The Team Canada Atlantic (TCA) delegation hosted a Taste of Atlantic Canada Showcase and Reception last night for key food buyers and distributors in Chicago, Illinois. The reception was held as part of the larger Team Canada Atlantic trade mission taking place in Chicago until November 20.

The Taste of Atlantic Canada Showcase and Reception provided an opportunity for Atlantic Canadian companies in the agri-food and seafood sectors, who are participating in the Team Canada Atlantic mission to Chicago, to showcase and promote some of their high-quality food products to a key audience of U.S. buyers, distributors and brokers. The event also allowed trade mission participants to network with representatives from local businesses, industry associations and governments. More than 300 people from the greater Chicago-area attended the event.

"Taste of Atlantic Canada is an excellent venue for introducing Atlantic Canada�s best food products and suppliers to a key audience of buyers and distributors," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "The TCA trade mission is an excellent example of how government and businesses are working together to promote the quality products and services Atlantic Canada has to offer."

"The U.S. is a key export market for Canadian food products," said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "By seizing these opportunities to showcase the best that Canada has to offer we are opening doors for producers in the Atlantic region and across the country."

"The Taste of Atlantic Canada event has proven to be an effective component of the TCA missions," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador�s food and beverage sector continue to secure results from the event by entering into productive relationships with buyers and distributors, giving them access to key markets."

Chefs Kimball Bernard and Allan Williams from the world-renowned Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, created and prepared a menu using products from Atlantic Canadian companies participating in the trade mission. The Atlantic Canadian-inspired menu included Roasted Squash and Island Honey Bisque, Newfoundland Fish Cakes with Spiced Aioli, Maple Glazed Atlantic Salmon, as well as Assorted Fruit and Wine Cheesecakes.

Companies from Newfoundland and Labrador participating in the Taste of Atlantic Canada event include: Auk Island Winery (Twillingate), Canada Ice Enterprises Inc. (St. Anthony), Demand Innovation Inc. (Hillview) and Jumping Bean Coffee Inc. (St. John�s).

Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Industry Canada, and the four Atlantic Provinces. It is committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Atlantic Canada and the United States.

Fourteen previous TCA trade missions � to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and Florida � have helped 531 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs meet with 3,665 agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales in excess of $45 million.

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The following is one of the many outstanding recipes that were showcased during the Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception. The menu for the event was designed and prepared by award-winning Chefs Kimball Bernard and Allan Williams, from the Culinary Institute of Canada in Prince Edward Island, and was developed in cooperation with the participating food companies.

Steamed Mussels with Green Peppercorn Cream

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