2018 Healthy Chef Competition
The Healthy Chef Competition is a Vancouver chef competition that has been going on for its 19th year. 10 restaurants and/or culinary schools are invited by BCCA to create an appealing and delicious dish and dessert with the focus of using as many fruits and vegetable as they can. For guest they get a secret envelop of their entree and dessert.
This is my first time hearing about the event but after chatting with a few locals I realised this is one the most highly anticipated food events in the city a lot of foodies look forward to each year. It is hosted by BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA) and BC Chefs’ Association (BCCA).
Disclosure: We were invited to check out the event and be one of the media judges.
This year it was held at the Hyatt Regency near Burrard Station. There were 500 tickets, each going for $90. Guests can expect to enjoy dining in a decorated ballroom. Opening their secret envelope to discover their unique menu . Check out the theme table showcasing the ten competitors. Bid on a great selection of items at the silent and live auctions. Enjoy DJ music, presentations and roaming entertainers. At the end of the night you get to take home a box of swag including fresh produce!
2018 Competitors:
Best entrée – Executive Plaza Hotel, The Wild Fig
Beet cured smoked sous vide pork loin | Pork loin cylinders, Fig and cream cheese beet pave, Polenta Yam, Dehydrated candied grape tomato, Fennel corn puree, Micro Intense greens, Pineapple, pear and apple brunoise, Chimichurri spears, Brussel Sprouts leaves, Blackened Mesh tuile, Beet and berry ketchup
Best Dessert – Vancouver Community College
Pear Custard Bar | Pear Sorbet, Almond Crumble, Raspberry Fluid Gel, Tear Drop Meringue, Apple Gastique
Best Table Showcase: Marriott Vancouver Airport - American Grille
The bambi and thumper sculpture was masterfully made. Vegetables were caved to be the shape of flowers to mimic a forest.
People's Choice Award: Vancouver Community College
Entree | Seafood Pot au Feu | Lobster Spot Prawn Globe, Seared Scallop, Corn & Chorizo Fritter, Carrot Terrine, Fresh Peas, Potato, Clear Fish Fume
Dessert | Pear Custard Bar | Pear Sorbet, Almond Crumble, Raspberry Fluid Gel, Tear Drop Meringue, Apple Gastique
Food From Competitors:
Each competitor is tasked with creating an entree and dessert for the judges to grade. Below is a collection of photos of the other creations made for the event. My personal favourite that didn't make the cut for an award was the Green Apple dessert from The Wild Figs.
Overall Impression of the 19th Annual Healthy Chef Competition:
I was surprised this is the first I have heard of the event but I loved it and already looking forward to next year. The dishes and table showcase were all so creative and masterfully executed. The event is open to the public each year supported by food service suppliers, produce wholesalers and supermarkets and grocers. It’s a great opportunity to meet with food service and fresh produce professionals while enjoying a great dinner! The event raises funds via the silent and live auctions for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.