Chris Thomson, executive sous-chef at The Banff Centre, has won the 2009 Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) National Chefs Challenge, and will now advance to the Americas Chefs Challenge Competition (ACCC) in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in September, where he will compete against chefs from 13 other countries.
Held on May 31, the CCFCC competition required Thomson to prepare a well-balanced, three-course menu for 26 people using predetermined ingredients, including flat iron steak cooked sous-vide. Assisted by chef de partie Tobias Schilk and the Banff Centre’s food and beverage team, Thomson represented Western Canada and beat out three other Canadian teams. Thomson rehearsed his menu with a series of chef’s table dinners for Banff Centre guests that allowed patrons to experience a behind-the-scenes view of a high-profile chefs’ competition.
Thomson will be notified of the ingredients for the ACCC competition two months ahead, and unlike the Canadian trials, he will only be allowed to bring a small amount of personal equipment, and will be partnered with the CCFCC apprentice champion from Eastern Canada. Two judges will be in the kitchen to evaluate cleanliness, sanitation, work habits, professional preparation, and supervision of the apprentice, timing, and proper use of the ingredients. The remaining six judges will be tasting judges.
The winner from this Americas event will proceed to the Global Chefs Challenge, in January, 2010, in Chile, an international contest for members of the World Association of Chefs Societies. The gold medal winner will receive a prize of 12,000 Euros and the title of Global Chefs Challenge champion.
Thomson received his Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) designation in 2004. He is currently executive sous-chef at The Banff Centre, the only dining venue in Canada to have four CCC chefs on staff. The Banff Centre is a globally respected arts, culture, and educational institution and conference facility. Focusing on creative development in the arts, sciences, business, and the environment, the Centre provides multidisciplinary programs and resources that enable talents individuals to transform their lives, their careers, and their communities.
