This is the email that was sent out to all of Compass Group:
Congratulations to Chef Michael McKinnon on being awarded the 2008 Chef Masters Green Jacket!
Congratulations as well to First Runner Up, Chef Wolfgang Leske, Executive Chef, Albian Sands Village, Fort McMurray, B.C.
The Compass Group Canada 2008 Chef Masters competition ended with a deafening round of applause for its newest Chef Masters winner, Michael McKinnon who joins the 2007 Chef Masters recipient, Chef Eric Evers. Chef Michael is with Chartwells at Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, as Executive Chef.
There was a lot of heart and passion in the Compass Culinary Lab Studio at Humber College North Campus, yesterday, where the 2008 Chef Masters 2nd Annual Competition took place. The six competing chefs began sharpening their knives at 12:55 p.m., and as the clock struck 1:00 p.m, Corporate Executive Chef Wayne Nichol's words rang out "let the competition begin!" Our talented chefs had just three hours to prove what they could do -- and then go beyond!
At 4:00 p.m., Chef Wayne called "time!" and the cooking and preparation part of the competition was over. Next came the tasting by the 25 judges who were focused on a wide range of scoring criteria, which broke down into technical and creative components.
At the end of the day, it was all about these six amazing chefs and the food they had created. Our competitors made Compass proud by entertaining and delighting us with their skill and culinary talent. They poured their hearts and souls into the competition, which was clearly evident to all who had the privilege of attending the event. Six incredibly delicious dishes were presented for everyone to taste and enjoy.
As contestants in the Chef Masters competition, all of the competitors are winners. Congratulations are also extended to:
Pascal Born, Chef Manager, Sobey's, QC
Robert Hong, Chef/Retail Manager, PHSA, BCCWH, BC
Percival Morier, Executive Chef, Steelcase Inc., ON
Tim Lentz, Banquet Chef, Western Fair, ON
Congratulations, again, to Chef Michael on becoming the 2008 Chef Masters Champion and to Chef Wolfgang on his first runner up position. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to all of the Chef Masters competitors. You are all true winners in Culinary, symbolizing high standards of excellence and great passion for what you do.
Great people! Great Service! Great Results!
BRAVO Chefs!
Cindy Harris Director of Communications Compass Group Canada
Friday, May 30, 2008
Chef Master
OMG!!! Mike won!!!!!
He is now the Compass Group Chef Master of Canada...over 100 entrants and my little honey won. I am so excited for him, this just proves that they know what I have known all along...Mike is a cooking talent and hard worker. He has only been with the company a little over a year...this is really big for his career (I'm still not moving to Toronto though). The kids were so excited last night, I'm sure everyone at their school will know.
On a side note...as I was driving home from work last night, I noticed all the green, the lilacs blooming (sorry Patti, know you hate the smell) and the crab apple trees in bloom and I thought...this is why I wanted to be here, then of course I drove by a freshly manured field, I guess you gotta suffer to be beautiful.
When Mike gets home, I will pilfer his camera and post some pictures...
He is now the Compass Group Chef Master of Canada...over 100 entrants and my little honey won. I am so excited for him, this just proves that they know what I have known all along...Mike is a cooking talent and hard worker. He has only been with the company a little over a year...this is really big for his career (I'm still not moving to Toronto though). The kids were so excited last night, I'm sure everyone at their school will know.
On a side note...as I was driving home from work last night, I noticed all the green, the lilacs blooming (sorry Patti, know you hate the smell) and the crab apple trees in bloom and I thought...this is why I wanted to be here, then of course I drove by a freshly manured field, I guess you gotta suffer to be beautiful.
When Mike gets home, I will pilfer his camera and post some pictures...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Today's the Day
Today's is Mike's big cooking day...he's nervous and excited...talk to him this morning. He said he has received all kinds of freebies from vendors and has no idea how he's getting it home (his wife isn't there to pack it for him). Good luck Mike!!!!
Elysia's soccer started last night and she was quite happy as she has many of her friends are on her team...much better start than last year when we had just moved here and she didn't know a soul.
Elysia's soccer started last night and she was quite happy as she has many of her friends are on her team...much better start than last year when we had just moved here and she didn't know a soul.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mike's Big Adventure
Mike's competition is tomorrow and he's getting a little nervous...there will be a few hundred people watching...there's magazine coverage...it's a big deal!! I know he will do well, he thrives on it and I have faith in his ability...hmmm...wonder if there's a cash prize??
Kids are off to the dentist today...because of Graham's heart condition he has to take antibiotics before his appointment so Elysia has to give it to him when they get home. I'm sure there will be a fight there somehow.
Little Sofie is having her big operation today to make sure there are no more little Sofies...poor mom will be worried all day, I'm sure she will spoil that little dog rotten when she gets home...
Kids are off to the dentist today...because of Graham's heart condition he has to take antibiotics before his appointment so Elysia has to give it to him when they get home. I'm sure there will be a fight there somehow.
Little Sofie is having her big operation today to make sure there are no more little Sofies...poor mom will be worried all day, I'm sure she will spoil that little dog rotten when she gets home...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thanks Josee!!
Josee was kind enough to come with me to Graham's cardiology checkup today. She said it was no big deal, but it certainly was to me...I am always leary about going by myself to Graham's appointment but she came to hold my hand if necessary but thankfully it wasn't. Graham's numbers were back up and things are going well.
Mike is in Toronto at his cooking competition. When we first found out that he was going, I realized that it was the same week as the dr appt, I tried to change the appt but it would have been well into July before we could go and I am very superstitious about changing stuff like that...plus I wanted him checked out before soccer for the summer. I didn't tell Mike about the appt until after he had booked the plane ticket because his going on this competition is a really big deal (as is Graham's checkup) but I reallllly wanted him to go (and not only so I could sleep in the middle of the bed)...
The dr talked to Graham about healthy snack choices, which was good, Graham's not a big vegie lover but he does like fruit...all the potatoe chips are out of the house because of Mike's high blood pressure anyway...told Elysia and I said healthier choices wouldn't hurt us either...as long as she can still sneak down to Scotian Gold for the occassional ice cream, she'll be fine.
All in all a good day!!
Mike is in Toronto at his cooking competition. When we first found out that he was going, I realized that it was the same week as the dr appt, I tried to change the appt but it would have been well into July before we could go and I am very superstitious about changing stuff like that...plus I wanted him checked out before soccer for the summer. I didn't tell Mike about the appt until after he had booked the plane ticket because his going on this competition is a really big deal (as is Graham's checkup) but I reallllly wanted him to go (and not only so I could sleep in the middle of the bed)...
The dr talked to Graham about healthy snack choices, which was good, Graham's not a big vegie lover but he does like fruit...all the potatoe chips are out of the house because of Mike's high blood pressure anyway...told Elysia and I said healthier choices wouldn't hurt us either...as long as she can still sneak down to Scotian Gold for the occassional ice cream, she'll be fine.
All in all a good day!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Busy Weekend
Whew...busy weekend...lots on the go...Friday night we went to Josee's house to celebrate Connor's 12th birthday. The kids had a big "cousin" soccer game...let me just say if it was real soccer the yellow and red cards would be flying, especially when siblings are near one another out there. Sometimes it's better to not watch as a parent.
Sat morning took Graham to the Michelin bike rally in Berwick...what a great event. Every child was fitted with a new helmet, it was a sea of yellow bike helmets. Every child received a "goodie" bag with a water bottle, safety book, stickers, etc and then got a little snack as well. Michelin did a bang up job and didn't charge a penny for it and there was over 400 kids there, it was bedlam but it was great! Then it was off to the hair dresser to "return my hair to nature" as I like to call it...now we are back to our "natural" brown with no "white" highlights and we are happy.
Sunday we went to the McKeil household to meet their newest member...little Madelyn. Christopher and Brenda were down visiting with their new 3 month old baby...she is a sweetie, good baby and she is cute (and I'm not just saying that). I will try to post pictures of her later. Got to hold he while she napped, fed her a bottle. Graham even fed her a bottle...both kids held her and were thoroughly impressed with her. Mike enjoyed just sitting under the canopy at the poolside and enjoying relaxing, I think his eyes closed a couple of times under his sunglasses. Nice relaxing day for him with the family before he heads to Toronto (today) for his cooking competition...good luck, Mike!!
We bought a lawn mower the other day, our yard is quite sloped in the back so we wanted a self propelled one...had to be rear wheel though. We checked the sign at Sears and asked the lady and she assured us the one we bought was rear wheel...well, guess what, it's not!! It's a piece of sh*& and doesn't work on hills...I'll be making a trip to Sears this week to discuss their options!!
Sat morning took Graham to the Michelin bike rally in Berwick...what a great event. Every child was fitted with a new helmet, it was a sea of yellow bike helmets. Every child received a "goodie" bag with a water bottle, safety book, stickers, etc and then got a little snack as well. Michelin did a bang up job and didn't charge a penny for it and there was over 400 kids there, it was bedlam but it was great! Then it was off to the hair dresser to "return my hair to nature" as I like to call it...now we are back to our "natural" brown with no "white" highlights and we are happy.
Sunday we went to the McKeil household to meet their newest member...little Madelyn. Christopher and Brenda were down visiting with their new 3 month old baby...she is a sweetie, good baby and she is cute (and I'm not just saying that). I will try to post pictures of her later. Got to hold he while she napped, fed her a bottle. Graham even fed her a bottle...both kids held her and were thoroughly impressed with her. Mike enjoyed just sitting under the canopy at the poolside and enjoying relaxing, I think his eyes closed a couple of times under his sunglasses. Nice relaxing day for him with the family before he heads to Toronto (today) for his cooking competition...good luck, Mike!!
We bought a lawn mower the other day, our yard is quite sloped in the back so we wanted a self propelled one...had to be rear wheel though. We checked the sign at Sears and asked the lady and she assured us the one we bought was rear wheel...well, guess what, it's not!! It's a piece of sh*& and doesn't work on hills...I'll be making a trip to Sears this week to discuss their options!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Birthday Party
We are heading to Josee's for Connor's "cake and cash"...told him I would give him money because he wanted new golf clubs but his parents got him that for his birthday...so I made the comment that he didn't need the cash now..."that's okay Auntie Annie, I can still find something else to buy", no doubt on that one!
Graham had baseball last night and it poured off and on, both Mike and Graham got a little wet, the young one enjoys it but I don't think the older one does. Elysia was going to dance and had straightened her hair, so I had to drop them off as close to the door as possible so it the rain wouldn't get at her hair...poor child has been cursed with the beastly head of curly hair. Someday she too will give in to the curls!
While everyone was out, I went to see my flower lady at Glad Gardens and got some climbing annuals for my front porch. I had one last year and loved it so I got more this year. So while it rained, I played in the dirt...best time, cause there's no bugs!
Graham had baseball last night and it poured off and on, both Mike and Graham got a little wet, the young one enjoys it but I don't think the older one does. Elysia was going to dance and had straightened her hair, so I had to drop them off as close to the door as possible so it the rain wouldn't get at her hair...poor child has been cursed with the beastly head of curly hair. Someday she too will give in to the curls!
While everyone was out, I went to see my flower lady at Glad Gardens and got some climbing annuals for my front porch. I had one last year and loved it so I got more this year. So while it rained, I played in the dirt...best time, cause there's no bugs!
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