2017 International Culinary Series

As we constantly strive to evolve our culinary programs, The West Coast Fishing Club is excited to expand our gastronomic adventures to a global scale. We are pleased to announce the inaugural International Culinary Series that will take place on September 3 to 7, 2017. This exclusive series will spotlight and partner with top chefs from around the world by bringing their renowned culinary talents to Haida Gwaii.This year will feature the Central American flavours of top Panamanian chef Mario Castrellon. Chef Castrellon is the Executive Chef and Owner of MAITO - one of Latin America's Top 50 restaurants. Guests will be given the opportunity to participate in food demos by Chef Castrellon as well as indulge in an authentic Panamanian culinary experience.

Chef Mario Castrellon"Chef Mario Castrellon’s tasting menu is a tropical journey through Caribbean, Indigenous, Asian, Creole, Afro-Antillean and American cuisine that expresses Panama’s multicultural culinary identity like no other." - Latin America's Top 50 Restaurants.Read more about Chef Castrellon and his unique experiences below.Mario Castrellon Chef & Owner MAITO RestaurantAfter finishing his studies in hospitality and tourism in Sant Pol de Mar (EUHT) in Barcelona, Mario decided to return to Panama with the vision of the new trends in Spain and the goal of defining a new cuisine in his country. After being the chef at two restaurants in Panama City, he began to discover the local palate, and decided to open his own restaurant MAITO, where he would present his unique concept of Panamanian food. MAITO identifies an evolving Panamanian cuisine that is building an increasing presence on the global food stage with each passing day. The main inspiration for MAITO's menu comes from The Panama Canal. Mario believes that this wonder of the world is the main reason for the mix of techniques, influences and origins that can be identified with the flavour of the country.

Chef Mario CastrellonThroughout the years of looking for traditional Panamanian ingredients, Mario set out for remote communities where he was introduced to exceptional produce that Panamanians typically do not consume or are even familiar with. This has helped drive the success of his first restaurant.

One of Chef Castrellon's popular creations prawns and purslane.

Always a crowd pleaser changa and corn tortilla filled with smoked bacon and lamb.When not in the kitchen, Mario enjoys giving back to the community. He regularly works with one of Panama's first Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Nutre Hogar that fights malnutrition, where Mario has become a loyal volunteer and has helped with various projects like building and teaching in the first bakery of Kankintu in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Reserve Your Spots Today!

Call us at 1-888-432-6666 or click here to make an inquiry online.Stay tuned for our 2018 Global Culinary Event Calendar!