www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 4, 2008 - 31 Chef to discuss what he brings to the table O akville Public Library (OPL) is delighted to partner with Oakville Galleries to offer something different as part of its spring lecture series on Tuesday, April 15. OPL and Oakville Galleries will welcome world-renowned Chef Michael Stadtländer to the stage at Town Hall to share highlights of his recent self-written and selfdirected documentary, The Islands Project, and lead an intimate discussion with the audience. The documentary chronicles seven dinners on four British Columbia islands featuring him as chef, his wife, and apprentices traveling on a biodiesel bus with a solar-powered kitchen called "The Liberator." Chefs, artists, farmers, oyster cultivators, environmentalists and loggers all join Stadtländer on his adventure to the land that nurtured his first days as a chef. Recognized as an innovator, pioneer, and legend among his peers, Stadtländer is a creative artist whose medium is food. If you are a `foodie' then Stadtländer needs no introduction.... The dining room of Stadtländer's home, Eigensinn Farm, has been ranked as the ninth best restaurant in the world Oakville residents and share his work in this way," said Sims. Sims also believes the partnership between OPL and Oakville Galleries serves both of their audiences. "Working with Oakville Galleries shows the synergy between our vision and ethos. Research carried out recently into the arts culture in Canada found that book reading is highest for those who visit an art gallery. The two are intertwined," said Sims. In a time when residents are being made more aware of the important role we can play in energy efficiency, Stadtländer has been a vocal proponent of renewable energy, using his own projects and farm as models. He is now working on a new project called Haisai Project, which will be a small restaurant in the Village of Singhampton where everything will be made and built by his team. Stadtländer is contracting local farmers to grow and raise as much as possible for the new restaurant, which will be located beside Eigensinn farm. The event, in partnership with Oakville Galleries will complement the exhibit, What We Bring to the Table, currently at Gairloch Gardens, which explores the mnemonic power of food in everyday family life. The Oakville Beaver has also been involved in a unique community photography project, asking readers to submit photos that address the personal and cultural significance describing what happens around Oakville tables. OPL and Oakville Galleries invite you to come experience this unique event and take part in Stadtländer's discussion on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Atrium, Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. The event is supported by Fern Hill School and refreshments and snacks will be provided by WholeFoods. Tickets cost $5 per person and are selling fast at local library branches. -- Submitted by the Oakville Public Library by Restaurant magazine. Stadtländer is one of Canada's most ardent promoters of local, organic food and is active in the "slow food" movement. Most of the ingredients used for Stadtländer's culinary creations are grown on his own farm or neighboring farms. In the late '80's, Stadtländer, along with friend and chef, Jamie Kennedy, founded the not-forprofit group, Knives and Forks, to promote regional organic farmers. They also started Toronto's first organic farmers' market. OPL's CEO, Lori Sims is delighted to welcome such an exciting personality. "Chef Stadtländer is a fascinating chef, one who truly believes in what he does and how food can be cultivated and used in the most eco-friendly ways and we are honoured to have him speak to