Announcing Gold Medal Plates St. John’s 2012 chef competitors

On Thursday, November 8th Gold Medal Plates St. John’s will feature eight of our best chefs in competition. The deserving winner will receive the prestige of besting everyone in the challenging competition as well as the Gold Medal Plates trophy plate, the gold medal, a bottle of champagne and a trip to Kelowna, British Columbia to compete in the ultimate event – the Canadian Culinary Championships.

Here is the exceptional line-up of St. John’s chefs scheduled to compete in the competition arena at the St. John’s Convention Centre on November 8th for Gold Medal Plates St. John’s:

Chef Chris Chafe

Chris Chafe
Magnum and Steins chef Chris Chafe is a past Gold Medal Plates silver medal winner. Magnum and Steins earned four Telegram stars from the Dining Out column this year – largely because of chef Chafe’s cuisine. Chris Chafe constantly challenges himself to do better. So far he has, at every juncture. His many fans will be curious to see what he comes up with this fall.

Chef Edward Farrell

Edward Farrell
Portobello’s chef Edward Farrell is a veteran of the St. John’s fine dining scene having cooked at the Cellar prior to becoming Executive Chef and a co-owner of Portobello’s. His skill, calm nature and talented team will be assets in the November competition.

Chef Steve Gugelmeier

Steve Gugelmeier
The Delta’s chef Steve Gugelmeier, having taken over the hotel and convention centre kitchen less than a year ago has already shown his strength as a chef and leader. New menus for the hotel’s restaurant and catering services have made a strong impression with customers.

Chef Shaun Hussey

Shaun Hussey
Chinched Bistro’s chef Shaun Hussey is a seasoned pro with plenty of experience behind him. He’s worked very successfully in the United States and in several parts of Canada. Charcuterie has become his latest passion but never fear, he’s well able to produce other styles of food too.

Chef Roary MacPherson

Roary MacPherson
Oppidan chef Roary MacPherson is a past Gold Medal Plates bronze medal winner. His greatest strength will be his vast culinary competition experience. Each time chef MacPherson enters the competition ring he brings everything he’s learned with him. He will be a formidable opponent.

Chef Mark McCrowe

Mark McCrowe
Aqua chef Mark Mccrowe is also a former Gold Medal Plates bronze medal winner. He’s a culinary risk taker. His food can be exciting and sometimes eye popping. These attributes qualify him as the perfect Gold Medal Plates competitor.

Chef Chris Riche

Chris Riche
Oliver’s chef Chris Riche has experienced the competition side of Gold Medal Plates once before as a sous chef. In November he moves to the top of Oliver’s Gold Medal Plates’ ticket. Riche is a serious, extremely thoughtful chef who plans his dishes with great care. He will not be caught off guard.

Chef Steve Vardy

Steve Vardy
Atlantica chef Steve Vardy returns to Gold Medal Plates St. John’s after taking last year off. Vardy’s skill and talent are well known. Chef Vardy’s dishes are always bright and innovative. He takes competition as seriously as a general going into battle. It’s certain Gold Medal Plates guests will be treated to another remarkable Vardy competition dish in 2012.

Good luck to all competitors and for those of you wanting to attend, don’t wait too long before buying tickets. Gold Medal Plates St. John’s has become THE culinary/entertainment event of the year. As always, proceeds will benefit the Canadian Olympic Foundation’s Own the Podium program.