As a Culinary Professional living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Executive Chef Eric Magnani has a strong connection to the ocean and all of its wondrous resources.  This year marks the third year that the California Academy of Sciences has graciously offered Global Gourmet Catering and Chef Eric Magnani the opportunity to participate in their World Ocean Day festivities.

“I am fortunate to be a presenter in their sustainable seafood Chef’s Demonstration that features local celebrity Chefs from San Francisco.  “I am very excited to be back this year and excited to present a fantastic sustainably farmed fish from right here in California.  As a matter of fact, this is the only farm of its kind here in California.” – Chef Eric Magnani

The Fish: Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The Farm: McFarland Springs in Lassen County.

Eric explains that he “discovered this amazing product while having dinner at a Berkeley restaurant run by a friend of mine.  She told me about the program and I immediately looked into it and now have switched all of my trout usage from Idaho products to this one. I have reduced my carbon footprint by using this local product and am supporting a California business that is trying to grow the sustainable fishing industry through a rigorously managed aqua farm that focuses on low carbon footprint based fish feed.”The first year Eric presented a rock shrimp from Belize that had a truly unique approach to eliminating their carbon footprint.  Last year, Eric demonstrated a wild sustainable Arctic Char from the northern Pacific that is a great substitution for the beleaguered Pacific Salmon.This year Chef Eric Magnani presented:

Smoked Paprika Cured McFarland Springs Trout
Bacon infused Caviar and Truffle Brioche “Club” Slider

Black Garlic Aioli, Tomato Marmalade and Red Romaine Slaw

It is Chef Eric Magnani’s hope that by introducing people to this fantastic sustainable product that they will enjoy it and inspire them to continue to use, support and buy other green, sustainable products and seafood for their catering menus and beyond.