On Wednesday, March 7, 10 culinary establishments will compete once again at the Healthy Chef Competition. The competitors range from established restaurants and hotels to culinary schools. For this 13th annual event, the chefs will present entrées and desserts to executive chef judges from the BC Chefs Association (BCCA) as well as a chosen media judge (TBA). The photos used in this post are from my experience at last year’s event.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Mike Pinter, the judges will evaluate each entry for use of fresh produce, taste, and plate display. Trophies will be awarded for Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Table Showcase, People’s Choice and the Healthy Plate Award. The latter includes a $1,000 prize with a focus on how fresh produce is used and how healthy the dish is overall.
Part of the appeal of the event is the ‘mystery meal’. Those who attend will receive an envelope at their seat indicating which entrée and dessert they will enjoy that evening. This gala event, open to both trade and public, is a collaboration between the BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA) and the BCCA, joining the food industry in order to promote healthy eating.
Leading up to the event, consumers will have a chance to win tickets by answering “What is your favourite fruit or vegetable and why?” Email your answer (either written or visual) by midnight Thursday, March 1 to: HealthyChef2012 [at] gmail [dot] com. Additional contest information can be found online.
According to Greg Holmes of BC Fresh and President of BCPMA, “The Healthy Chef Competition is a unique event where the agriculture, distributors and food service industries unite their efforts to bring more fresh produce to the public.”
13th annual Healthy Chef Competition highlights:
– Marke Driesschen, Weather Specialist, as the Master of Ceremonies
– Award presentations for the Best Entrée, Dessert, Healthy Plate, Table Presentation & People’s Choice
– A presentation of a $7,000 BC Chef’s Junior Scholarship by the BCMPA
– Presentations to three non-profit health organizations (Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and “Fruits and Veggies Mix it Up” for Better Health program)
– Silent Auction, Live Auction, Balloon Pop Prize, and 50/50 Draw
– Musical entertainment provided by the Ross Barrett Jazz Quartet
2012 Healthy Chef Competition
Venue: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 665 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 pm to 10 pm
Tickets: A limited number available to the public at $85.00 each (price includes HST and a fresh box of produce). No host bar.
The BCMPA is a non-profit organization which includes retailers, wholesalers, food service distributors, brokers, growers, importers, transporters, packing, refrigeration and other suppliers. Since its inception in 1956, it has offered members strongly supported interactive activities and programs for all sectors of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry in BC.
