Banff, Alberta | Banff National Park will be full of flavour in September in celebration of Regional Cuisine Month as restaurants in Banff showcase some of their best cuisine. The month long celebration will conclude with the Alberta’s Best Culinary Festival on September 28-30 at Cascade Lodge at Banff’s Mount Norquay.

The festival highlights include an Iron Chef-inspired competition that brings Alberta’s best chefs into a battle to create a superb breakfast, lunch and dinner using Alberta produced ingredients including a wealth of game meats including bison and elk, along with indigenous berries and vegetables. Some of the chef’s confirmed include Banff’s own Sal Polizzi, from the Maple Leaf Grille and Spirits, Andrew Keen of Tribune and Cam Dobranski, of Muse, in Calgary.

Spectators are invited to watch the chefs race to beat the clock and pick up some pointers on whipping up local dishes. The participants can also enjoy culinary classes in-between competitions that encourage interaction and experimentation. Some of the classes include:

  • Healthy Choices - learn the truth from Alberta nutritionists;
  • Environment and Its Impact - discussion about environment and regional foods;
  • The 100 Mile Diet - where to find local food;
  • Wine, Cheese and Entertaining - learn about the best kinds of cheeses and great meats to go with it;
  • Great Meals with Alberta Meats - learn how to properly cook great alternative proteins;
  • Soups, Stews and Other Comfort Foods - take traditional recipes and twist them with regional and organic ingredients.

During the entire month of September many Banff restaurants will be involved in the theme of Regional Cuisine by “showcasing food that shows appreciation for local/regional foods as more attention has been given to the impact to the environment and our health,” says event organizer, Glenda Myles of Attract Attention. Myles adds that “the event aims to have zero waste and low impact on the environment, so we’ll be using bio degradable cutlery where we can, composting, and hosting a free shuttle service from hotels to the lodge, to encourage people not to drive.”

A Marketplace will also take place in Central Park each Sunday from noon to 3:00 PM where products from regional producers can be purchased while being entertained by performers on the Louis Trono Gazebo stage. There will be a large marketplace at the festival to close out the month.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online (link to the Culinary Festival website for ticket registration) for $150 per ticket. Your ticket grants you access to all the weekend festivities, classes and competition including an opening and closing reception. For special offers on accommodations, be sure to visit BanffLakeLouiseLive.com.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership.

Annik LaRoche
(403) 762-0275
Banff Lake Louise Tourism