For Immediate Release
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217

Twin Cities’ Top Chefs Partner with Minnesota Zoo on “Fish First” Ocean-Friendly Event
Thursday, October 4, 2007, 6:30 p.m.

Apple Valley, MINN – The Minnesota Zoo’s new “Fish First” event, designed to raise consumer awareness about the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources, has partnered with a number of local executive chefs and restaurants for its October 4 event. Hosted by Twin Cities Food Reporter Sue Zelickson, the event will include delicious seafood sampling, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and information about sustainable seafood.

Top chefs/restaurants have signed on as partners for the event, including:

Rick Kimmes, Executive Chef & Partner, The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Paul Lynch, Executive Chef, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Jorge Guzman, Executive Chef, Tejas
George P. Snyder III, Executive Chef, McCormick & Schmick’s
Brian McCorkell, Executive Chef, Lancer Catering
Mark Awada, Executive Chef, Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse, St. Paul

Sustainable Seafood
Seafood from sources, either fished or farmed, that can exist over the long-term without compromising species' survival or the health of the surrounding ecosystem is considered sustainable. By using a Seafood Watch pocket guide, provided by the Minnesota Zoo, choices can be made based on the best available information and supporting environmentally-friendly fisheries and aquaculture operations.

Seafood Choices Matter
The choices consumers make drive the seafood marketplace. Purchasing power can make a difference by supporting fisheries and fish farms that are better for the environment. Some of the key problems that help us evaluate whether a fishery is sustainable include: the level of bycatch observed, the fishing methods and their impact, if it is farmed—how it is farmed, and how well the fishery or aquaculture operation is managed. With nearly 75% of the world's fisheries either fully fished or overfished, these issues are more important than ever.

Fish First Event
Fish First will be held in the Minnesota Zoo’s Discovery Bay exhibit on Thursday, October 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m. R.S.V.P’s are required before October 1, 2007 by visiting mnzoo.org. Cost is $75/person.

The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information visit aza.org