Yes Shef: A Culinary Triumph Beyond Expectations
Photo Credit: Vision Event Photography
Yes Shef 2023, an event born from a dream in 2019, exceeded all expectations and emerged bigger and better than ever, thanks to the dedication, hard work, and support of WORTH’s passionate community. We are proud to have achieved our goals of elevating women in Food and Beverage, fostering mentorship between students and chefs, and raising funds for scholarships for deserving students.
One of the most notable achievements was the tripling of the chef count supporting the extensive tasting station format and creating an environment ripe for meaningful connections and collaborations. Whether you were a sweet or savory type, the province’s best did not disappoint. And of course, the talented Winemakers, Sommeliers, Brewers and Bartenders ensured no one went thirsty and that the full flavours of the food were recognized with perfect beverage pairings.
The introduction of judges added a new competitive dimension to this year’s event with the awards ceremony providing special recognition for outstanding contributions.
While the evening was chalk full of talent, we’d be remiss not to mention this year’s winners. The official best dish winners, Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz of Poplar Grove, along with their student apprentice Serena Romaniuk, dazzled our judges Inez Cook, Dez Lo, Meeru Dhalwala and Andrea Carlson with their bison tartare featuring Saskatoon berries.
Flavours of Hope brought home the honorary Elevate Award for Gender Equity, recognizing its efforts in championing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that elevate women or underrepresented groups. As a non-profit social enterprise, they’re on a mission to empower newcomer women in the food industry with their 'Dream Cuisines' program helping women start food businesses while achieving a sense of belonging, pride, and leadership.
Meeru Dhalwala was the first recipient of the Women of WORTH Empower Award, recognized as a true champion of equity in the culinary world. Born in India and now a culinary force in Vancouver, Meeru's journey is one of relentless dedication. Her impact in our community goes far beyond the kitchen. She's a strong advocate for women in business, a leader in addressing climate change, and a proponent of healthy and sustainable cooking.
The collaboration between our Noteworthy chefs and student apprentices was electric and was a valuable reminder of the importance of female mentors. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were proud to distribute $15,000 in scholarships to deserving students from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. This investment in the future of culinary talent reinforces the event's impact beyond the immediate celebration.
The financial success of the event was equally impressive, between ticket sales and additional funds raised through a silent auction and the wine wall. The silent auction alone brought in $18,000, showcasing the generosity and support of the community and our donors. These funds will help us continue to develop essential programs and resources to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.
A crucial aspect of the event's success was the dedication of the organizing team, whose tireless efforts and meticulous planning ensured the seamless execution of Yes Shef 2023. We can not continue to grow without the support of our hardworking volunteers and if you’re looking to get involved and make a meaningful difference, we want to hear from you at info@worthassociation.com.
As the community looks ahead, the message is clear – let's continue to empower amazing female hospitality talent, foster collaboration, and build on the success of Yes Shef in 2024! The dream of creating a platform to elevate women in F&B has not only been realized but has set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.