KELOWNA’S KATE PITTMAN WINS CANADIAN JUNIOR CHEF OF THE YEAR
June 6, 2013, Kelowna, BC… For the second year in a row, the title of Canadian Junior Chef of the Year title has been awarded to an Okanagan-based chef. Kate Pittman, a 24-year old Demi Chef de Partie at Manteo Resort and the resort’s new restaurant, Smack DAB, received this year’s coveted title. The annual competition was hosted by the Canadian Culinary Federation in Edmonton, giving up-and-coming junior chefs the opportunity to earn their place as one of Canada’s top aspiring chefs.“This competition has been a huge part of my life for the last three months and is actually the reason I decided to go to culinary school. To have had all the hard work pay off and be able to come out the other side a better cook and knowing more chefs around Canada than I ever thought possible is simply amazing,” said Kate Pittman, Demi Chef de Partie, Manteo Resort.The award winning menu included:Appetizer: Butter poached artic char, smoked fish and fine herb cake, prawn and Dungeness crab sphere shellfish hollandaise sauce, fennel apple saladMain: Slow roasted Alberta lamb loin, lamb shoulder and shiitake mushroom crepinette, carrot puree, asparagus and mushrooms, Yukon gold potato rosti, five onion and 3 cheese ragout, lamb jusDessert: Raspberry glazed grandemarnier mousse, White chocolate sponge cake, vanilla and mint beignet, blackberry sorbet, tropical fruit melangeManteo Resort’s Executive Chef, Brad Horen, an award-winning culinary competitor himself, shared his experience with Kate as she prepared for the competition. “Competitions give young cooks the opportunity to learn at a very fast pace and elevates their standards. Being involved with Culinary Team Canada and competing around the world has taught me a lot of things and having great mentors was always key. I’m thrilled I can now pass that knowledge and experience onto the cooks around me and see the next generation grow and succeed. Kate has the skill, dedication and the drive to be successful and is just one example of the great kitchen brigade we are continuing to build at Manteo,” he said.
About Manteo Resort:Manteo Resort is Kelowna’s finest waterfront resort, beautifully located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, minutes from downtown, golf, wineries, and ski hills. Amenities include Smack DAB, a lively kitchen & bar, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, water park, sauna, movie theatre, fitness center, tennis court, 9-hole putting green, playground, private beach, and boat moorage. Accommodations include Deluxe Guestrooms, One Bedroom Suites, and Villas.
