edmontonCHEFS.ca held a very special dinner at Ernest’s Dining Room on November 28. A collaboration, the dinner’s banner declared, of incredible local culinary talent with chef and Junior members of the CCF Edmonton branch. The event was a coming together of seasoned professionals and eager young cooks, providing members with the kinds of opportunities that edmontonCHEFS.ca has mandated as our priority; learning experiences and the sharing of great cuisine made by great local chefs. Four leaders of the Edmonton food scene generously donated their time and talents to create a four course menu for our distinguished guests. Chefs Blair Lebsack, Chris McMaster, Sunny Sung and Jake Pelletier created unique dishes, using ingredients and techniques that were both seasonal and signature.
This collaborative chef dinner was a fundraising event for edmontonCHEFS.ca, as well as an opportunity for President Stanley Townsend to share the new vision of CCF Edmonton with diners. Generous patrons enjoyed a menu featuring goose and beautiful local squash, smoked barley congee, foie gras and Amarone sauce with bison tenderloin, and a dessert that celebrated the honeybee, and introduced diners to chlorophyll yogurt! The support of Ernest’s incredible staff was instrumental in providing our guests with the best experience possible, expert wine pairings accompanied all four courses. There was a silent auction with special items such as a foraging outing with Chef Townsend for guests. We cannot thank our donors and sponsors enough for their generous support.
The comments of guests were effusive, beyond complementary, many expressing their plans to return, should it become an annual event. In the kitchen, all volunteers, especially our junior members, were very excited to have the opportunity to assist these accomplished chefs with their food. The kitchens were bustling with preparations over two days, but calm and almost zen-like as food was plated for service. Testament to the skills of the seasoned professional.
We at edmontonCHEFS.ca have so many people to thank, for donating their time and efforts to making this inaugural event such an amazing success. From the chefs, to the staff of Ernest’s, to the hardworking edmontonCHEFS.ca board members, to the junior member volunteers, to the generous sponsors and their donations, and finally to the guests, we thank you, very much.
