For the second consecutive year, Sharann Foote took home a Gold Medal at the BC Junior Hot Competition in Vancouver on Jan. 30.
After last year’'s gold medal in the ‘post secondary student’ category, Foote moved ahead and competed in the ‘apprentice’ category of the competition against 12 fellow apprentices from throughout the province. At this level, the competition is always tough. Foote was able to position herself well amongst the group, achieving gold medal standard and coming home fourth overall in British Columbia.
This year’'s competition challenge was to complete a vegetarian entrée in 30 minutes or less. Her winning plate was a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Grilled Balsamic Portabella “Steak”, sautéed asparagus tips, served with truffle cream sauce and parmesan tuile.
"Thinking outside the box of the traditional tofu was where I started,”" said Foote. “"If I were a vegetarian I would not want my plate to seem any less spectacular than others at the table.”"
Foote spent time practicing for the competition in the Culinary Kitchen at North Island College’'s Campbell River campus, as well as at Locals Restaurant in Courtenay, where she works as an apprentice under Chef Ronald St. Pierre.
"After last year’s competition I was much more confident and better prepared going in. It is a good experience and I would recommend anyone interested to get involved and try it, as you may like it,”" said Foote.
Foote is a member of the North Vancouver Island Chef’s Association (NVICA), her sponsor for this event. The NVICA works to advance the skills of cooks and chefs on the North Island, through support of such events.
Foote completed her Cook 1 at North Island College in Campbell River in March 2010 and her Cook 2 in December 2010. She plans to work as an apprentice and use the skills she learned in school to advance her hours in the field with the hope of returning to NIC for Cook 3 next year.
For information about these types of events, how to get involved, or to learn more about the Culinary Arts program at North Island College, please visit www.nic.bc.ca or North Vancouver Island Chef’s Association at www.northvancouverislandchefs.com.