5. Early Friday morning, as the Concours National des
Jeunes Chefs RĂŽtisseurs was being held at the le Cordon
Bleu, ChaĂźne members could participate in the first of two
(Friday and Saturday) unique walking gourmet food tours
of Ottawaâs ByWard Market.
ByWard Market Tour
Twelve guests took a behind-the-scenes look at the
operations of the ByWard Market. A culinary guide
directed attendees through the delights of the market,
introducing them to some of gastronomyâs big names in
the cityâs most historic neighbourhood. Participants had
the chance to meet the chefs, producers and food artisans
and to experience the market the way the locals do. Stops
included specialty grocery stores, restaurants and artisanal
boutiques with samplings of their culinary skills.
ByWard Market.
Baillis and Members Luncheon at the French Embassy
This yearâs Baillis and Members Luncheon was a special
treat: a visit to the French Embassy, highlighted by the
intronization of Mme l'Ambassadrice Kareen Rispal into
la ChaĂźne as Chevalier dâHonneur. Attendees were greeted
by a magnificently set dining room, with a menu and
wines to match.
The dining room.
5
Ordre Mondial Dine-Around
LâAtelier
Octopus Terrarium
Pork and Oyster Terrine
Crab and Avocado
Monkfish
Soup of the Day
Squash Rings
Foie Gras and Cherry
Artichoke and Sweetbreads
Squab
Koji Beef
Sea Buckthorn
Chocolate Mousse
14. 14
Jean-Guy Gorley, Chancelier du Canada, delivered the
accolade, expertly commenting on each course,
complimenting the Fairmont ChĂąteau Montebello, the
chefs, the kitchen and the serving brigade, to a long and
appreciative standing ovation. Jean-Guy also noted that
Ottawa Jeunes Chefs competitor Severine Jacquot from
The Fairmont ChĂąteau Montebello had worked in the
kitchen that evening, helping to prepare the outstanding
dinner we had just enjoyed. The accolade concluded with
the recognition of Executive Chef Yann Gauthier; along
with Eric Cromer, Executive Sous Chef; David Desforges,
Executive Pastry Chef; and MaĂźtre DâhĂŽtel Mathieu
Lefebvre for their outstanding efforts during the evening.
Jean-Guy Gorley addresses the kitchen and serving brigades.
ChaĂźne des RĂŽtisseurs
Grand ChapĂźtre Gala Dinner
The Fairmont ChĂąteau Montebello
Acadian Sturgeon
Smoked, Ceviche, Wild and Green Caviar
Fresh Fromagerie Montebello Cheese, Gin Ungava
Chardonnay Reserve, Mission Hill, Okanagan Valley, BC
Almond Crusted Foie Gras
Apple and Ginger Gel
Vino Tinto, Teouro da Vinha, Portugal
Grog and Pear
Boileau Red Deer Loin
Smoked Chocolate Sauce, Marinated Vegetables,
Oat & Pumpkin Seeds Crumble
Les Combelles âCostiĂšres de NĂźmesâ Sud de France
Adoray Cheese Choux Pastry
Haskap Berries
Bodegas Volver, Paso A Paso, Espagne
ChĂąteau Style Deconstructed Cheese
Strawberry, Dark Chocolate
Concha y Toro Vendanges Tardives, Chile
15. Jean-Guy Gorley presents award to Executive Chef Yann Gauthier.
David Tetrault presents award to Executive Sous Chef Eric Cromer.
Executive Chef Yann Gauthier addresses attendees.
MaĂźtre DâhĂŽtel Mathieu Lefebvre (middle right) with the serving brigade.
15
Join Us in Edmonton for 2018!
ChapĂźtre of Canada 2018 â October 18 - 20, 2018
PhotoscourtesyofRochGivoguePhotography
18. Yann Gauthier
Executive Chef
The Fairmont ChĂąteau Montebello
18
Executive Chef Yann finished his
DEP in cooking in May 2001 in
Trois-RiviĂšres, moving on to work
at the Auberge du Lac with clear
water in St-Alexis des Monts where
he held the position of Chef de
partie. The following year, Yann
joined the Fairmont ChĂąteau
Montebello team as Chef de partie.
In 2007, Yann became Deputy Chief
and in 2013, he became Executive
Sous-Chef.
20. The kitchen âheats upâ.
Chefs Jan Hansen and Murakami watch the action closely.
The competitors.
Tasting judges discuss the dishes.
20
The âFinished Productâ.
22. Sponsors of the Jeunes Chefs Competition
Joseph Tran Biography
At 25-years-old, Joseph Tran has already been cooking for
a decade; he started in his fatherâs restaurant in London,
Ontario as a dishwasher and his hard work brought him to
the line. Food has always been an important part of Tranâs
life, and although slim in build, he loves to eat! His
favourite meals are home-made dishes, such as a
vermicelli bowl with spring rolls and, originating from
Vietnam, his background has significantly influenced his
style of cooking. Playing with flavour and texture profiles
22
has his dishes dancing between sweet and sour, and crispy
and chewy, each bite a surprise to the senses.
After realizing his passion for cooking, Tran took
culinary skills and culinary management at Fanshawe
College in London, Ontario in 2013. After graduating,
Joseph began working in a local hotel restaurant. Tranâs
talent was quickly recognized by his chef in London, who
suggested that Tran be mentored by Chef Takashi Ito of
Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, B.C. Chef Ito travelled
from Victoria to interview Tran and recognizing the
potential in this young cook, hired Joseph to work at
AURA waterfront restaurant + patio, Inn at Laurel Pointâs
acclaimed restaurant.
In his two years at AURA, Tranâs dedication and zeal
has resulted in his rapid rise up the culinary ladder to his
current position as first cook. Although Joseph is quiet and
humble, his personality and talent are anything but as he
constantly experiments with new dishes and combinations.
Always looking to improve, Tran observes his
surroundings and regularly asks questions, leaving no
stone unturned. He has even taken his work home with
him, creating a professional kitchen of his own, complete
with a deep fryer.
23. This bright young man started competing while he was
in culinary school, and thrived in the competitive
environment. Most notably Tran has taken second place in
a national cooking competition, and first place in B.C.
Iron Chef. He says it is the thrill and the rush that attracts
him to compete. His calm demeanor may make him seem
like a dark horse, but he is a force to be reckoned with. To
prepare for La ChaĂźne des RĂŽtisseurs Jeunes Chefs
competition, Tran says he broke all the principals down,
practicing each component on its own. Noting that no
matter how much you practice, when it comes to the black
box, you have no idea what you will be working with â an
element he loves.
Practicing for his latest competition was a group effort,
led by Executive Chef Takashi Ito, and supported by the
culinary team at Inn at Laurel Point. In order to prepare
Tran for this high-level competition Chef Ito called upon
other local ChaĂźne des RĂŽtisseurs members in Victoria,
who graciously allowed Tran to practice in their kitchens,
so he was equally prepared for a variety of ingredients and
cooking environments.
One ingredient, however, will always be a challenge for
Tran, as he has a severe shellfish allergy. When using the
ingredient, Tran says he wears layers of gloves, and takes
extra care. Joseph has become an expert at blind seasoning
seafood, since he cannot actually taste a dish containing it.
His expertise was noted during the competition when he
prepared a marbled scallop and sea bass mousse dyed with
squid ink for his appetizer. However, Tranâs aptitude for
desserts sets him apart from many competitors. In his last
three competitions, his desserts have been his strongest
dish. Tranâs diverse skillset makes it hard to believe he is
only 25 years old. For Tran, it is his love of creating,
curiosity and passion for learning that drives him to excel
in all areas of the kitchen.
Michael (third from right) awaits the judgesâ comments along with his six
fellow competitors.
23
24. REPORT ON THE INTERNATIONAL
YOUNG CHEFS COMPETITION 2017
On September 8, 2017, young chefs from 21 countries,
each sponsored by a professional ChaĂźne member, met in
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, for the honour of
competing in the 41st Concours International des Jeunes
Chefs RĂŽtisseurs. Frankfurt last hosted the competition in
2007.
For 2017, the gold medal was awarded to Malaysia
(Amelia Mei Vern Ng, Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City
Centre), the silver medal to Netherlands (Michel Oude
Booijink, Landhuishotel & Restaurant De Bloemenbeek,
De Lutte, Netherlands) and the bronze medal to Australia
(Christopher Allan Malone, Clarke's Of North Beach).
The winner received a wristwatch from Wempe, the silver
medallist received a sterling silver pen by Graf-von-Faber
Castell, while the bronze medallist received a pair of
silver-plated champagne flutes from Robbe & Berking.
Congratulations are also due to competition winner
Amelia Ng for achieving the highest marks in the kitchen,
for which she received the WĂŒsthof Award of a set of
three knives. In addition all 21 competitors received an
engraved silver-plated gourmet spoon and money clip
provided by Robbe & Berking.
For many young chefs, this is the culmination of at least
a year of dedicated work, in addition to the preparation
required to qualify for their local, national and regional
competitions. The international competition is a
challenging one. Some competitors arrived with
companions to assist in the translation of their menus from
their native tongue to English. The competition was
divided into two groups: A and B, with the A group
having a 05:30 a.m. wakeup call, 6:30 a.m. menu writing
session and into the kitchen by 7:00 a.m.! The B group
started menu writing at 12:30. By 7:30 p.m., everyone was
back enjoying dinner at the host IB Hotel.
Next year the 42nd Concours International des
Jeunes Chefs RĂŽtisseurs will be held September 7,
2018 in Taiwan.
24
Lois Gilbert, Bailli Honoraire and member of the
International Jeunes Chefs RĂŽtisseurs Competition
Committee, provided a report on the young chefsâ
experiences during their stay in Germany:
The seven female and fourteen male competitors came
from twenty-one National Bailliages: Australia, Belgium,
Canada, Colombia, Cook Islands, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway,
Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan,
Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the USA. The Cook
Islands and Netherlands were first time participants.
The highlights of the week included a tour given by Boris
Maskow of the Lufthansa airline production kitchen which
produces over 120,000 meals each day; a Vitamix
demonstration from Jens Jorra; a Pommery Champagne
tasting at Main Tower led by Boris Maskow; and a visit to
Hassia Springwater hosted by Michael Hock. We are
grateful to these sponsors for providing such unique
experiences to our young chefs.
This yearâs primary protein was revealed two months in
advance to the competitors while the rest of the black box
was revealed to the contestants when each group of chefs
entered the menu writing room. The black box consisted of a
whole sole, a whole trout, lamb steak and rack, artichoke,
pea pods and mango. Competitors had to use at least 50% of
these items and could complement them from a large array of
non-mandatory items. The competition allows the young
chefs 30 minutes to write their menu, 3œ hours to their first
course followed by 15 minutes until their main and a final 15
minutes to their dessert.
Competitions like this rely on the expertise and unbiased
fairness of both the kitchen judges and the tasting judges.
Thank you to these members who attended from all corners
of the world. Last but certainly not least, for their ongoing
generous contributions to the competition we are very
grateful to our perpetual sponsors, Le Cordon Bleu Paris,
represented in person by Chef Eric Briffar;, WĂŒsthof
Manufacturing (Germany), represented by Harald WĂŒsthof;
and Chefâs-Hat Canada.
The black box.
33. Born and raised in Calgary, Mark Wilson grew up in a
family-owned restaurant environment. Now, after almost
four decades in the Calgary hotel and restaurant scene, he
is also a rarity in the hospitality industryâhe has achieved
all of his success without ever having worked outside of
his home city. Beginning as a $1.75 per hour bus boy at
the Empress Hotel when he was eleven (his mother was
the hotelâs catering manager so he had an âinâ), he
attended the local collegeâs (SAIT) Hotel and Restaurant
Administration diploma program (now sitting on its
advisory board) while working part-time at the local
Westin Hotel and with Cara Foods. Attesting to his
passion for learning, Mark won scholarships in each year
of his enrollment. After graduation from SAIT, he went
professional at the Westin, rising from bartender to waiter
to service captain to MaĂźtre dâhĂŽtel of the famous Owlâs
Nest Dining Room and Lounge by the time he was 24.
Mark honed his leadership skills at the Westin Hotel
from 1985â2000. Markâs career at the Westin saw him
work as a front line leader in a variety of capacities. As
the Banquet Manager, Mark developed a training program
that elevated service standards and instilled a foundational
commitment, enabling staff to improve their professional
practice and do well. His assistants ultimately assumed
senior leadership roles in other hotels. As the Director of
Catering and Convention Services at the Westin, his team
achieved or exceeded planned goals every year.
The Westin liked his abilities, as did the Hyatt, where
he later worked in the early 2000s. Mark opened the Hyatt
Regency Calgary as the Director of Catering and
Conference Services, and created an immediate presence
in the marketplace. Markâs work at the Hyatt Regency
Calgary from 2000 to 2005 saw him also lead as
Executive Assistant Manager, overseeing both the Rooms
and Food and Beverage divisions. Additionally, he
enjoyed the opportunity of being part of the team to open
the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. He would have
entered a Hyatt training program that would shape him
into a Hyatt general manager, however, he would have
had to leave Calgary and spend years in various Hyatt
properties around the globe as part of the management
program in their corporate family. At this juncture Mark
decided his own family came first, and he opted to stay in
Calgary with wife, Kerry, and their two growing children.
Mark also gained significant experience working for
Red Robin Restaurants as a General Manager and
participating in many location openings for the
corporation. Mark worked for Cara Operations and the
Calgary International Airport early in his career.
Today, he runs Calgaryâs two largest and busiest
boutique hotels as a partner and Vice-President of the
Hotel Arts Group. This dynamic hospitality group has in
its current portfolio: Hotel Arts, a 185-room upscale
boutique hotel opened in July 2005 in the heart of the new
downtown Calgary, and the Kensington Riverside Inn
Relais & Chateaux - a 19-room boutique property in the
trendy Kensington area. Mark is also the general manager
of both properties.
Hotel Arts.
Kensington Riverside Inn Relais & Chateaux.
33
Mark Wilson, Bailli Provincial des Prairies
Partner and Vice President of the Hotel Arts Group,
Calgary, Alberta
35. 1. Where does your love of gastronomy, culinary
arts and fine wines come from?
[David Connor] I grew up watching my father
cooking for our family and learned to love cooking
myself. Over the years in the industry, from hotel
school to today, food and wine has intrigued and
interested me very much. I am a want-to-be chef at
heart. In turn, I love to handle all things cooking for
my family on weekends, often cooking breakfast
through dinner. My children joined me in the kitchen
very early on, aided by a step stool, so my son
Christian could reach the counter.
[Susie Sirri] My grandmother was the immaculate
host. She was not a hotelier, she was an educator by
profession and homemaker, but she had an open and
welcoming home at all times. She was always
prepared to host guests and always had something
cooking in the kitchen with a hot pot of water boiling
for tea.
[Mark Wilson] From a young age I was always
exposed to food and beverage. My mother was my
inspiration. Early on my mother mentored me with
her entrepreneurial spirit. She started her own
restaurant businesses and I was always involved. I
loved the excitement, passion and dedication it
required to be successful. It was like I had unlocked a
secret code that was so obvious, just be passionate
about what you want to do!
2. You have obviously inspired a lot of
professionals in the industry â from where (or
who) do you draw your inspiration?
[David Connor] I admit that I am a Food Channel
junkie. I can watch hours of food shows and often try
to recreate the recipes the television chefs make on
their shows. Many of our meeting planners these days
are foodies themselves and they are interested in
offering exciting food events for their attendees. I
love this approach because it pushes us to create new
concepts and presentation styles to meet and even
exceed their expectations.
[Susie Sirri] The most memorable times for me were
during my time at the Westin St Francis. I worked for
a Catering and Conference Director who had daily
afternoon meetings with her managers who had events
that week. If you were even one minute late to those
meetings without an excuse, youâd get the call on the
company wide âwalkie talkiesâ that everyone could
hear. You never wanted to be that person! I can still
hear her voice in the back of my head on many days,
even today!
[Mark Wilson] I only hope I have inspired young
professionals, it is so rewarding to see success
stories. For me I was always a front of the house
guy that loved to cook and talk about food, but I
was simply passionate about hospitality business
with an eye to food and wine. I gained my
inspiration from the customers, guests and
suppliers that I continue to have the privilege of
interacting with. I have always felt such a sense of
satisfaction seeing the appreciation and excitement
I was shown for great food and wine, and I always
identified with individuals that treated the art of
the table and the art of hospitality with such vigour
regardless of background. It is a common link or
language that crosses borders, religion and culture.
3. What would you say has been the biggest
developments in hospitality that you have
witnessed in your years as a hotelier?
[David Connor] While I am not a culinary
professional, I feel one of the biggest developments in
recent years is the introduction of Rationale-type
ovens in our kitchens. The flexibility we gained by
cooking with a mix of steam and heat, the ability to
re-therm plates effectively, and the reduction of loss
of yield from meats has been a huge improvement in
our quality and costs for those chefs who embrace the
technology and use it for all it can offer. The trick
remains to push our chefs to use the equipment for
much more than simply cooking proteins.
[Susie Sirri] Changes with technology have been
huge. Nobody ever envisioned the importance of Wi-
Fi and guests having movies on their own electronic
devices. Remember the days of âon-demandâ or when
W Hotels could get you any CD you wanted
anytime/anywhere?
[Mark Wilson] When I began in the industry there
seemed to be only one way to cook, from one bible,
with the techniques tried and true for decades or
longer. Today there are still basic principles to
35
Compilation Of Hotelier Answers to Six Culinary
Questions Posed by International
36. cooking that all chefs need to learn and they do still
speak the same language. Stylistically though
things have changed so much. There are so many
accepted genres of food today, from well-received
street food to the most technically produced 3-star
Michelin restaurant tasting menus, and they are all
accepted and sought after as gastronomic and
worthy.
4. What do you think are the most significant
trends, and perhaps challenges, faced by
gastronomy and hospitality today?
[David Connor] The popularity of food shows on
television is one of the most significant trends that can
also be a challenge, as our guests are much more food
knowledgeable and are self-proclaimed foodies. I see
this change as exciting, however, as it forces our
culinary teams to strive to develop new dishes,
experiment with combining difference ingredients,
and to create interesting presentations.
[Susie Sirri] The fixation on having the newest
gadgets, brand name products, keeping up with trends
is an ongoing challenge for all of us. The dilemma is
balancing those needs with the priority of taking the
time and effort to truly look after the guest.
[Mark Wilson] I am optimistic that we are continuing
to see a renaissance in gastronomy in general, and that
a larger portion of the population is beginning to
embrace food on their own terms. I am excited that so
many young chefs and hospitality professionals are
passionate about our industry. It is a supply and
demand industry and the industry is listening to the
demand quite well.
5. What do you think todayâs industry
professionals should be doing to keep moving
gastronomy and hospitality to a new level?
[David Connor] I believe one area to focus on is the
fusion of ingredients from other parts of the world that
are lesser known in North America from a food
perspective. Examples are: Iran, Pakistan, Morocco,
etc. These flavour profiles are somewhat different
36
from what we are accustomed to in North America
and can heighten typical dishes on our menus.
[Susie Sirri] Donât forget the basics: we are here as
service leaders and we are in the business of being
hospitable to everyone. Making sure personalized
services and memorable experiences stay at the
forefront is what keeps our industry special.
[Mark Wilson] Continue to follow their heart, stay
passionate, and collaborate with colleagues and
guests.
6. What advice would you give to young and
aspiring chefs and hoteliers?
[David Connor] I believe the most important advice
to young culinarians is to ensure they gain experience
from multiple areas and other chefs on a very regular
basis. Push yourself out of your culinary comfort
zone often so you are exposed to differing styles early.
This will help expand your horizons and will create an
excellent foundation to create your own style.
[Susie Sirri] Expect the unexpected and never judge
the person walking through your property. I once
welcomed a guest who had walked into the lounge,
most likely only having a quick drink. But this one
guest went on to spend more money than the entire
food and beverage outlets sales for that day
accumulated. It just goes to show you can never
forecast what a guest will want until you spend the
time and effort to be hospitable and welcoming.
[Mark Wilson] You can find the very best mentors,
work in the most sought after establishments
around the world, work alongside the very best in
the business, but at the end of the day it is what is
in your heart that will decide how much you will
achieve. Be patient, build relationships, share and
collaborate. It is your path, your desire and your
destiny⊠what will be your legacy? It takes
patience, great teams and an amazing attitude.
39. How? Here are a few tips from
International!
ï· Wear your ribbons: the best-known symbol of our
confrĂšrie is the ribbons we wear. The ribbons are
a perfect conversation piece. We would like all
members to wear them on April 21- especially if
you are a working professional member.
ï· On April 21: visit a restaurant displaying the
ChaĂźne plaque - have lunch, dinner or just a drink
in a ChaĂźne restaurant and make a toast to the
ChaĂźne.
ï· Be active and participate: organize a memberâs
event, include an introduction event for potential
members - maybe a presentation, demonstration
or a tasting.
ï· On the day: weâd love to find out how you are
celebrating World ChaĂźne Day. Send an e-mail
with pictures to worldchaineday@gmail.com or
connect via social media with hashtags below.
ï· Participate in the social media photo contest with
these themes: feeling of togetherness; activity on
local level gastronomy; and, most importantly,
happiness and that wholeheartedly genuine
moment. Awards will be made for the top three
photos expressing the themes.
ï· Social media wall: Provided completely free by
the ChaĂźneâs Siege Mondial, an internet
connection plus a device to enable you to use it.
ï· Following social media for World ChaĂźne Day
2018 has been made really easy - Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram will be included.
ï· How to share: the social media wall can be
shown using a video projector e.g. during a
ChaĂźne event. Members can send photos and
greetings through their favourite social media.
Postings will appear on the wall almost
instantly.
ï· Use of hashtags is essential: remember to add
the three following hashtags #chaineday
#worldchaineday #chainedesrotisseurs
Should you need further help in organizing your
participation, please e-mail our International Chair
Ari-Pekka Parviainen, WCD Organizing Committee
at worldchaineday@gmail.com or visit the page on
the international website: World ChaĂźne Day Q&A.
39
Celebrate World ChaĂźne Day 2018!
Saturday, April 21st
47. Executive Chef Takashi Ito, Victoria Vice-Conseiller Culinaire Honoraire,
prepares the sushi.
The prawns await.
Guests sample Chef Itoâs creations.
(left to right) Ursula Riedel, Nanaimo Vice-Chancelier Argentier; Eric
Jones; Susie Sirri; Patricia Koyich, Conseiller Gastronomique du
Canada.
A wide assortment of wines available!
(left to right) Tony Catanese, Argentier du Canada; Ursula Riedel;
Silvana Catanese.
47