Alex Clark
Alex Clark, born and raised in Linkletter on route 11, is the owner of Evermoore Brewing Co. in Summerside. Alex brings years of culinary experience to the table with a focus on local fun food and has been closely involved with Festival Route 11 since its first year. Evermore Brewery even created a special Route 11 Pale Ale for the festival. It’s available at the bar all weekend! Be sure to try it out! ….and you can purchase it all summer long at Evermore Brewery!
Sarah Forrester
Chef Sarah specializes in nourishing, plant-based, macrobiotic-inspired cuisine. Raised on a whole foods diet, she learned to cook from her mother and deepened her knowledge at the Kushi Institute in Massachusetts. Her culinary journey has taken her around the world, with a focus on healthful, seasonal cooking. Formerly the chef-owner of My Plum, My Duck, she now offers catering and special orders at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market.
Valéry Ladrezeau
Valéry Ladrezeau is the visionary founder and owner of Datcha, a French‑Caribbean fusion eatery based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Known for bringing bold, soulful flavors to the island’s food scene, Ladrezeau blends Guadeloupean roots with local ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and globally inspired. Through Datcha, he showcases his signature fusion of vibrant spices, warm hospitality, and a deep love for culinary storytelling.
Glenna Lohnes
Glenna Lohnes, is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for the art of cooking. She owns and operates Waffles ‘n’ Things, located at the Summerside Farmers Market and believes that food should be an experience, which is why she strives to elevate her waffles to a whole new level.
Phil Vanderwood
Phil Vanderwood, originally from Ontario, came to PEI for one summer of work in 2015. Upon finding a Bridge toll of $45, he decided to make it his permanent home.
Over the last 10 years he's been blessed to cook with several great Island chefs and also try his hand at other sectors of the food industry; from butchery to grading potatoes.
Phil is just as in love with PEI's people, culture and local ingredients as the day he arrived
Robert Pendergast - Culinary Ambassador
Robert Pendergast was cut from the Island clay in the 1970s, born into a family filled with storytelling, music, and with a healthy love of food. Growing up in Saint Louis, in Prince County, he was deep-rooted in the cultural and musical traditions of Prince Edward Island. One of six children, Robert 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.
According to Robert, Islanders have a unique relationship with food that sets it apart.
There’s a generosity at the local level. People want to share things. They don’t want to just sell it to you, but they want to sit down and enjoy it with you too.
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. Though he loved the experience, his love of the Island drew him back years ago. He has been serving up unique dining experiences ever since.