Fifth Annual Selkirk College Top Chef Event A Top Shelf Success
Fifth Annual Top Chef Event A Top Shelf Success
On March 14th, Selkirk College hosted the Fifth Annual Top Chef Competition, made possible by the hard work of Selkirk’s level one Professional Cook Training and Resort & Hotel Management students.
Four teams created four dishes each, meaning that every diner enjoyed 16 dishes with optional wine pairings. Needless to say, this event has become highly popular and tickets were sold-out a week prior.
The 21 first-year students put together over 5,000 bites in four and a half hours. Selkirk instructors selected leaders for each of the four teams, who had to rise to the occasion under stressful conditions in order to bring their groups together with the most successful product possible. And exactly that was achieved— delicious success.
Resort and Hotel Management Instructor, Harry Pringle said, “The event is a great way to showcase the talent of our students and they get to see their hard work come to total fruition."
Top Chef is a Student Victory
“This event provides us with real-world practice, high pace, high stress and high energy, the best way to prepare us for the industry,” said Azalea Lloyd, a level one Professional Cook Training student, who was part of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy team.
“I was really impressed by the amazing quality of food and how such a big event was pulled off so smoothly. It's so great to see how much support from the community our program has, and I can't wait to be an alumni coming back and attending,” said Leah Hoerger a year one Resort and Hotel Management student.
Adrian Clarke, a level one Professional Cook Training student said, “The event went terrific. I’ll be fighting for my ticket next year...can I buy it now?”
Carnival Team (Winner Best Presentation)
Team Members: Grant Bracken, Adrian Clarke, Kalin Milligan, Baily Smith, Kevin Kinakin & Aaron Cudworth)
- Caramelized Apple Salad
- Popcorn Battered Shrimpettes
- Super Fancy Gourmet Corndog
- Strawberry Balsamic Carnival Puff
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Team (Winner Best Overall)
Team Members: Azalea Lloyd, Rowan Hopkins, Ben Redfern, Darren Barquest and Brettiney Vogt
- Perfectly Normal Beast BLT
- Thanks for all the Fish in Phyllo
- Voluntary Filet Mignon
- Total Perspective Cake
Squash Team (Winner Best Bite & Best Dessert)
Team Members: Scott Bulmer, Margarett (Matt) McBurney, Racheal Mawson, Cam Maglio & Katsuyo Oinuma
- Roasted Squash & Goat Cheese Risotto & Slaw
- Mini Curry Squash Pizza with Red Pepper Julienne & Bocconcini
- Roast Squash & Savoury Herb Stuffed Pork Tenderlon Served on a Butternut Chip -Best Bite
- White Chocolate Brioche & Bumpkin Mousse (Best Dessert)
Take It To The Avenue Team
Team Members: Jordanna Schmunk, Thomas Yowek, Shilo Nichole, Aroha Graham and Brianna Nederlof
- Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
- BBQ Pulled Pork Dumplings
- Grilled Lemon Grass Chicken Satay
- Raspberry, Espresso & Green Tea Gelato Cones
Community Members Shared a Memorable Meal
Head Chef at Whitewater Ski Resort, Amanda Skidmore loved the evening and after voting for her favourite observed, “All the students brought their Top Chef skills and flavours to the table!”
Selina Drake, an Employment Skills Access student said, “This was a dynamic and diversified dining experience and it was so interesting to see different aspects of the students passions brought together on the table through team work.”
Besides nearly 300 people going home with bellies full of gourmet food and the accomplishments of the winners, which was an entertaining procedure, all of the students in both the Resort and Hotel Management and the Professional Cook Training Programs learned a great deal about event management, team work and community involvement.
Support from the Community
- One night with breakfast from the Marriott Pinnacle in Vancouver
- A Gift basket from Save on Foods
- A $100 gift certificate to Culinary Conspiracy
- Brunch for two from the Best Western Baker Street Inn
- A $25 gift card from the Hume Hotel
- Two tickets to K-os at the Spirit Bar
- One night accommodation at the Villa Motel
- Gift certificate to Scholars Dining
- Gift certificate to Leos Restaurant
Sharing Your Love of Food
Whenever possible, Selkirk's Professional Cook Training Instructors strive to bring leftovers and/or any food which will not be used by the students in to Our Daily Bread, a local soup kitchen, as a food donation.
However, Pastor Jim Reimer says, "It's dangerously close to being broke...we had a 50% drop in donations in one year.” This would put an end to hot nutritious meals for the poor, disenfranchised, elderly and homeless in our community.
Selkirk Instructors would like to remind those of us who have a love for good food and those of us who have a little extra to give, to please remember those in our community who are not as fortunate.
Learn more about Our Daily Bread and how you can get involved. Fundraising ideas or financial support can be directed through 1.888.761.3301, mailed to 812 Stanley Street, Nelson, V1L1N7 or through their website.
About Professional Cook Training
Our skilled instructors teach you culinary fundamentals for detailed menu planning, quality ingredient selection and efficient meal preparation. You will learn in a live kitchen environment providing services for our student cafeteria, banquet guests, at regional competitions and in our signature Scholars Dining Room. You’ll earn Professional Cook Level 1 and Level 2 Industry Training Authority (ITA) approved certification upon successful program completion. Your culinary career can take you all over the world with employment options in 5-star dining rooms to crafting perfect eggs benny at your favorite brunch spot. There’s no limit to where your talent and creativity can take you. Learn more about the Professional Cook Training Program.
About Resort and Hotel Management
You will develop the abilities, skills and attitudes to analyze situations objectively and to then make effective management decisions through classroom instruction, practical lab training and work experience. The guiding principle of the Resort and Hotel Management program is student centred involvement through project based learning. During the school year you will be involved in organizing and supporting Selkirk College as a host institution for special events and conferences. Selkirk's Resort and Hotel Management program will set you up with the skills to need to launch a career in this dynamic industry. Learn more about the Resort and Hotel Management Program.