Checkout all of the great things that CCFCC Winnipeg is doing. Whether that’s culinary events, educational opportunities or working with our partners and sponsors, we’re sure to have something occurring that will be of interest!

Winnipeg CF Jackets now available

Posted by Brian Humniski on July 19, 2019

We now have Culinary Federation Winnipeg Branch jackets available to order. Jackets are a high quality black storm shell style suitable for all weather, with our Branch logo and “Winnipeg Chefs” prominently embroidered on the chest, and the national Culinary Federation logo on the right sleeve. They are very sharp looking and a great way to promote yourself as a CF member and serve as a great talking point within industry. These make a great statement and hint at your skill level at events, competitions, or for everyday wear. See attached photos for a closer look.

Jackets are available in men’s and women’s sizing. Sizes run from Small to XXL. The Branch will cover half the cost of jackets for our members. Your cost as a member is $40.00 payable to the CCFCC Winnipeg Branch.

Branch Associate Member Derek Kostynuik from City Bread is coordinating orders on our behalf. Please reach out to him at DKostynuik@citybread.com to order or if you have further questions on this offer!

GFS Hosts May Meeting

Posted by Brian Humniski on May 9, 2019

Our Culinary Federation meeting for May was a standing room only event, hosted by Erica and Chef Carl of Gordon Food Services (G.F.S.) at their fine facility at 310 Sterling Lyon Parkway.

Joy Lorette ,Business Development Specialist with Food and Agri-Product Processing, Manitoba Agriculture invited some local owners and processors who joined the chefs and shared their products.

Chefs and associates were greeted by the full food service team who offered charcuterie and refreshments to open the evening. President Paul Lemire opened the evening with some associated business then turned the floor over to Carl Habeck who introduced us to our presenters for the evening.

Tim Wiebe and Lewis Pohl introduced us to their pulse products from Avion Harvest out of Neepawa . Chefs should check out their site featuring some great pulse recipes. Avion Harvest The Chefs were treated to salads and pizza using the pulse products in unique ways.

Carrie Arsenault of Sugar Me Cookie was unable to attend but shared some of her delicious Vinarterta, the Cake of New Iceland out of Gimli. Read more of her story on her site Sugar Me cookie

Alex Goertzen of Little Bones Wings sampled us with chicken wings and tenders from his product line taking over the city. Find out more at Little Bone Wings or visit his new restaurant on Regent.

Julie Paseschnikoff sweetened up the evening with their flavoured honeys including coconut, jalapeno, blueberry and garlic from around the corner in Oak Bluff. The chefs paired these fantastic sweets or tasted them on their own. Visit their site and and see where it is grown and so much more. Bee Boyzz Honey

Many thanks to the team at Gordon Food Services for a fine evening of hospitality and sharing. Just like the Culinary Federation, G.F.S. believes in the power of good food—to bring people together and make moments special. Every product, every order and every decision G.F.S. makes is inspired by the people on the other side of the plate.

2019 Sysco Senior Challenge.

Posted by Brian Humniski on May 6, 2019

Congratulations Chef Jordan Carlson

CCF Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation, with the cooperation of Sysco Winnipeg, hosted the Senior Sysco Challenge for Manitoba. The event was held at Sysco Winnipeg April 4th, 2019. Thanks to Sysco Winnipeg and Chef Peter Ecker for organizing the event with the help of Chef Jesse Friesen. Judges who will help prepare the winner Jordon with their culinary knowledge were Ron Dobrinsky, John Reimers, Helmut Mathae, Jesse Friesen, Paul Lemire and guest junior judge Jarad Lavallee.

Jordon will represent Manitoba at the CCF National Conference this May in Niagara Falls.The competition consisted of a black box of mystery ingredients, including 1 special ingredient “cactus pads” that the contestants had to incorporator in their dishes. 1^st place winner Jordan Carlson, 2^nd and 3 rd. place winners were separated by .5 point ever so close. 2^ndAnniia Hyvaettinen, Sodexo Canada Best Western Airport. 3^rd place Dov Korkh Chabad-Lubavitch Winnipeg and honary mention Mark Pichette of Winnipeg.

April Meeting at Pratt’s

Tasting Northern Gold

Posted by Brian Humniski on April 18, 2019

The April meeting of the Winnipeg branch was held in the elegant Bistro 101 at Pratt’s. We were welcomed to the facility by Jamie Campbell, Vice presidents Food Service Sales and Corporate Chef Ferdinand Catalan. Protein specialist, Gord Harris chipped in and helped with the hospitality . We were served a sumptuous buffet with too many items to mention and all so good. The star of the night was definitely the Rib of Northern Gold Premium Canadian Beef served traditionally with jus and Yorkshire pudding. Brian Humniski made a presentation to celebrate our recent culinary completion participants. Chef Raymond Czayka ,culinary chair for Skills Manitoba shared the results of the Skills Competitions held last week in Winnipeg. Thank-you to everyone at Pratt’s for making it such a memorable evening.

Presidents Awards Dinner

Posted by Brian Humniski on April 5, 2019

Culinary Federation Winnipeg held its annual Presidents Awards Dinner on March 14 at the RBC Convention Centre. Executive Chef Quentin Harty created the fantastic menu for the dinner featuring the products of branch associate members.

Reception stations were provided by Students and Young Chefs from the branch. Thank- you to Chefs Raymond Czayka of Kildonan East Collegiate, Chef Andy Ormiston of Lord Selkirk Comprehensive School and CF Winnipeg Young Chefs led by President Ian Shapira and mentored by Chef Jesse Freisen of the Merchant Kitchen who put the food stations together.

The highlight of the evening was the award for Chef of the Year, which went to Chef Donald Pattie. Young Chef of the Year was given to Argie Garcia. Sysco was recognized as Associate of the Year and the award was accepted by Chef Peter Ecker. Lifetime Associate memberships were given to Grant Avery of Pratt’s and to Arthur and Bernie Gunn of Gunn’s Bakery. A special award was given to Jan Schweitzer for her many years of volunteering to support the events of CF Winnipeg.

Grant Avery receives Lifetime Associate award from MC Jeremy Langeman

Arthur Gunn receives Lifetime Associate Award from President Paul Lemire

Chef Peter Ecker accepts Associate of the Year award for Sysco

Jan Schweitzer is recognized for her years of volunteering at CF Events.

Chef Ian Shapira to represent Manitoba at Young Chefs Challenge

Posted by Brian Humniski on March 10, 2019

Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation, with the cooperation of Red River College, hosted the Junior Chef Challenge for Manitoba. The event was held at Red River College, Notre Dame Campus on Saturday March 8, 2019 and was a fantastic display of our provinces young talent. The competition was organized by Chef Michael Fitzhenry and was the qualifying event to select the junior chef who will represent Manitoba at the National Conference of the CCFCC this May in Niagra Falls.

There was a field of six students representing college, industry and apprenticeship. The competition consisted of a black box of mystery ingredients common to all contestants with one hour to complete a dish consisting of the compulsory ingredients. The contest was a close one with fine displays of the skills and creativity of our up and coming culinary stars.

The competition resulted in the selection Chef Ian Shapira , of the Merchant Kitchen as our representative for the nationals. Second Place was awarded to Anthony Carino. Third Place was awarded to Elissa Polkowski. Honourable Mention to, Adam Mysak , Vien Salimbacod and Marie Agatep who completed the field of competition.

Local members of the CF educational community participated in the competition and selection of the candidate including Chef’s Michael Fitzhenry , Ron Dobrinsky, Chris Coombs, Dov Korkh, Jeremy Lavallee, and Jose Noboa Sanchez. Special thanks to Red River College, Notre Dame Campus and the culinary team for a successful event.

Chefs and Associates Appreciate Scotch Whiskey

Posted by Brian Humniski on March 5, 2019

CF Winnipeg Branch Chefs and Associates shared an evening of Scotch Whiskey Appreciation and food parings provided by member chefs. The event was hosted by Gary Dawyduk at the Grant Park Liquor Mart.

The evening featured four rounds of tasting which took us from defining Scotch Whiskey, to looking at the role of Oak and blending, to exploring coastal influences and then the final tasting of a cask strength highland single malt Scotch.

Chefs Jason Wortzman, Jared Lavallee, Jesse Friesen and Ian Shapira were instrumental in preparing the fantastic food pairings . Gary Dawyduk at the Grant Park Liquor Mart led the Chefs and Associates though our courses and the influences of the food to the beverage. Gary was able to share his vast knowledge and experience and to answer many questions from the floor. It was truly an educational and delicious event.
Chef Jason Wortzman of Granny’s Poultry prepared Dijon herb tartlets with Granny’s cranberry chipotle sausage and Manchego cheese.

Chef Jared Lavallee of Assiniboia Downs and Via Rail prepared a seared veal meatball seasoned with fresh herbs, skewered with roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions served with toasted walnut demi-glaze.

Chefs Jesse Freisen and Ian Shapira presented smoked salmon , beets, horseradish,candy turnips and winter truffle pate.

Special thanks to the Manitoba Liquor Mart and associate Mo Razik for their efforts in making this a great event.

Chefs Wortzman, Shapira, Lavallee and Friesen

Manitoba Agriculture brings Chefs together

Posted by Brian Humniski on February 14, 2019

The Winnipeg Branch welcomed Joy Lorette, Business Development Specialist, Food and Agri- Product Processing , Manitoba Agriculture as she introduced Manitoba Producers to describe and share their products for our February meeting at the St. Charles Golf and Country Club.

We were joined by Adagio Acres who provided a sampling an Organic Oat Rice Mix in a salad and risotto. Azra’s Kitchen served up come of their vegetarian patties. Lolo’s prepared an array of foods featuring Longganisa, Tocino, Spicy Chavacano and Philippine Smokies. Tamarack Farms presented Quinoa and Rye Berry Salads and Homis for the membership to sample. It was a cool night, but we shared the warm hospitality of the St. Charles. Thanks to Chef Jeremy Langeman for putting together this informative meeting.

Winnipeg Junior Chef takes on the World

Posted by Brian Humniski on January 29, 2019

Canada will be represented at this years world culinary congress by Junior Chef Argie Garcia.

Winnipeg Chefs took home the first and second place in the Young Chefs Challenge in Toronto on January 27, 2019. Two Red River College culinary students, Argie Garcia (Apprentice Level 2) and Anthony Carino (Term 6 Culinary Arts) placed first and second in the competition . The competitors had three hours to make a three-course meal that showcased creativity, taste and kitchen organization.

These students were selected by the competition committee for their prior competition experience and constant pursuit of professionalism within the culinary industry. The Young Chef’s Challenge in Toronto has only six competitors from across Canada, so having two Manitobans qualify is very exciting.

Argie Garcia will have the honor of representing Canada’s culinary scene on the world stage in Saint Petersburg, Russia 2020 at the World Chefs Congress.