Alexis de Portneuf Fine Cheese makers Presents “The Young Chefs Competition” Oct. 5, 2010

Okanagan college "Culinary Arts School" has long since had the reputation of putting on great events. Having heard this on many occasions we decided this would be our first.  I can say unequivocally that Alexis de Portneuf  and  “The Young Chefs" did not disappoint.  

The event featured six "Young Chefs" and three "Apprentice Chefs".  Each item created by these chefs was required to contain one of Alexis de Portneuf's cheeses.  Each winery and there prospective chef were to pair two of their wines with that particular menu item.   Although this may be a cheesy statement (pun intended), there were no losers.  All of the chefs and wineries put on a memorable event that made all attendees the real winners.

That being said here are the award winners.

Top "Young Chef" (as judged by a group of qualified Chefs from the Okanagan Chefs Association) receiving a prize of $750 courtesy of Alexis de Portneuf.
BRENT PILLION of Manteo Resort-Wild Apple Restaurant, Kelowna
Menu: Almond & Saint Raymond Brie, Chicken, Blackberry and Bleubry Cheese.
Winery: Tantalus Vineyards
Wine Pairings: 2008 Pinot Noir & 2009 Riesling
 

 The top "Apprentice Chef" (Judged as well by the Okanagan Chefs Association) receiving a prize of $500 from the Okanagan Chefs Association.

 Apprentice Team #1
Menu: Candy Apple Creme Brule.
Winery: Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Wine Pairings: Platinum Reserve Chardonnay 2008 & Ehrenfelser 2009.

The Consumer Choice award (as chosen by all those attending) receiving a prize of $250 and bragging rights
RYAN PENNINGTON of Local Lounge & Grill, Summerland.
Menu: Bleubry Cheesecake, Onion Confit Pinwheels, Pear Squash Coulis, Toasted Walnut Streusel, Peppercorn Cherry Wine Reduction.
Winery: 8th Generation Vineyard
Wine Pairing: 2009 Chardonnay Frizzante & 2009 Pinot Gris

The other worthy competitors:

Tiffany Anderson of Grapevine Restaurant teamed with Arrow Leaf Cellars

A happy participant enjoying the cuisine served by Apprentice Chefs team #3 partnered with Noble Ridge Winery

Jon Garratt of Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna teamed with Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery

Apprentice Chefs team #2 partnered with Howling Bluff Estate Winery

Katelyn Boutilier of RauDz Regional Table, Kelowna paired with Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery

Nicole Binette of Grapevine Restaurant paired with Gray Monk Estate winery

 I expect to enjoy every event (and invariably do) but this event in particular significantly exceeded what I had hoped for.  The competition was fun, the food and wine was varied and delicious, and the different attitudes of the young chefs and their respective wineries was jubilant.

If you happened to have attended this event please comment back and let me know your thoughts on the experience.

Chris