Wednesday evening’s Healthy Chef Competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. This yearly event, put on by the BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA), was well-attended and featured chefs from all over the Lower Mainland.
[Moonlight Rabbit, Osmanthus and Apple Pudding, Hedgehog Pastries]
I learned what the judges were looking for when making their picks:
* The use of a minimum of six fruits and vegetables
* The correct cooking procedure in order to gain maximum health benefit of the ingredients used
* Artistic quality of the presentation
* How the sauces and ingredients combine together on the plate
* Taste and cooking procedure
Trophies were given out for Best Entree, Best Dessert, Healthy Plate Award, Best Table Showcase, and People’s Choice.
[Poached Scallops and Tiger Prawns in broth with Asparagus]
[Melody Fury poses with a few chefs]
The judges for the evening were:
Michael Pinter CCC, Executive Chef, Seton Villa
Corporate Chef Boban Kovachevich, Executive Hotels & Resorts
Thomas Dietzel, Chef, International Hospitality Recruitment
Donald Gyurkovits, President BC Chefs’ Association
Edgar Rahal, Chairman, BC Chefs’ Association
Melody Fury, Vancouver Food Tour, GourmetFury.com
Each seat at the table contained an envelope. Once the appetizers were served, we were asked to open the envelope to reveal the restaurants for our entree and dessert. Each person’s envelope contained a different restaurant combination. This must have been quite an effort to organize for over 800 guests!
[Steamed Lettuce Wrapped Wild Salmon with Mussels, Lemongrass Gastrique]
Live and silent auctions, musical entertainment, and women in costume handing out Mardi Gras beads made for a festive atmosphere during the evening.
I recognized a lot of food media and bloggers at the event, and made a few new acquaintances at our table. Upon exit, we were given a large box of fresh BC produce and a herbed plant. Very nice touches to drive home the importance of a healthy diet!