Yes Shef, WORTH Association’s celebration of women in Vancouver’s food and beverage industry, is set to return on Monday, November 6 hosted by Fairmont Pacific Rim, promising an evening of culinary excellence and empowerment.
Following sold-out success in 2019 and 2022, this year’s event by Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Association has been reimagined to accommodate even more attendees, ensuring a wider audience can experience not only an unforgettable evening but also the incredible culinary creations and beverages pairings from more than 20 of Vancouver’s top female-identifying chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and bartenders.
A unique feature of Yes Shef is the collaboration between participating chefs and student apprentices from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.
This mentorship program empowers the next generation of culinary talent by providing hands-on coaching and guidance in the creation and execution of a tasting item served up at the event.
Renowned sommeliers, brewers and bar professionals will enhance the culinary experience with expertly curated selections.
This year’s fantastic line-up of participating chefs represents the wide spectrum of BC’s dazzling culinary scene, and includes:
- Nutcha Phanthoupheng, Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine
- Eleanor Chow, Cadeaux Bakery
- Tia Kambas, Chambar
- Kate Siegel, Leah Patitucci & Chloe Sy, Fairmont Pacific Rim
- Pricilla Deo, Folke
- Marisa Gonzales, Hawksworth
- Yasmin Shariff, Kilimanjaro Snack House
- Maria Ponce, La Taqueria
- Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
- Ying Ying Gao, Riley’s Fish and Steak
- Donya Darreh Shouri, Seaside Provisions
- Top Chef’s Siobhan Detkavich
- Jessica Kwon, Cactus Club Cafe Bentall
- With select chefs from Les Dames Escoffier, and more
Accompanying these talented trailblazers are these woman-identifying professionals from the world of wine and cocktails:
- Nikki Callaway, O’Rourke Family Estate
- Severine Pinte, Le Vieux Pin & La Stella
- Lyndsay O’Rourke, Tightrope Winery
- Shiva Reddy and Alexia David, Burdock and Co
- Britt Hoorne, Bar Susu
- Reverie Beall, AnnaLena
- With bar talent from Cactus Club Cafe, and Glowbal Group, and more
The event, held at Vancouver’s elegant Fairmont Pacific Rim in the Star Sapphire Room, will open its doors at 5:30 p.m. for general entry.
Attendees will be treated to a reception-style format, featuring over 20 food and beverage tasting stations, guaranteeing a diverse and immersive culinary experience.
In addition to the exceptional gastronomic offerings, guests will also be entertained by live music from The Dimes, a silent auction and awards presentation, adding an exciting element to the festivities.
As a fundraising event, Yes Shef is grateful for support from its dedicated sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor: Destination Vancouver, Elevate Sponsors: Gordon Food Service, Cactus Club Cafe and Mark Anthony; Educate Sponsors: San Pellegrino Canada, Vancity, Vision Event Photography; Empower Sponsors: Onni, JRoss Recruiters, BC Restaurant and Food Service Association, Indigenous Tourism BC, Bespoke Decor, and Citywide Printing; Media Sponsor: Vancouver is Awesome, Business in Vancouver; Venue Sponsor: Fairmont Pacific Rim.
To date, WORTH Association has proudly matched over 100 mentee/mentor pairs, and raised over $10,000 for scholarships for women-identifying students.
Yes Shef is a marquee event for the organization and funds raised from the unforgettable evening of food, drink, music, and celebration will help WORTH continue its mission to educate, elevate and empower women in the recreation, tourism and hospitality fields.
General admission tickets for Yes Shef 2023 are $200 per person and can be purchased via the event website: worthassociation.com/yes-shef-2023