If I received an invitation to an event, and there was just a mention of the word “food” – I would be there (and if it’s FREE food, then why are you even contemplating?) Being a food lover, it is a given that I would write my first blog post about food.

I tend to read more news on companies and topics that I know fairly well. I’ve grown up with the Vancouver Aquarium and I always jump onto any news that I see relevant to them. While I was scrolling through my Facebook news feed, a Vancity Buzz article about the aquarium hosting a “sustainable table dinner” popped up.

On the Vancouver Aquarium website, they define their event as an “unforgettable feast” that consists of a six course meal using “local and sustainable ingredients”. The menu lists five fancy seafood dishes and a dessert. And though a ticket costs a whopping $100, all the proceeds will go towards the aquarium’s conservation research and education programs.

But, what do they mean by sustainable ingredients? And how are they going to prove it? As much as it is a pretty good idea, there are plenty of questions that I’m curious about.

Their website mentions that although they will highlight the seafood in each of their dishes, there is little mention on their methods to achieve “sustainable seafood”. This idea is similar to McDonald’s “sustainable beef” venture. The McDonald’s sustainable beef program received a vast amount of criticism because there isn’t even a universal definition on what is “sustainable beef”.

The aquarium is using local ingredients, therefore the harvesting practices for seafood may be considered sustainable, but in other cultures it may be considered wrong.

And as for a side thought, it seems quite ironic for an association that is dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life to be whipping up some seafood for dinner.

What do you think? Would you shell out $100 for a “sustainable” dinner?