The Alberta Junior Culinary Challenge took place on March 2 and 3 at SAIT in Calgary. As a black box event competitors were given one hour to prepare and serve four plates to present to the judges. All ingredients from the black box were to be used and none were know until the start of the competition. Following the guidelines of the national scope, equipment, and space were very limiting  with only one Combi oven and one induction burner provided. These limitations really challenged the competitors skills, and competence to think fast and be extremely organized.

I would like to thank the many people who contributed to this event and made it a big success, starting with our sponsors: Chelsea Kamprath on behalf of Alberta Turkey Producers, and Charmaine Blatz on behalf of Alberta Milk who gave tremendous financial support. In addition Christelle Cantoni on behalf of ChefsHat, and Owen Whitinger on behalf of Knifewear providing gifts and apparel to all our competitors. To our host SAIT and the support from Rupert Kaupp Accademic Chair, Culinary Programs, and to SAIT Instructor Adrian Jemmettt and Competition Director for logistics, judging, and organization. To our judges Resi Mendoza Executive Chef Stage West Calgary and Chris Thomson Executive Chef Banff Park Lodge for giving up their time on a Saturday and for their commitment to mentor our competitors for future competitions. To Hong Chew, Chair Culinary Arts NAIT, and Simon Smotkowicz President of the National Culinary Federation for support and assistance. To our former Chair Fred Malley President of the Calgary Chefs Federation Chapter and former Alberta Culinary Arts Foundation President for training and support throughout, and for the many years of dedication as Chair of the competition advancing our field and supporting new culinarians. Finally to our competitors who brought there talent to the table and show incredible resolve when faced with challenging circumstances.

The Edmonton Chefs Federation Chapter will be posting the pictures and details of this event on their site at edmontonCHEFS.ca and I encourage you to share, or post these pictures and information to encourage and foster competition and support to the field.

With warm regards and appreciation to the success of this event,

Pierre Plamondon
Alberta Junior Culinary Challenge Chair
Second Vice President Edmonton Chapter Canadian Culinary Federation