together.”
Chefs’ Table Society has been happy to celebrate Spot Prawn Festival since 2006. The festival was created to promote a domestic market for this seasonal and sustainable seafood. It also continues to be Chefs’ Table Society’s annual fundraiser that allows the society to support scholarships for culinary students, and to provide education, mentorship and sustainability initiatives for the culinary industry. Funds will also support the society’s long-term legacy project, the CTS Culinary Centre, that will become a home for the culinary industry and food lovers.
Guests of the 2024 Spot Prawn Festival can celebrate the BC Spot Prawn fishery and support Chefs’ Table Society initiatives in three ways:
- Free – access to the docks to purchase fresh BC Spot Prawns directly from fishers, view cooking demos and family-friendly activities.
- $10 + taxes – a 10 oz bowl of Spot Prawn Bisque compliments of Organic Ocean
- $79 + taxes – Spot Prawn Brunch – outdoor stand-up grazing style event with tasting menu of six delicious BC Spot Prawn dishes, wine, beer and non-alcoholic cocktails along with a sweet treat.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for the brunch. Chowder tickets can be purchased in advance or at the dock. Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Organic Ocean Bisque will be a delicious and elegant Spot Prawn Bisque & a bun. Tickets for the bisque and a freshly baked bun are $10 a bowl (plus tax and service), are all-ages and non-refundable, and can be purchased for a convenient time slot. Choose to enjoy the rich, velvety Spot Prawn Bisque in one of the following time slots:
- 11 am to 12 noon
- 12 noon to 1 pm
- 1 pm to 2 pm
- 2 pm to 3 pm
Chefs’ Table Spot Prawn Festival Brunch is a delightful culinary adventure that offers two different service times: 11:30am to 1pm or 1:30pm to 3pm. Guests will enjoy six custom spot prawn dishes prepared by some of BC’s finest chefs. This is a delicious way to sample various creations and to interact directly with the chefs about their BC Spot Prawn preparation tips. The brunch will also include complementary tastings from local wine and beer sponsors, as well as a sweet treat.
Some of the talented chefs serving at the 2024 Spot Prawn Brunch are:
Andrea Alridge, Janevca
Antonio Martin, Haven Kitchen + Bar
Bobby Milheron, Wentworth Hospitality: Tableau Bistro, Homer St. Café & Bar, Maxine’s
David Lee, Vancouver Aquarium
Hiran Perera, The Barley Merchant Taphouse
Johnny Jang, Lift Bar and Grill
Kailash Tiwari, Sula Indian Restaurant
Lina Caschetto, Say Hey Cafe
Michael Pagnacco, ARC Restaurant & Bar
Steve Kuan, Torafuku
TJ Conwi, Ono Vancouver x ReRoot Kitchen
Welbert Choi, Fresh.Ideas.Start.Here.
**Please note six of the chefs listed will serve at 11:30am and the other six will serve at the 1:30pm brunch but the exact chefs presenting at each brunch will not be known in advance as scheduling may change to accommodate the chefs’ busy schedules.
Tickets for brunch are $79.00 per person (plus tax and service fee) The brunch is 19+ and tickets are non-refundable.
Spot Prawn Chef Demo stage will run 11:00am to 2:00pm on Fisherman’s Wharf.
Learn Spot Prawn cooking techniques from talented local chefs (names to be announced)
BC Spot Prawns – the prawn fishing season open date is still to be determined. Once the season opens, fresh BC Spot Prawns will be available at Fisherman’s Wharf and local markets around BC until the season closure. Frozen-at-sea spot prawns are available year-round. The closure of the Spot Prawn season has not been determined yet but historically the season is open for approximately four to six weeks from opening day.
Guests can purchase fresh BC Spot Prawns at the wharf the day of the Spot Prawn Festival on May 26, 2024.
2024 Spot Prawn Festival returns to Fisherman’s Wharf in Vancouver, BC to celebrate the local sustainable and delicious BC Spot Prawn. Hashtags to follow or use are #SpotPrawnFestival, #BCSpotPrawns, and #CTSBelong.