March meeting with Pratt’s

Posted by Brian Humniski on March 16, 2023

Pratt’s Bistro 101 was the location for the March meeting of the Canadian Culinary Federation Winnipeg Branch. The meeting was hosted by Chef Scott Hyndman assisted by Tony Buchi on the hospitality station. The chefs were treated to sumptuous Prime Rib Buffet with a variety of side dish’s all exceptionally prepared by Executive Chef Ferdinand Catalan. As a grand finale Chef was able to get the students to go “hands on” as he turned up the heat at a flambé crepe station.

The chefs had presentation’s from three of our outstanding hospitality suppliers, True Refrigeration, Cambro and Rational Canada. The “True” representative, Brett Single shared the reasons why they are the company to consider with your food service needs. We heard about technological advances as such dual temp units and had a chance to see the many models and amazing colors of “Norquip / True” refrigeration units.

Cambro reps brought out some of the newest products from the leaders in food storage. He showed us some of the ways Cambro containers continue to be the choice of food service professionals.

Michael Keeler brought us up to date with some of the latest news from Rational, including answering questions from our group of chefs. Chef Michael let us in on the methods used on the Prime Ribs served at the dinner and we confirmed that the oven used to cook our dinner was able to keep cooking loss to 12%. Chefs Michael and Ferdinand collaborated to give us one great slice of beef.

Many thanks to Scott, Freddie and the wonder-full folks at Pratt’s for putting together this fantastic evening of education, fine dining and networking.

Silver Heights Restaurant Hosts the Chefs

Posted by WinnipegChef on February 16, 2023

The February meeting of the Culinary Federation was held at the Silver Heights Restaurant and The Heights Lounge in Saint James.

We were welcomed by our host Tony Siwicki who shared with us some of the history of this family owned establishment as well as providing us a feast of some of the great foods, including their famous ribs, that keep the people coming back for decades.

Our presenter for the evening was Morag Jackson from Unilever Foods who showed us all kinds of great ways to use Hellmann’s sauces and mayonnaise to enhance menu creativity.

We were also treated to a dessert by Sweet Street Desserts for some excellent cheesecake with various toppings.

Thanks very much to the Silver Heights Restaurant and The Heights Lounge for hosting this event. Special thanks to Binner Marketing in helping to put things together.

Winnipeg High School Reunion

Posted by Brian Humniski on January 21, 2023

We were excited to join Tec – Voc High School and Chef Instructor Livia Gloux for the WINNIPEG CCF meeting with “THE HIGHSCHOOL REUNION” Featuring – “Food Services Sustainability & Chocolate Tasting”

The evenings topics included sustainable development goals, local and ethical food sources, repurposing food planning and the circular economy, the future of compostable / single serve products, and the concept of “Put waste in the right place”

Presenters: MCIC – Global Sustainability Goals, Green Action Center and Winnipeg Compost, Community Helper Unite (CHU & Food Rescue)

Student Presentation: Tec-Voc Students Speak: Culinary / Sustainability Committee

Chefs Meeting at the Iceplex

Posted by Brian Humniski on November 10, 2022

Chef and Maples Coop Students prepared a fine buffet.

The November ninth meeting of the CCF Winnipeg was Hosted by Chef Sergei Didenko at the MTS Iceplex. In addition to bringing the chefs up to date on latest goings of the branch, the Canadian Culinary Federation and in the industry we were joined by our special guest and presenter Chef Dustin from Loaf and Honey.

Dustin is producing an aged and hand-washed Monastic cheese that was passed down to him from Brother Alberic of the Abbaye des Prairies Monastery in Holland MB. He is also producing small batch fresh whipped Ricottas in a variety of flavors.

Like many chefs in the room, Chef Dustin has a strong passion for our local food producers and he fully believes that one of our biggest roles as chefs is to support and promote our farmers and small scale producers.

The chefs were giving a sampling of some the unique adaptations that Chef Dustin has implemented in his cheese making. He encourages chefs in the discovery of the introduction of new ingredients an interesting example being his addition of the post fermented berries from gin making and blending them into the traditional cheese recipe.

Chef Sergei and his team prepared a fantastic buffet consisting of many items including Smoked Brisket, Cabbage Rolls, Penne Carbonara, Stuffed Mushrooms, Canapes and Cheeses.

The evening was topped off with some awesome frozen yogurt and delicious coffee and a behind the scenes tour of the complex. The Iceplex is the home away from home of the Winnipeg Jets, currently number one in their division.

Many thanks to Chef Sergei and his team for making the evening such a great outing.

Presidents Awards Gala

Posted by Brian Humniski on September 16, 2022

The Chefs were out on September ninth for a long awaited Presidents Awards Gala held at the Royal Bank Convention Centre.

Associates of the year award was shared by Manitoba Hotel Association and Manitoba Restaurant and Food Service Association.

Chef of the year was awarded to late Chef Andy Ormiston for his many years of service . The award was accepted by his wife , sister and nephew.

Chefs congratulate the culinary team led by executive Chef de Cuisine Patrick Truax.

Branch President Peter Ecker RSE hosted to our annual President’s Gala Awards Dinner Friday September 9th, 2022 , 6 PM RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg 375 York Ave. Chair persons were Ron Dobrinsky and John Reimers. Young Chef of the Year was awarded to RRC student Vi Le who was unable to attend the event.

Lifetime memberships in the Canadian Culinary Federation were presented to Chefs Jeff Gill, Tim Appleton and Brian Humniski.

May meeting at Sysco

Posted by Brian Humniski on May 16, 2022

For our May meeting we had a guest chef come from Toronto to do a special education/demonstration with a few nice products from Italy. The chefs looked at two types of First class Prosciutto Hams and a Grana Pando cheese. Hosted by Chef Roberto Fracchioni, the hour-long sessions coved serving suggestions, preparation, care and storage techniques, insight in their histories and how to ensure your serving the real deal to your guests. Check out their website https://www.iconsofeuropeantaste.eu/

Young Chefs shine on a rainy day

Posted by WinnipegChef on April 24, 2022

The young chefs showed up early on a rainy day to show off their skills and creativity in a quest to represent Manitoba at the Chefs Hat , Young Chef Competition. All the young chefs showed they had the right stuff to compete on a professional level.

The Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation with the the co-operation of Red River Polytecnhic, sponsored the Chefs Hat , Young Chefs Local competition to select a young chef to represent Manitoba. The competition was held on Saturday April 23, 2022 at Red River Polytechnic.

The winning Young Chef moves on to the national challenge. Six young chefs competed and prepared two courses in the time given of one hour. The competition was organized by Chef Instructor Jordan Carlson. The judges for the event were Chefs Jared Lavallee, Chris Coombs, Ron Dobrinsky and Brian Humniski.

The final competition will take place at the 2022 Culinary Federation National Conference: Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown 405 20th Street East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on June 14, 2022.

Many thanks to Chef Jordan Carlson and Red River Polytecnhic for hosting this event. Congratulations to the young chefs who showed their talents on a rainy Saturday.

November Meeting at Holiday Inn South

Posted by WinnipegChef on November 17, 2021

The November meeting of the Culinary Federation Winnipeg was held at the Holiday Inn South hosted by Chef Eldon Brink and Binner Marketing and Sales. A zoom meeting was followed by a fine Italian Themed buffet.

Culinary Federation Winnipeg Italian Feast November 10, 2021

On the Table

Charcuterie Plates with assorted Cheese & Cured Meats,Condiments and Crostini

Assorted Dinner Rolls & Butter

Caprese Stacker

Pan Fried Cheese Ravioli layered on tomato slices, fresh Mozzarella Medallion,

topped with Pesto Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Dinner Buffet

Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots and Romaine Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Penne alla Bolognese sprinkled with Angel Hair Parmesan

Cavatappi Bacon Mac and Cheese

Portobella Mushroom Ravioli in Cheesy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Italian Sausages with Onions and Peppers in Napoletana Sauce

Veal Osso Bucco

Dessert

Deep Fried Gnocchi, tossed in Cinnamon Sugar or Cocoa Sugar

served over Salty Caramel Ice Cream

Assorted Seasonal Pies Coffee & Tea

Thank you to the Vendors that donated product for this event:

Saputo

Maple Leaf Foods

Three Guys Green

O’solemeo

David Roberts Food Corporation

Mont Pack International

Bacherhaus

Kinnkinnick

Sara Lee

Central Smith

Binner Marketing and Sales

A very special Thank You to the Staff and Management

of the Holiday Inn – South, along with the amazing Chef Eldon Brink,

for hosting the event this

Chefs have a night out at Brazen Hall

Posted by Brian Humniski on October 28, 2021

Winnipeg Chefs were out to Brazen Hall for a Social Night on Oct 12^{th .}

The chefs were treated to some fine Fun , Food, Beer and yes Hospitality.

Chef Jose and the house brewmaster took the members on a tour of the brewery and had lots of great food for everyone to enjoy. Maple Leaf Foods gave us a chance to sample Vegan options, new on the market, with a “Shrimp” prepared in a banging sauce and a Brat style sausage that had fantastic meat feel with a great flavour, both were winners.

Chef Jose added his awesome Chicken wings with his Brazen Kimchi and a choice of seasonal items to fill out the fantastic buffet

Thanks to Brazen Hall who have been long supporters of the Culinary Federation. Some members recalled another great social evening hosted by the Christensen family some thirty years ago at the Round Table. We should support these great culinary community members who have been behind the association for three plus decades.

September meeting at Pratt’s

Posted by Brian Humniski on September 13, 2021

On September 8 the Culinary Federation Winnipeg held our first meeting of the new year at the fantastic Bistro 101 at the home of Pratt’s on 101 Hutchings Street . The meeting provided members with a chance to get together for the first time in nineteen months. The meeting allowed for minimal personal attendance and Zoom conferencing for those not able to attend.

The evening featured a report from the president and executive on the activities of the branch over the last few months. The meeting was pre-ceded by a meeting of the newly elected board of the CF Winnipeg.

Our friends at Pratt’s threw out all the stops for a full buffet for the Chefs who were able to attend. We were hosted by District Sales Manager for Pratt’s, Tony Bucci who opened the doors of Pratt’s Bistro 101. The bounty of fine dining was orchestrated by Chef Ferdinand Catalan who featured slow roasted Nothern Gold Prime Rib of Beef with all the extras. An array of hot items, Salads and cold items exceeded all our expectations.

The buffet also featured the products of our presenter for the evening, Scott Hyndman of 3 Guys Greens. The items appeared all over the buffet including garnishing the spicy wontons with pea-shoots. The company was founded in 2016 to address food security and their goal is to reduce Manitoba‘s dependence on imported produce, which will help reduce emissions from transportation.

3 Guys Greens is currently growing and marketing year-round, fresh, local produce to distributors and restaurants. They are also a technology company and are actively developing Vertical Farming and Aquaponics technologies that will be influential in the development of food security and environmental sustainability and has been growing premium nutrient dense microgreens to supply local restaurants and food service suppliers. To date, they are one of the largest microgreen producers in Manitoba working actively with community groups in Manitoba towards food security in the north. Great Work!