Yes Shef, an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible contribution and leadership of women shaping the food and beverage industry, returns to the prestigious Fairmont Pacific Rim on Thursday, November 6.
Presented by WORTH Association and hosted by the Fairmont Pacific Rim, the event will take place in the opulent Star Sapphire Ballroom, and promises an evening of inspiring conversation, and delicious food from some of BC’s top women chefs, alongside craft beverages from women-led distilleries, breweries, and wineries from across the province.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Yes Shef is more than just an evening of culinary excellence; it’s an opportunity to empower the next generation of emerging chefs as the event pairs top chefs with women studying culinary arts from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) as part of its mentorship program. A launchpad for professional growth, Yes Shef marks the beginning of six weeks of one-on-one mentorship for the 15 emerging culinary talents. Through the WORTH Association mentorship program, these students receive a range of opportunities, including hands-on coaching, weekly meetings, or on-site experience at leading restaurants.
“I started my hospitality career as a cook, where I was often the only woman in the kitchen”, says founder and executive director of WORTH Association, Joanna Jagger. “25 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.”
A highlight for 2025 will see the return of Yes Shef’s integral partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC), to spotlight a plethora of rich Indigenous culinary traditions through tasting stations curated by ITBC mentor-mentee chef pairings. Chefs include Stephanie Baryluk of Nihkhah, and Sarah Meconse Mierau, Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe.
This year’s lineup promises an unforgettable experience. With more still to be announced, the current confirmed participating chefs include:
- 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
- Sarah Meconse Mierau, Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe
- Stephanie Baryluk, Nihkhah
- Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid, Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine
- Eleanor Chow Waterfall, Cadeaux Bakery
- Malindi Taylor, Fanny Bay Oysters
- Marissa Gonzales, Hawksworth
- Fanfan Cheng, Little Karp
- Tanya Muller, Le Gateau Bakeshop
- Jiwon Seo, Dachi
- Anh and Chi
Beverage Makers:
- Stacey Kyle, Lionheart Spirits
- Melanie MacInnes, Locality Brewing
- Valli Manickam, Plenty Real Brews
- Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association
- S. Pellegrino
