Chef’s Island
Throughout the evening, guests will explore ten chef stations, sampling small plates & mocktail pairings featuring the best of PEI’s local flavours and connecting with Island chefs. As guests move from station to station, they will cast their votes for the most memorable culinary experience and win door prizes. The highlight of the night, the Chef’s Island Quickfire Challenge, will feature four chefs competing in a thrilling black box showdown, all vying for the top prize of $1,000 and a trip to the 2026 Culinary Federation National Conference!

The Details
Upon arrival to Chef’s Island at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, guests will be greeted with a welcome beverage and a handcrafted snack. Luka Hall, an Island favourite, will keep the energy going all night with his musical talent. Guests will have two opportunities to create memories with a 360 Spin Booth & Photobooth (keepsake photo strips provided).
Forty randomly selected guests will receive an exclusive tasting token to sample one of the competitors’ creations. The competition will be live streamed by Al Douglas onto screens located throughout the ballroom for guests wishing to watch the action without having a ‘front row seat’. 60 minutes, 40 guest plates, who will be crowned the 2025 Chef’s Island Quickfire Challenge Champion! Indulge your taste buds, cheer on your favourite chefs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Chef’s Island is where food, fun, and fantastic flavours collide. Don’t miss out on this culinary extravaganza that’ll have you craving more!PEI PORK
Chefs Hans, Mike, Austin, and Keaton hailing from UPEI — come together to create a dish that tells a story of heritage, passion, and place. Inspired by German tradition and infused with the rich flavors of the Island, this signature dish features locally sourced PEI pork, hearty Island potatoes, and delicately prepared quail eggs. It is finished with a dollop of silky crème fraîche and a bright, tangy green tomato chow — a bold yet elegant combination that bridges rustic European roots with the freshest Atlantic ingredients.
PEI DAIRY
Step into a world where innovation meets indulgence — where every bite is a note in a decadent composition of fall flavors. Chef Krista MacQuarrie from Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, renowned for her artistry and precision, unveils Autumn’s Sweet Symphony: a five-piece dessert experience designed to captivate the senses.
Dessert Menu:
– Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie – Soft, spiced perfection with a sugar-dusted twist
– Kahlua Caramel Bonbon – Silky, boozy indulgence wrapped in artisanal chocolate
– Spicy Ginger Macaron – A bold crunch with a warming finish
– Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Morsel – Creamy, crisp-topped elegance in a single bite
– Chai Pumpkin Meringue – Light as air, with cozy spice and seasonal flair
PEI LOBSTER
What happens when East Coast comfort meets Italian flair? You get a bite-sized masterpiece that redefines the lobster roll. Chef Adam Todd from Dave’s Lobster brings bold creativity to the table with his newest innovation: the Lobster Roll Arancini — a luxurious twist on a classic.
– Lobster & Sweet Pea Risotto – Creamy, rich, and brimming with Atlantic lobster flavor
– Buttered Roll Bread Crumb – A golden, crispy nod to the beloved toasted lobster roll
– Brown Butter–Sage Aioli – Earthy, nutty, and herbaceous — the perfect finishing touch
PEI OYSTERS (gluten free)
Straight from the pristine waters of Prince Edward Island, Chef Brian Mullally of Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar brings the ocean to your plate with a curated selection of PEI’s finest oysters — crisp, briny, and unforgettable.
Shucked to order and served with elevated accompaniments, these oysters celebrate the Island’s maritime heritage with every slurp. Whether you prefer them raw on the half shell, dressed, or kissed with citrus and spice, this is coastal indulgence at its purest.
PEI HALIBUT
At Harmony House, Chef Andrew Nicholson brings the best of Prince Edward Island’s waters to your plate with his expertly crafted dish featuring PEI halibut — a true Atlantic treasure.
With its delicate, flaky texture and fresh, mild flavor, this halibut is a celebration of the Island’s pristine coastline. Chef Andrew highlights its natural beauty with thoughtful preparation and a blend of local ingredients that enhance, rather than overpower, the fish’s elegant taste.
PEI MUSSELS
Renowned for her bold creativity, passion for storytelling, and deep appreciation of local ingredients, Chef Ilona Daniel from the Culinary Institute of Canada brings Prince Edward Island’s iconic seafood to center stage with her signature PEI mussels.
Harvested from the cold, clear waters surrounding the Island, these mussels are plump, tender, and naturally briny — a perfect canvas for Chef Ilona’s inspired flavor pairings featuring carefully layered aromatics and refined technique. It’s a dish rooted in place, perfected by technique, and served with elegance.
PEI PORK
At Abbiocco, Chef Jane Crawford elevates a beloved classic with her exquisite PEI pork belly — a dish that blends rustic comfort with refined culinary artistry.
Sourced from the lush pastures of Prince Edward Island, this pork belly is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a crisp, golden finish. Paired with thoughtfully crafted seasonal ingredients, each bite is a rich, savory experience that highlights the true flavor of the Island.
PEI BEEF
Sophistication meets simplicity in this bold reinterpretation of a timeless favorite. Chef Aaron Smith of Piper’s Restaurant brings precision, creativity, and culinary flair to the table with his Mini Open-Faced Beef Wellington — a dish that proves elegance can be served in just one bite.
At the foundation: a silky black truffle potato purée, cradling tender, perfectly cooked beef, flaky, golden puff pastry, and finished with a fragrant rosemary demi-glace. Chef Aaron will be sure to impress with his modern twist on a classic beef preparation.
PEI VEGETABLES (gluten free, vegetarian)
Fresh, bold, and beautifully balanced — the Mini Lentil Bliss Bites are a celebration of plant-powered creativity, crafted by the dynamic duo, Chefs Rebecca Reardon & Rena Han.
Each vibrant roasted mini bell pepper is filled with a savory lentil-mushroom-jalapeño umami fusion, bringing depth and a touch of heat. Topped with creamy basil tzatziki, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and micro greens for color and crunch — every element hits a high note. It’s a bite-sized explosion of texture, flavor, and freshness — made to delight veg-lovers and foodies alike.
PEI BEEF
When it comes to flavor, Chef Brian Dean believes in letting the ingredients speak for themselves — and PEI beef has a story worth telling.
Raised on the green pastures of Prince Edward Island, this premium beef is known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and unmistakable depth of flavor. At the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, Chef Brian brings it to life with thoughtful technique and a deep respect for where it comes from.
PRESENTED BY:

Culinary Federation of PEI