Bon Appetit Ottawa is hyped as "the best cocktail party" of the year. Held this year on May 4th inside the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, the food and drink event featured over 90 restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries. With tickets at $75 each ($45 tax receipt), proceeds raised were donated to 21 local charities, including the YMCA/YWCA Children's Camp, Bruce House, Ronald McDonald House, community health and services centres, school breakfast programs, and the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa.

In keeping with being environmentally conscious, Bon Appetit introduced biodegradable plastic trays and actual wine glasses in order to cut down on waste. Numerous multi-purpose trash bins were also placed throughout the venue and were staffed by dozens of volunteers efficiently sorting plastics from paper from compost-able waste. Teams of volunteers were also scattered about, clearing away dirty dishes and napkins and ensuring that there were always clean tables for people to eat and enjoy.

With nearly 30 sponsors, an abundance of volunteers, and 1600 paying guests, the 14th edition of Bon Appetit was a smashing success.

As the evening began at 5:30pm, it coincided perfectly with dinner hour. As hungry attendees eagerly handed over there tickets, there was an atmosphere of delicious smells and excited chatter. It was time to explore and see what were the night's offerings.

With so many appetizing samples to try, it was impossible to visit each vendor. However, we did our best to try as many foods as possible. As such, here are some pictures of that evening's delicious fare. Warning: Do not view on an empty stomach!

Roasted new spring potato with edamame and avacado puree topped with a fresh grape tomato by Urban Element

Kinki's Sushi Sampler

Top Boxed Sampler: Nachos with shrimp and guacamole dip from Mambo. Bottom Boxed Sampler: Sushi and Spring Roll from Kinki

Mini prawn burger from Social

Fitzroy Harbour rib-eye steak chimichurri on baguette from Ballygiblin's

Milkshake anyone? (The Works)

Fresh raw oysters from The Fish Market

Smile! Shucking away!

Petit Bill's Bistro's signature dish - lobster poutine

Goat's cheese bread pudding from The Courtyard Restaurant

Organic line caught salmon sashimi from The Courtyard Restaurant

Carrot and Cardamom Dark Chocolate Truffle with Chai Tea Frosting from Essence Catering

Pan fried pork and shitaake dumplings with ginger and coriander served with a spicy red pepper chili glaze on napa chiffonade and spring onion courtesy of Les Fougeres

By this time, Don and I were incredibly full, but still managed to find just enough room to try a few more things.

Fresh scones from The Scone Witch

Smoked scallops by Le Moulin of The Wakefield Mill

Lemon mini-cupcakes from Epicuria

Kerr Farms Ancho Beef Brisket on Ace Bakery Baguette from Epicuria

Hopefully, these pictures have inspired you to check out next year's Bon Appetit. It is certainly an event you should try at least once. Many thanks and congratulations to all the volunteers for their hard work. They helped make this a successful event!

Leaving Bon Appetit - An evening to remember!



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