THUNDER BAY – Passion. Quality Ingredients. They’re both needed to make a delicious meal. At least, according to chef Lynn Crawford, who believes that one without the other would just be unnatural.
Known for her appearances on the hit Food Network show Restaurant Makeover, which is seen in over 16 countries worldwide, Lynn is also former executive chef for the Four Seasons Hotel in both Toronto and New York and the first female Canadian invited to participate in the Food Network’s Iron Chef America in a battle with Bobby Flay.
Currently, Lynn stars in the fourth season of the popular Food Network Canada show, Pitchin’ In. The show, among one of the highest rating cooking shows in Canada, follows Lynn as she visits farmers, growers, and fishermen across North America in search of the freshest and best ingredients. Throughout her journey, she’ll take on any challenge, relying on locals to show her how it’s done. Lynn’s dynamic hosting was nominated for a Gemini Award 2010 and 2011. Pitchin’ In is also a “must watch” on the Cooking Channel in the United States and is getting great rating and reviews.
Luckily, for residents of Northwestern Ontario, this well-known chef will be here in Thunder Bay on Friday, October 12. She’ll share her stories and cooking philosophies as part of the 2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Event, presented by the partners, Thunder Bay and Gillons’ Insurance.
“We’re thrilled to have Lynn here for this event. She has a tremendous culinary presence in North America and we can’t wait to see what foods she cooks up for us. It’s important to us to give back to our community and having Lynn here will be an excellent way for us to all learn more about how to prepare delicious, healthy foods,” said David Baxter of Thunder Bay Insurance.
Lynn will be available to meet members of the community during her day here. She’ll begin by giving a free public talk at 11:00 a.m. at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, which will be followed directly by a book signing. Lynn’s cookbook ‘Pitchin’ In: More Than 100 Great Recipes From Simple Ingredients’ will be available for sale. In the afternoon, she’ll be busy in the TBRHSC kitchen preparing a wonderful dinner, sourced from local ingredients. A symposium and cookbook signing will start at 5:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. dinner will be served in the Health Sciences Centre cafeteria, followed by an address from Lynn. Tickets for dinner are $175 each, with a charitable tax receipt issued for a portion of the ticket. Funds raised from the event go towards the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
“I’m delighted to have Lynn Crawford join us at this unique Thunder Bay event. Last year, we were fortunate to have Chef Michael Smith and he prepared a stellar meal, and we know that Lynn will do the same,” said Andrée Robichaud, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
“What makes this event so special is that it caters to those who love food and cooking and highlights the local produce we have here in the Northwest. Last year, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the cafeteria completely transformed for this dinner – it was simply stunning. Of course, we’re very grateful that this glamorous evening also raises funds to ensure that we are healthier together,” said Glenn Craig, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
Lynn is eager for the opportunity to meet her fans in Thunder Bay. “I love people. I love food. And I love sharing so if that’s my role and future, then that’s perfect for me.”
Tickets for the Celebrity Chef Event can be purchased by calling 345-4673 or by e-mailing info@healthsciencesfoundation.ca. The public talk at 11 a.m. and book signing are open to everyone and are free. No registration is required.
Heather Vita
