Hosted by WORTH, 'Yes Shef' Returns to Celebrate Women in the Culinary Arts

One of BC’s most anticipated culinary events is back! Yes Shef returned for an engaging evening at the prestigious Fairmont Pacific Rim. The exclusive evening, hosted by WORTH Association, celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the food and beverage industry.

Yes Shef is a powerful gathering where seasoned chefs honour the importance of nurturing new talent, blending mentorship with the joy of sharing their craft through food that delights and inspires.

“Yes Shef is a vibrant celebration of the extraordinary women shaping our hospitality community,” said Joanna Jagger, Founder of WORTH Association. “It’s a platform to recognize their exceptional talent and contributions to the industry. This is the event I wish I had access to when I was starting my restaurant career, as I was often the only woman cooking on the line.”

Set in the opulent Star Sapphire ballroom of the Fairmont Pac Rim, this event delivered on its promise of an unparalleled culinary journey featuring an outstanding lineup of top women chefs across the province.

With over 20 tasting stations —16 culinary and multiple beverage offerings— attendees indulged in a cocktail-style reception, savouring a curated selection of craft beverages and culinary creations from both returning favourites and new participants hailing from some of BC’s most acclaimed restaurants:

Ying Ying Gao, Araxi
Nutcha Phanthoupheng, Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine
Eleanor Chow Waterfall, Cadeaux Bakery
Tia Kambas, Chambar
Marisa Gonzales, Hawksworth
Kaeli Robinsong and Berenice Balbuena, Tacofino
Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
Cactus Club Cafe
Fairmont Hotels
Tasha Sawyer, Growing Chefs (new for 2024)
Brittney Lygo, Homer St. Cafe (new for 2024)
Meeru Dhalwala and Shira Blustein, Lila (new for 2024)

Yes Shef is more than just a night of fine dining; it embodies a deep commitment to nurturing future culinary talent. The event pairs participating chefs with student apprentices from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.

Chef Tia Kambas of Chambar Restaurant describes Yes Shef as “a true passion project” and “a great way to give back to the culinary community, fostering development and mentorship across hospitality as a whole.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chef Marisa Gonzales of Hawksworth shares, “Returning to Yes Shef is a joy for me. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with future pastry chefs, especially because I was fortunate to have strong female mentors who supported me when I was starting out. I also love showcasing our beautiful creations and embracing the opportunity to learn from my peers while networking with fellow female chefs.”

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].