Chefs Tout Sustainable U.S. Catfish

Pebble Beach Executive Chef Benjamin Brown,
with Jeremy Robbins and Ellen Carr of The Catfish Institute.

Catfish Tostadas with Spicy Cabbage Slaw,
Spring Onions and Green Garlic,
as prepared by Google chef
Cameron Hamilton.

Monterey, Calif. (May 22, 2010) –– Chefs from across the nation gathered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium this week for Cooking for Solutions, the annual event focusing on sustainable seafood and organic agriculture education and awareness.

This year’s three-day event drew record crowds estimated at more than 10,000 consumers, chefs and media members.  Attendees were greeted with tastings from dozens of sustainable food and wine sponsors, including the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry.

Benjamin Brown, executive chef at Pebble Beach Golf Resort, and Cameron Hamilton, executive chef for Google Inc., offered tastings of Tequila Catfish Tacos with Tomato and Avocado Salsa, along with Catfish Tostadas with Spicy Cabbage Slaw, Spring Onions and Green Garlic, while representatives from The Catfish Institute (TCI) were on hand to answer questions and provide information about the domestic catfish farming industry.

The aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has, since its creation, recognized U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish as a “Best Choice” in its sustainable seafood guide, making this event a permanent part of TCI’s marketing campaigns for the past several years.

“We realize the importance of making wise choices when it comes to the foods we consume,” said Roger Barlow, TCI president.  “Overall seafood consumption is on the rise, while the world’s ocean populations are under unprecedented strain from overfishing and pollution.”

“The U.S. Catfish industry has a spotless environmental record and is recognized as a leader in sustainable aquaculture,” Barlow continued.  “We appreciate the recognition we receive through Seafood Watch, and we are pleased to be able to sponsor Cooking for Solutions each year.”

Founded in 1986 and based in Jackson, Miss., The Catfish Institute is a non-profit organization with the goal of raising consumer awareness about the benefits of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.

For More Information:

Jeremy Robbins
The Ramey Agency
jrobbins@tra.net
601-898-8957