The Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & Doucet House Museums are thrilled to announce the Celebrity Judges for the “Meat Pie Festival du pâté” taking place from November 26 to December 16 across PEI!

Robert Pendergast:
Robert Pendergast was born into a family filled with storytelling, music, and with a healthy love of food. He grew up in Saint Louis, in Prince County, and is deeply rooted in the cultural and musical traditions of Prince Edward Island. One of six children, he learned early on the charms of the kitchen and the importance of breaking bread with others. His mixed Irish and Acadian heritage also meant he was exposed to a variety of cooking styles from an early age.  Robert spent several years studying cooking and working in kitchens in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto, as well as several venues in Poland, France, and The Netherlands. Since his return to PEI, he continues to serve unique dining experiences!

Sarah Bennetto O’Brien:
Sarah Bennetto O'Brien is the Chef/Founder of The Handpie Company in Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island. With an awesome team, The Handpie Company manufactures local ingredient savoury pies in the tradition of the Cornish Pasty. Bringing chef-crafted comfort food to Island plates and hands, since 2017 is what she's all about!  With popular handpie flavours ranging from the Maritime Meat Pie to Curried Chickpea, Sarah truly knows what makes a pie perfect. 

Robert or Sarah will be present at each regional event and will be paired with two local judges during each competition.  Together, they will crown the winners in each region in two different categories - Traditional Acadian Meat Pie as well as the Non-Traditional Meat Pie.  All 1st place regional winners in both categories will gather for the grand finale in Rustico on Saturday, December 16.

Regional events details:

Rustico - Sunday, November 26
Centre acadien de Rustico - 2244 Church Road
Time: 1:30 PM
Details: Trad Music Session featuring Mark Douglas (Scottish smallpipes & Irish whistle), Ray Knorr (fiddle) and Claudie Mackula (vocals & guitar). Furthermore, there will be Meat Pie samplings for all spectators!
Cost: FREE

Évangéline - Sunday, November 26
Centre Expo Festival – 1745, Route 124
Time: 7 PM
Details: Concert by Michel Lalonde as well as free Meat Pie for spectators!
Cost: FREE

DeBlois - Friday, December 1
Centre acadien de Prince-Ouest – 119 DeBlois Road, Route 157
Time: 8 PM
Details: Pub Night with magician Rémi Boudreau as well as music by Louise & Jonathan Arsenault.
Cost: FREE

Rollo Bay - Sunday, December 3
Pavillon de l’Est - 861, Route 2
Time: 10 AM
Details: Entertainment with JJ Chaisson & Brent Chaisson as well as a presentation on the 300th anniversary of the historic Acadian bell.
Cost: FREE

Charlottetown - Friday, December 8
Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean – 5, Acadian Drive
Time: 5 PM
Details: Entertainment will be provided, and food will be available on site.
Cost: FREE

Summerside - Sunday, December 10
Centre Belle-Alliance – 5 Maris Stella Ave
Time: 10:30 AM (start of Christmas Brunch) and 12 PM (start of the regional competition)
Details: The regional competition of the Meat Pie Festival du pâté is taking place during the annual Christmas Brunch organized by La Belle-Alliance.  There will be ambiance music by Claire Gallant as well as kids’ activities.
Costs:  Regional competition of the Meat Pie Festival du pâté – FREE
Christmas Brunch – Adults – $17 + tax, Seniors – $15 + tax, Kids (5 to 12 years old) – $7 + tax, and Families (2 Adults & 2 Kids) – $45 + tax.
Reservations: To book your seats for the Brunch, please call 902-888-1681.

To register, review the category descriptions, review the contest rules and regulations and for more information, please visit www.farmersbank.ca.