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Yes Shef Returns to Celebrate Five Years of Culinary Excellence

Vancouver’s most inspiring culinary event returns this fall as Yes Shef celebrates its fifth anniversary on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Presented by the WORTH Association and hosted in the hotel’s opulent Star Sapphire Ballroom, the event brings together British Columbia’s leading women chefs, distillers, brewers, and winemakers for an evening dedicated to empowerment, mentorship, and the artistry of food.

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Empowering The Next Generation Of Culinary Leaders

Yes Shef has become much more than a celebration of culinary mastery. It stands as a platform for mentorship and growth, uniting established chefs with emerging talent from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA). Each of the 15 students selected for this year’s program will embark on six weeks of one-on-one mentorship, gaining hands-on experience, guidance, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the province’s most accomplished culinary leaders.

Founder and executive director of the WORTH Association, Joanna Jagger, reflects on the importance of the initiative: “I started my hospitality career as a cook, where I was often the only woman in the kitchen. Twenty-five years ago I didn’t have a community to offer support and mentorship as I was navigating the industry. While a lot has changed, we want to continue to see more women in leadership roles and Yes Shef is about opening doors for the next generation in culinary.”

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Celebrating Indigenous Culinary Traditions

A highlight of this year’s event will be the renewed partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC), which will showcase Indigenous culinary traditions through unique tasting stations featuring mentor-mentee chef collaborations. Among those leading the experience are chefs Stephanie Baryluk of Nihkhah and Sarah Meconse Mierau of Tradish’s The Ancestor Café.

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A Lineup Of Remarkable Talent

This year’s roster of culinary talent also includes Kate Siegel and Leah Patitucci (Fairmont Pacific Rim), Nikola Janitsova (Chambar), Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz (The Restaurant at Poplar Grove), Alisha Montgomery (The Keg), Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid (Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine), Eleanor Chow Waterfall (Cadeaux Bakery), and many others. Guests will enjoy pairings from women-led beverage makers including Stacey Kyle of Lionheart Spirits, Melanie MacInnes of Locality Brewing, and Valli Manickam of Plenty Real Brews.

An Evening Of Inspiration And Community

Beyond the exquisite bites and beverages, Yes Shef offers live music, a raffle, and a creative “blind date with a restaurant” where guests can donate for mystery gift cards. All proceeds support mentorship, scholarships, and leadership development for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality.

Tickets are $200 and available now at yesshef.com.

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].