Mark Bartkiw: Mark Bartkiw moved from Toronto to Prince Edward County in June 2006, with his wife MaryJane MacCallum, who runs a successful talent agency remotely from their home. Mark began farming in the spring of 2008 after working for many years as a professional photographer, musician, cook and craftsman.

Mark continues to do assignment photography in Prince Edward County when time permits, having just completed a photo shoot for local artisanal cheese maker Fifth Town. He also shot a multiple award-winning Destination Marketing Campaign for Taste the County; as well as shooting for local winery, Huff Estates. Mark has done numerous photo shoots with Rene Dick of Scout Design.

Mark is also a passionate cook who enjoys cooking for family and friends, and delights especially in using ingredients in season from his own farm. Mark and MaryJane happily share the farm with their two Jack Russell Terriers, Beela and Zeke.

Sarah Phillips: Sarah is a freelance theatre director, producer and playwright and is the Artistic Director at Festival Players of Prince Edward County. She and her hubby Sean and their two darling girls inhabit a large and breezy historic home north of Picton, tending a large vegetable garden and being ever-amused by their collection of domestic and farm-like animals. After years of working in theatre in Toronto she’s over the moon to be making great theatre here with her theatre friends and with the friendly folk who call these beautiful surrounds home.

Scott Kapitan: Scott believes that “in order to create one needs a solid foundation.No matter what career. Otherwise your end product falls flat…”A desire to preserve the natural essence of each product is reflected through out Scott’s cooking. “…a direct connection between the land and the product must be present. I respect the methods of organic farming and I use organic local product whenever possible… ”

A desire to have a closer connection to organic product was a major influence in the decision to open a restaurant in Prince Edward County. “…there is a developing food community here that is very exciting. Farms, wineries and restaurants are working together in such a way that has a wholesome feel to it. Where else could I go and have access to organic duck, geese, lamb, and boar. Not to mention farmers’ food stands along every county road.” www.bloomfieldcarriagehouse.com

David Lawrason: David has been an independent, full time wine writer, educator and wine competition judge working in Toronto since 1986. He is currently wine columnist for Toronto Life and www.torontolife.com, an instructor for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers at George Brown College, a reviewer for www.winerytohome.com, and chief judge for the Canadian Wine Awards. He has visited most wine regions of the world and tastes about 5,000 wines per year. www.davidlawrason.com

Jamie Kennedy: Jamie is a renowned Canadian chef and owner and operator of Jamie Kennedy Kitchens based in the City of Toronto, Ontario. Encompassed in the “Kitchens” group from 2003 is Kennedy’s Wine Bar, possessing an extensive wine list (overseen by Sommelier Jamie Drummond) and a menu of small tapas-inspired dishes and dessert items, suitable for sharing and sampling. Signatures of the wine bar include the constantly changing menu/winelist and the wall of preserves. The atmosphere tends to be quite busy and features a seating area where diners can observe and talk to the chef and sous chefs preparing plates for guests. www.jkkitchens.com

Upcoming Authors

Sarah Philips, Festival Players interviewing Murray McLaughlin
Jeanette Arsenault, Musician
Norm Hardy, Norm Hardy Vineyard
René Dick, Scout Design
Michael Sullivan, The Merrill Inn
Suzanne Lafrance, Moonlight on the Lake Bed and Breakfast
Vida Zalnieriunas, By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery and Vineyard

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