In October 2011 the Canadian Chefs’ Congress presented Foodstock, the largest culinary protest in the history of Canada, to protest a proposed Mega Quarry in Melancthon Township. This event, held in three farmer’s fields an hour and a half north of Toronto drew 28,000 people to protest the quarry while sampling dishes prepared by 100 chefs and listening to music by musicians such as Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, Ron Sexsmith and Hayden. In media terms Foodstock and the Canadian Chefs’ Congress attracted 18 million online media hits. Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association awarded Michael Stadtländer with two awards for Foodstock: First for Best Agri-Tourism Experience and Best Culinary Tourism Experience! In addition the Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals awarded Michael with Restaurateur of the year at an award ceremony in January. They said that this award is long overdue and is in recognition of Michael’s role in developing and maintaining exceptional standards, his passion for the industry and for his community involvement in events such as Foodstock.
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