The Culinary Federation Winnipeg held its first meeting of the season at Bistro 101 on Wednesday September 11.  The branch shared some information on plans for the upcoming year. The meeting was also a chance to recognize our new associate member, Countryside Farms. Peter Wieler accepted a membership certificate on behalf of  Countryside Farms Nutrgroupe.

Gord Harris, protein specialist with Pratt’s spoke about the fine Beef Loin sampled that evening and the other products of Northern Gold Canadian Beef. We were reminded of the irreplaceable flavour of home grown meat and the ingredient list that consists of only one thing, Canadian Beef. In the time of laboratory foods with ingredient lists an arm long, Gord pointed out the local goodness that Northern Gold provides.

Culinary students from Manitoba Institute of trades and Technology were on hand to assist Chef Ferdinand Catalan and Sous Chef Jesse in presenting a fantastic buffet.  Membership celebrated a pre dinner reception with tasty appetizers including a Bothwell cheese board and hot items. The main course featured Slow Roasted Loin of Northern Gold Canadian Premium Beef and an array of hot and cold items, all exceeding our expectations.  Finally , with the tutelage of Chef Ferdinand , the students were able to prepare Crepes Flambe with a variety of  fresh fruits which was an unexpected treat. 

The evening continued with a display of the hidden talent of the CF Winnipeg with a karaoke night hosted by Chef Ferdinand. That guy can sure sing!

Thanks to Pratt’s  and to Jamie Campbell for arranging the evening and the membership in attendance who made it a truly enjoyable event.

 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.

             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^nd  Anniia Hyvaettinen, Sodexo Canada Best Western Airport. 3^rd place Dov Korkh Chabad-Lubavitch Winnipeg and honary mention Mark Pichette of Winnipeg.

 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.

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.