We're so very proud of our amazing culinary team member Jenna Angle Pillon. 

Jenna competed in Las Vegas representing Canada in the Global Chef's Challenge, Hans Bueschkens and the Global Chef Pastry competition. Jenna was competing under her title as the 2012 Canadian Junior Chef of the Year on the World stage for the first time.

The competitor from the United States took the first place, Jenna came in a close second with Mexico taking third.

 

Congratulations Jenna well done!!

Here is a little Q & A with Jenna on preparing for the Competition and what happens in Vegas... well we all know stays in Vegas.

 

Question: Are you the first woman representing Canada, or the first BC, or first person from the Okanagan?

Jenna: Unsure, I'm pretty sure the first from the Okanagan.

 

Question: There seems to be a number of international chef competitions - where does this fit amongst them? 

Jenna: Hans Bueschkens Young Chef challenge is the one I'm doing, the Global Chefs competition is for more experienced Chefs and the Pastry chef competition, all the winners of all the semi finals go to Norway.  

 

Question: Is there an age requirement for the young chefs challenge?

 

Jenna: You must be 24 or under? You have to be no older than 25 if you win and qualify to go to Norway.

 

Question: This is just for the Americas, correct? The winner then competes in the world finals in Norway? When is that? 

Jenna: Yes to the two questions, Norway is July 2014.

 

Question: With your list of mandatory ingredients, how much food do your have to prepare?

Jenna: You must prepare a three course meal for four. Starter, Entree and Dessert.

 

Question: How long have you been practicing for this particular competition?

Jenna: I've been practising about 3 to 4 times a weeks (3- 8 hours a day) for the last 8 months. 

 

Question: Are you receiving financial assistance to attend this competition?

 

Jenna: The American Culinary Federation provided $1000, and I've been fundraising with the help of people in the Okanagan and the amazing support of the Okanagan Chef's Association and their membership.

 

Question: Is there any thing else you can tell us about this exciting opportunity?

 

Jenna: I have to supply all of my own food for the competition, other than the "mandatory" ingredients. I'm planning on doing a lot of shopping in Las Vegas. No assistant, I'm all on my own.

Chef Bernard Casavant is coming to Las Vegas with me as my mentor, which I'm very grateful for. I've been practicing at Local a lot, I've received so much support. Its been great having Local Executive Chef Lee Humphries help me with my plates, so many fresh ideas.