MasterClass Series

Top BC seafood Chefs team up with seafood industry associations to present a series of interactive, educational and FUN MasterClasses. From oysters to halibut, from prawns to geoduck, wines vs beer – the MasterClass series is a shucktastic way to learn how to get a little more succulent seafood into your repertoire and spirit into your step.

NEW! Each Festival guest will receive a FREE Scenic Chairlift Ride Pass for use during the Festival weekend, courtesy of Mount Washington Alpine Resort!

Tickets once purchased are non-refundable, but you can transfer your tickets.

Friday, June 23

BC Oysters MasterClass

Take the world’s fastest oyster shucker, Guinness Book of World Record holder Shucker Paddy, add some fresh BC oysters and what do you end up with… a shuck-fest MasterClass you won’t find anywhere across the 7 seas except at the BC Seafood Festival!

Join Shucker Paddy to learn the history and basics of Oysters: The Big 5 Species, understanding their merroir, and the differences between racked, tumbled, and beach finished. While you sample oysters, you’ll also get inside tips on how to buy and handle them, plus the different shucking techniques depending upon the shell thickness and more. If you climb aboard this MasterClass, this summer you’ll be ship-shape to present your favourite oysters at home to dazzle your shipmates with your newfound skills of preparing the bi-valve.

Prawn to Be Wild! MasterClass – Sold Out

Sponsored by the BC Prawn Association

Presented by the Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association, join this hands-on masterclass to understand why BC Spot Prawns are one of the most popular and celebrated seafood options! Together with Chef Julian Bond, this class will educate guests on the sustainability of the fishery and the best ways to prepare BC Spot Prawns. This is a masterclass that you won’t want to miss!

Guests will also enjoy a splash tasting of 1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Rose 2022, compliments of 1 Mill Road! The bone dry and savoury components on the wine compliments prawns beautifully. The wine has a rounding texture from the gentle barrel work, as well as a distinct minimality and rock salt finish that gives the Rosé some depth and complexity.

Happy Endings Geoduck MasterClass – Sold Out

Sponsored by the Underwater Harvesters Association 

Presented by the Underwater Harvesters Association, dive a little deeper into one of BC’s most prestigious and sought-after seafood products! Grab your friends and get schooled about the geoduck clam fishery. Guests will learn how to prepare this delicious seafood delicacy from a top chef while understanding more about the complexities of the fishery. This class will leave your taste buds happy as a clam!

Seafood Pairing with Wines and Spirits MasterClass with Cascadia Liquor Store

Join the Cascadia Liquor Store team for this fun filled and Chef Aaron Rail for this guided tasting experience where attendees will learn the nuances of pairing seafood with wines and spirits.

Saturday, June 24

Ocean Wise Deep Dive & Get Seaweed MasterClass

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Ocean Wise Deep Dive & Get Seaweed MasterClass has been cancelled.

Wholey Halibut – We’re Getting Cheeky! MasterClass – Sold Out

The Wild Pacific Halibut Masterclass Event – Presented by Wild Pacific Halibut & North Vancouver Island Culinary Association (NVICA)

Did you know that virtually every part of the wild Pacific halibut can be enjoyed? Join us for this hands-on master class when awesome local Chefs Lesley & Ronald team up to demonstrate how to create the most delicious halibut dishes all while supporting tip-to-tail meal preparation and a zero-waste kitchen.

Shucked and Stirred: BC Oysters and Craft Spirits MasterClass (previously known as Follow Me Cocktails and Learn to Shuck MasterClass)

Please note the time has changed for this event

Presented by Wayward Distillery and their Mixologists

Dive into the captivating world of British Columbia’s oysters, each shucked to reveal a unique flavor profile reflecting the very waters they were plucked from. Pair these briny treasures with locally crafted spirits, and you’re in for a taste sensation that’s truly the spirit of the sea in a sip. Join us and Shucker Paddy in this MasterClass to explore and savor the magic of these coastal delights while shucking your very own! Includes 3 oysters with different taste profiles, and a different spirit tasting with each.

Dueling Pairings Beer vs Wine Expert MasterClass

Ignite your taste buds and embark on a flavor-packed journey! Join our beer expert (from Vancouver Island Brewing) and wine expert (from Cascadia Liquor Store) for an evening of food and drink pairings that will make your senses come alive. With five meticulously crafted beer and wine pairings, you’ll discover how beer and wine use different methods to elevate flavours. Learn the art of comparing or contrasting flavour profiles while indulging in mouth-watering culinary creations prepared by Chef Chris Hammer. Get ready for an unforgettable, palate-pleasing experience that will leave you craving for more!

Sunday, June 25

Discover Sablefish: the Wagyu Fish of the Ocean MasterClass

Sponsored by Golden Eagle Sablefish

Golden Eagle Sablefish raised on Vancouver Island is a decadent, sushi-grade fish that gives big pay-offs in luxe flavour and wow factor for little effort and time in the kitchen. Join Chef Welbert Choi as he expertly butchers a fresh, whole sablefish from nose to tail and demonstrates how to prepare this unique local fish like a pro. Cook together with Chef and learn to create restaurant-level dishes that you can add to your repertoire of hit meals at home.

Shucked and Stirred: BC Oysters and Craft Spirits MasterClass (previously known as Follow Me Cocktails and Learn to Shuck MasterClass)

Presented by Wayward Distillery and their Mixologists

Dive into the captivating world of British Columbia’s oysters, each shucked to reveal a unique flavor profile reflecting the very waters they were plucked from. Pair these briny treasures with locally crafted spirits, and you’re in for a taste sensation that’s truly the spirit of the sea in a sip. Join us and Shucker Paddy in this MasterClass to explore and savor the magic of these coastal delights while shucking your very own! Includes 3 oysters with different taste profiles, and a different spirit tasting with each.

 

Please note – circumstances beyond the Festival’s control may result in a change in Chefs, and potential changes in MasterClass times.