On September 26 at Performance Works on Granville Island, 20 wonderful chefs will show their love and passion for food and wine by serving up some of their most delicious dishes at Passions 2018. Running for over 15 years and fundraising over $1.4 million, this important event has is dedicated to Vancouver food lovers. There will be ample opportunities for foodies to chat with chefs and sample their signature dishes – all while contributing to the outstanding Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. With incredible sponsors, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation. From proceeds, each year over 80,000 meals are served at the Dr. Peter Centre. This year’s event is emceed by Global TV anchor Sophie Lui with celebrity auctioneer Fred Lee.
On a beautiful yacht sponsored by Pacific Yacht Charters in Coal Harbour, I was honoured to have been invited a week before the event to share the excitement and be in the midst of passionate committee members of Passions and several chefs that will shine at the event.
“To have such an incredible group of culinary professionals, sponsors, and volunteers dedicating their time to making this event a success year after year is a testament to Dr. Peter and his legacy,” said Nathan Fong, Passions founder, and committee co-chair with Michael Barker-Fyfe.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the chefs that will be at the event:
Chef De Cuisine – Will Lew 
Chef Will Lew has been participating in the event for over 6 years with Fairmont Pacific Hotels. He is representing Notch8 at Passions and will showcase his beautiful and refined nature-inspired Canadian cuisine.
“I always look forward to this event every single year! I think that it’s our responsibility to the city to show support for this event, even if it’s through food or time.”
His signature dish is going to be a feast for the eyes and taste buds, serving up a delectable Wild Pheasant Pate.
Chef de Cuisine Jay Pugong & Executive Chef Alan Ferrer
Chef Jay Pugong and Chef Alan Ferrer will represent Minami, in its 4th year participating at Passions. Renown for their impressive use of Oceanwise seafood and local ingredients, they hope to change non-sushi eaters to sushi lovers.
“It’s important to give back to the community because we wouldn’t be here without our community. It’s just a really great chance to share our food while giving back and it brings joy to our hearts when people enjoy our food.”
Their signature dish will showcase their famous Flamed Seared Aburi Salmon & Ebi Pressed Sushi, as well as their bite-size Albacore Tuna & Kaiso Seaweed Tartare.
Chef Caitlin Mark & Mixologist Chiara Fung
This will be their first time at Passions. Chef Caitlin Mark described the event as “a great way to support the LGBT community.” Her signature Maple Hills Farms Rotisserie Chicken will take on its own spin at the event, combining Chef Mark’s diverse blend of bold flavors and techniques.
Award-winning premium bartender, Chiara Fung, is 1 of 3 amazing mixologists at the event. She is pouring out one of her famous True Lies pineapple Stoli cocktail.
“This foundation is amazing for the community and we are really excited to see what will be presented by other chefs.”
- General Admission Tickets (doors at 6:30) $225
- VIP Tickets (first access to food stations, glasses of bubbly, and VIP gift bags) from 5:30- 6:30pm: $300
- Group (10 people) VIP Tickets $2700 and General Admission Group $1750
The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation and Dr. Peter Centre
Since 1992, the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is a non-profit organization that is orchestrated through Dr. Peter Jepson-Young’s vision, to make a global contribution to changing the world of HIV care. Since 1997, The Dr. Peter Centre is the only program of its kind in Canada. Situated in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, the Centre provides three core programs: B.C’s only HIV Day Health Program, which operates seven days a week, a Specialized Nursing Care Residence Program offering 24-hour licensed care, and an Enhanced Supportive Housing Program. They also offer a variety of therapeutic services, such as art, music, and recreational therapy, nutritional meals, and counseling. Today the Centre services more than 300 clients in the Day Health Program.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
ARC at the Fairmont Waterfront
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits with Missions Hills
#Passions18
Mary in Vancity 