National Aquarium Welcomes Chef Susan Delbert to Fresh Thoughts Dining Series

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Jun 09, 2011, 11:08 ET

Delbert partners with Chef Xavier Deshayes of the Ronald Reagan Building to feature sustainable, local seafood

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Aquarium, D.C., along with Chef Xavier Deshayes, Executive Chef for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, is excited to welcome Susan Delbert, Executive Chef for the National Press Club, as the guest chef for the Aquarium's third sustainable seafood dining experience on June 15. The dinner, featuring locally farmed rockfish and blue crab, is the final of three in the Aquarium's new Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Dining Series.

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With this series, the National Aquarium is celebrating sensible and scrumptious seafood choices with the help of renowned Washington, D.C. chefs. Chef Xavier Deshayes is the lead chef for the dining series and is collaborating with guest chefs to offer a variety of compelling dining experiences featuring sustainable seafood.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, one of the world's most renowned schools for culinary arts, Delbert describes her cooking style as an incorporation of the freshest local ingredients. Her menus at the National Press Club embody this style and embrace sustainable dining, fitting perfectly with the mission of the Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Dining Series.

Chefs Deshayes and Delbert have committed themselves to staying up to date on the latest advances in sustainable seafood aquaculture. Recently, the chefs took a tour of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB with Dr. Yoni Zohar, Director of COMB). At the site, they were able to get a unique look at the latest advances in aquaculture. The chefs explored the innovative methods that COMB employs to make seafood, such as the blue crabs and rockfish featured in the upcoming dinner, even more sustainable.

The National Aquarium's Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Seafood Dining Series not only offers a delicious evening out; it's also a great way for people to learn more about sustainable seafood practices and how to make informed choices when purchasing seafood. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course seated gourmet meal, paired with perfectly matched wine, all in the tranquil atmosphere of the Aquarium after-hours. Throughout the evening, the chefs will engage guests in conversations about food choices and share their experiences with sustainable food practices.

Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Seafood Dinner

Join guest chefs, Susan Delbert and Xavier Deshayes, for a gourmet meal to remember, featuring sustainable seafood. Enjoy a cocktail reception and after-hours tranquility in the Aquarium, and participate in a Q&A about sustainable seafood with the guest chefs.

Wednesday, June 15: 6 - 9 p.m.

Featured entree: Line caught rockfish

Cost: $79 members; $89 non-members

Reservations required.

Event details can be found at nationalaquarium.org or by calling 202-789-2782

www.nationalaquarium.org

SOURCE National Press Club