Yes Shef returns to Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, bringing together women in food and beverage for an evening supporting culinary mentorship. Presented by WORTH Association, the sixth annual event will feature 15 chef-led tasting stations, craft beverages and live entertainment.
The event runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests can move between stations during a cocktail-style reception, with some seating available. Tickets include unlimited tastings, wine, beer and cocktails, live entertainment and participation in People’s Choice Award voting. The evening is open to guests aged 19 and older.
The announced culinary lineup includes chefs from several Fairmont properties. Suzannah Yeung and Kate Remegio will represent Fairmont Pacific Rim, joined by Annie and Ayu from Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Isabel Chung from Fairmont Empress and Selivia, Yingzhen, Hu from Fairmont Waterfront.
Participating restaurant and bakery talent includes Berenice Balbuena from Tacofino, Calia Pacle from Selene Aegean Bistro, Dawn Doucette from Douce Diner and Eleanor Waterfall from Cadeaux Bakery.
The announced roster continues with Malindi Taylor from Fanny Bay Oysters, Marissa Gonzales from Hawksworth Restaurant and Shira Blustein from Lila Restaurant. Minette Lotz will represent The Restaurant at Poplar Grove, with Olya Karpova from Atlas Steak + Fish and Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid from Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine.
Vanessa Lin from Wild Blue Restaurant, Yuki Aida from Sushi MAHANA, Roop Toor from Moxies and Cheryl Chang from Nourish Kitchen complete the lineup shared in the announcement. Further participants are expected to be announced through the Yes Shef chef directory.
The beverage program will feature women working across B.C.’s distilleries, breweries and wineries. Announced participants include Sheereen Price and Gabrielle Mustapich from 1983 Espresso Martinis, Valli Manickam from Plenty Real Brews and the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association.
Yes Shef supports training and mentorship for 15 women studying culinary arts at Vancouver Community College. Through WORTH Association’s mentorship program, students can receive hands-on coaching, weekly meetings and experience at participating restaurants. The program connects emerging cooks with established professionals who can help them develop their skills and build industry relationships.
An online auction and raffle will raise funds alongside ticket sales. Proceeds support scholarships, mentorship and leadership development for women working in recreation, tourism and hospitality. WORTH Association is a non-profit society supporting self-identifying women and gender diverse people through professional development, advocacy and community connections.
Early bird tickets are $185 plus GST, with an allocation of 100 tickets noted in the announcement. The ticketing page lists the early bird deadline as October 8, 2026, at noon. General admission is $220 plus GST. Tickets are non-refundable but transferable, and bookings are available through the Yes Shef Vancouver ticket page.