Left to right: alum Leah Patitucci, apprentice Jidapa Siriveaw, and competition chair chef Poyan Danesh.
Vancouver Community College (VCC) was pleased to host the 2024 Culinary Apprentice of the year competition at the Downtown campus JJ's Restaurant in collaboration with Chef's Table Society of BC and SkilledTradesBC on Friday, Nov. 15.
A total of 11 competitors from across the province had three hours to present a three-course set menu consisting of a perch appetizer, a lamb entree, and a dark chocolate dessert of their choice in front of a panel of tasting judges.
In the end, it was 2022 VCC Culinary Arts grad Jidapa Siriveaw (or B' as she likes to be nicknamed) who took the prestigious title. B currently works at the Fairmont Pacific Rim alongside fellow alum Leah Patitucci. The second place winner for this year's competition was Maisie Matthews from Wildlight Kitchen + Bar.
"It was a lot of pressure to be under," says B of the competition. "But I told myself: if I want to grow, I really have to push myself. I'm proud and happy of the outcome."
This annual event is a chance for current VCC Culinary Arts student helpers to experience the competition from behind the scenes, fuelling interest and giving them something to strive for after they graduate from the program.
At a time when consumers are increasingly more health-conscious and have evolving dietary needs, being able to adapt menus and cooking techniques will be critical. As the industry faces ongoing labour shortages and iconic events reach the shores of Vancouver, skilled culinary professionals will become more sought after to deliver these high expectations and setting establishments apart.
VCC is incredibly grateful to have distinguished chefs such as Alex Chen, Amelie Thuy Nguyen, Johny Bridges, Connor Sperling, Andrew Goerge, Carmelo Vadacchino and Chris Andraza provide guidance and expertise to the apprentices as they continue to learn, grow, and develop their skillset.
