Yes Shef returns to the Fairmont Pacific Rim on November 6, marking the fifth year of this acclaimed culinary event that celebrates women shaping British Columbia’s food and beverage industry. Presented by the WORTH Association, the evening brings together top chefs, beverage makers, and emerging culinary students for a night of mentorship, food, and community.
Set in the Star Sapphire Ballroom, guests can look forward to dishes from an impressive roster of chefs including Kate Siegel and Leah Patitucci of Fairmont Pacific Rim, Nikola Janitsova of Chambar, Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz of The Restaurant at Poplar Grove, Alisha Montgomery of The Keg, Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid of Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine, Eleanor Chow Waterfall of Cadeaux Bakery, Marissa Gonzales of Hawksworth, and Jiwon Seo of Dachi. Returning chefs Sarah Meconse Mierau of Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe and Stephanie Baryluk of Nihkhah will also participate, representing Indigenous culinary excellence through Indigenous Tourism BC.
The event continues to pair accomplished chefs with women studying at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, beginning six weeks of mentorship focused on professional growth through coaching and hands-on experience. Beverage pairings will be provided by women-led producers including Lionheart Spirits, Locality Brewing, Plenty Real Brews, and the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, with additional support from S. Pellegrino.
Guests will enjoy live music, an online auction, and a “blind date with a restaurant” raffle offering mystery gift cards valued between $25 and $100. Proceeds from the evening will fund mentorship and leadership initiatives for women and gender-diverse professionals in hospitality, tourism, and recreation.
Tickets are priced at $200 and available online through the Yes Shef Vancouver 2025 event page. The program will also expand nationally, with the first Greater Toronto Area edition debuting on March 9, 2026.