ctvbc.ca - Fri Sep. 25 2009

Kelowna, B.C., chef Ned Bell is a high-profile, competition-ready man of
food.

And this week, he's preparing to serve his most important guests ever -- an
eclectic mix of dignitaries and philanthropists attending the Vancouver
Peace Summit.

The guest list includes the Dalai Lama, leader of Tibetan Buddhists, and Bob
Geldof, the musician -activist.

"Am I nervous? Absolutely. Am I excited? Absolutely," the Okanagan-born chef
said this week.

The food will have to be of the highest standard -- yet simple enough to
appeal to a Buddhist monk.

Bell is taking a pass on serving meat for this gig. He's not even sure if
the Dalai Lama eats meat.

Instead, he'll be sticking with a fusion of Okanagan and Vancouver
vegetables with some Island cheese.

Fresh local food, simply presented.

"My belief system of sustainability in how I prepare my food is similar to
what they're trying to do with changing the world one step at a time," Bell
said.

Bell is used to being in the spotlight. He was a regular on Food Network
Canada's "Cook Like a Chef" and was voted one of Western Living's "Top 40
Foodies Under 40."

On Sunday night, he will be one of several chefs serving an elite group at a
fundraising dinner for the Dalai Lama's Centre for Peace and Education.

"If we can focus on locally produced food that is grown, harvested,
nurtured, raised, I think they're going to appreciate that," Bell said.

"I'm just excited quite honestly, I can hardly stand it."

Workers at Kelowna's Cabana Bar and Grille, which Bell owns and serves as
executive chef, are excited for him, too.

"I think it's amazing. It's a great experience that doesn't come along very
often," said Gina Davidson.