News Release

U of G prof cooks for Bugfeast

The culinary skills of University of Guelph hospitality and tourism management professor Jeff Stewart will be challenged as he prepares insect dishes for the Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory's second annual Bugfeast Dec. 27 to Jan. 5 (closed New Year's Day) in Cambridge, Ont.

"Bugfeast in the Far East" is the theme of the event, which challenges visitors to consider insects as a food source. Chocolate-covered roasted crickets, Burmese mealworm curry in papadams and bee larvae honey ice cream are among the items on the menu.

"Not knowingly have I cooked with bugs in my food in the past, but I take great pride in taking revenge on the bugs that have ravaged my lawn, tomatoes and melons over the years," said Stewart. "The hardest part was getting into the idea of tasting these dishes because it's just not part of our culture, but I've grown to relish the idea of trying something new and different."

Last year, over 1,300 visitors saw, touched and tasted an assortment of bugs during Bugfeast. Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory has more than 1,500 free-flying tropical butterflies from Costa Rica and Malaysia in its collection. Live insect displays will be housed in terrariums to allow visitors to get a close look at the insects.

Wings of Paradise, located at 2500 Kossuth Rd., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bugfeast is free with the cost of regular admission: $8.25 for adults, $7.25 for youth aged 13 to 17, $4.25 for children, and free admission for children two and under.

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Contact:
Prof. Jeff Stewart
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management(519) 824-4120, Ext. 3979

Melissa Parker
Wings of Paradise
(519) 653-1234, Ext. 103

For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 6982.

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