Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Healthy Chef 15th Annual Competiton

Healthy Chef 15th Annual Competition 2014


The challenge: Make fruits and vegetables the star of the plate!

This is a relaxed and fun-filled evening of food and sensory delights that 450 guests will enjoy when they attend the Healthy Chef Competition co-sponsored by the BC Chefs Association and the BC Produce Marketing Association.

Returning for the 15th year to the Hyatt Recency, Downtown Vancouver
Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 6:30 PM start we've got an exciting line up of up and coming culinary professionals who will be judged by a team of established chefs.

While this is primarily a trade function a select number of tickets are available.
450 plus guests will experience what  this year's challengers create. 


INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS FOR A FUN FILLED EVENING OF STAR STUDDED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
For immediate release 

Vancouver, BC  Wednesday, March 12th, marks the 15th annual Healthy Chef Competition, co-hosted by BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA) and BC Chefs Association (BCCA).  It features up and coming culinary challengers made up of culinary schools, catering companies and restaurants who will feed 450 plus guests.

The Entrées and desserts will showcase a variety of fruits and vegetables. The objective for the competitors is to create dishes using up to 10 produce items in unique and delicious ways that captures the attention of the judging team.

The competition will take place Wednesday, March 14 at The Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver.  Judging takes place at 6:30pm with dinner starting at 7:30pm.

"We know that real food is the way to health, nutrition and good taste. And that is what the BC Produce Marketing Association stands for. This is a competition where up and coming culinary students compete against established culinary groups while figuring out the best way to use fruits and vegetables as the star of the plate. ” states ­­­­­BCPMA President Joe Chow.
 
While chefs and their teams are working hard to prepare the competing dishes to tantalize the taste buds of the team of judges, produce industry folks, foodies and other guests will be mingling and enjoying the table presentations, appetizers, and entertainment while bidding on silent auction offerings.

Each table will have anywhere from 8 to 10 main dishes arriving. It is an event where you do want to steal off of your seatmate's plate.  This provides the chance for each table to experience the range of dishes prepared by several of the challengers.

Trophies are awarded for Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Table Showcase, Healthy Plate (includes a $1,000 cheque to the team) and the People’s Choice (which is decided by the audience).

Highlights of the 5 to 10 A Day Healthy Chef Competition include:
  •   A $7,000.00 cheque presentation to the BC Chefs Junior Scholarship program
  •  Presentations to three non-profit health organizations that benefit from this event.
  • Watching the jury of judges make their rounds as they score each station
  • Awards for the Healthy Plate, Best Entrée, Dessert, Table Showcase and People’s Choice.
  • Silent and live auctions and musical entertainment
  • A generous box of goodies including fresh produce given to each guest.


Photos and results from previous years can be seen on http://tinyurl.com/crqtbge (Flickr) or visit www.bcpma.com for more details about the event and the association.

Event location:
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
655 Burrard Street,
Regency Ballroom
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2R7
Canada 

Date and time: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM (PST)
Cost: Tickets are available for $90 each and can be purchased by calling Margie Schurko  at 604-785-0765 or emailing info@bcmpa.com

Platinum sponsors include Sysco Vancouver, Gordon Food Service, The Little Potato Company and B&W Insurance. Gold sponsors include BC Tree Fruits and Farmers’ Fresh Mushrooms.

The fundraising efforts help to support the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the “Fruits and Veggies Mix it Up” for better health program.

Live auction prizes to be announced

Who is the BCPMA?
The BCPMA membership includes retailers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, brokers, growers, importers, transporters, packaging, refrigeration and other suppliers. Since its beginning in 1956, members enjoy strongly supported interactive activities and programs for all sectors of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry in British Columbia. 

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For more info: 
Margie Schurko     604-785-0765  info@bcmpa.com
Chris Yli-Luoma     778-288-5494 chryl@oppy.com