Ethical Eating Celebrity Chef Dinner based on the Spotlight Gala Film, Food, Inc. 2

This five-course dinner is inspired by the Spotlight Gala film Food, Inc. 2 and features Michael Palij MW and will be prepared by Chefs Andy Preuss, Meeru Dhalwala, Robert Clark, Timothy Charles & Julien Rousseau.

Ticket Price: $199.00 per guest, includes wine pairings 
Must be 19+ to attend
Sponsored by East Port Properties Ltd, Lindsay Construction, Suntory Global Spirits, Innovative Beverages, Mainbrace Wine & Spirits, Wine Horizons, Wine Visions, J.R. Mahoney Ltd., Chef Works, and the Devour! Seafood Partnership: Victoria Co-operative Fisheries Limited, Afishionado Fishmongers and Comeau’s Sea Foods Limited
Menu and wine pairings coming soon!

Michael Palij, M.W. 

Born in Toronto, Canada, Michael Palij made the bold decision to pack his bags and embark on a new adventure in the UK in the late eighties, following his passion for wine and learning. Starting at Oddbins’ prestigious graduate programme, he quickly made a name for himself in the industry. Recruited by Windrush Wines as their wine buyer, he then realized his dream of founding his independent wine importer, Winetraders (UK) Ltd, in 1995. As the youngest Master of Wine in his time, a title held by only 400 individuals worldwide, his expertise and passion for wine have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the industry. Palij has established wine schools around the world from Oxford to Hong Kong, and most recently in Barbados, where he continues to inspire and educate wine enthusiasts worldwide. @winetradersuk

Andreas Preuss & Sophia Gruber

Sophia and Andreas are the passionate owners of Oxalis Restaurant, a European farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth. Since opening in November 2021, they have brought their culinary vision to life, celebrating the flavours of locally sourced ingredients with a culinary twist from their home countries. Gruber, originally from Austria, spent her formative years in South Africa, while Berlin-born Preuss built an impressive career working in international luxury resorts. Their paths crossed at a world-renowned resort, where they became lifelong partners both personally and professionally. In 2017, the duo made a bold decision to venture abroad, taking on roles as General Manager and Executive Chef at Trout Point Lodge, an acclaimed destination in Nova Scotia. Now, they’re bringing their rich culinary experiences and love for hospitality to Oxalis. @oxalisns @chefandreaspreuss @sophs_16

Meeru Dhalwala

Meeru Dhalwala is the co-founder of Vij’s and Lila restaurants in Vancouver, BC, with a culinary career spanning 30 years. She led the kitchen at Vij’s and Rangoli, creating all the recipes. In April 2024, Chef Dhalwala was honoured with the Restaurants Canada Award for Culinary Excellence. The following month, she launched Lila, a modern Indian pescatarian/vegetarian restaurant focused on “small is beautiful” with co-founder Shira Blustein. A self-taught chef, Dhalwala redefined Indian cuisine and holds a Master of Science in Development Studies. She advocates for women in business, food sustainability, and food accessibility. Chef Dhalwala’s contributions have been recognized with awards and honorary doctorates, and she actively engages in various organizations promoting food, agriculture, and community development. @meerudhalwala @lilavancouver @eatdrinkvijs

Timothy Charles

The executive chef of Newfoundland’s iconic Fogo Island Inn—a Relais & Châteaux property that is also No. 57 on Canada’s 100 Best—Timothy Charles began his career at another legendary island R&C property, the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. From there, he honed his craft on sailing ships through the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Antarctica before landing on Fogo Island just as the Inn was being built in 2012. He went on to become sous chef, rising through the ranks to his current role. Today, Chef Charles celebrates the wild, fished, farmed, foraged, and hunted bounty of this region, transforming it into dishes worth travelling across the country. @t_s_charles @fogoislandinn @sevenseasonsfarm

Julien Rousseau

Originally from the South of France, Julien Rousseau’s culinary journey has taken him from working in a chocolaterie in the French Alps, to Master Chocolatier and Chef at Vineyard at Stockcross in England, to the northeast of Scotland, where he became the Head Chocolatier at the renowned Cocoa Mountain. The rugged beauty of Scotland provided the perfect backdrop for Rousseau to refine his vision of opening a boutique, artisanal chocolate shop that would one day become a reality. After careful deliberation, Rousseau and his partner Nathalie Morin chose Halifax as the place to establish their dream together. In 2014, they opened ROUSSEAU Chocolatier, with every creation reflecting their passion for innovation and quality. By blending local flavors and refined techniques, ROUSSEAU Chocolatier continues to win international awards and captivate taste buds across the country. @rousseauchoco