In a stunning showcase of skill and creativity, the Culinary Arts students from the Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre (LRATC) took the President’s Awards Gala Dinner by storm with their exquisite Adobo Pork Belly appetizer, which impressed the hundreds of attendees at the RBC Convention Centre. 

“When the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CCFCC) requested the LRATC Culinary Arts program to plan and prepare a menu item for the live appetizer station at the gala dinner, we jumped at the opportunity to showcase the students’ skills and talents,” said LRATC teacher and chef Joe Lindhorst. 

The students embarked on their culinary journey by carefully selecting the finest ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and the seasoning was perfectly blended to make an outstanding appetizer.  

“I feel an event like this is a culmination of the activities and learning that comes from taking our Culinary Arts program,” added Lindhorst. “This helps students understand the relevance of activities and theory they have been engaging in, to finally be in the culinary moment!”  

From the initial preparation at LRATC to the final presentation at the gala, every step was executed with precision and passion. The students’ dedication to their craft was evident in the meticulous presentation, with garnishes that added both color and texture to the dish that wowed the crowd of 350 people.  

“It was awesome,” commented Heather Pierre, an LRATC culinary student. “I liked interacting with so many different people in the industry. It was so busy and exciting!” 

The President's Awards Gala Dinner is a prestigious event celebrating chefs, culinarians, and all partners in Manitoba's food service and hospitality industry. This illustrious evening not only honours the exceptional talent and dedication of individuals but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for young culinary students and culinarians starting out in the entire food and beverage sector in Manitoba. 

“It was a nice experience for me,” said Pan Han, an LRATC culinary student. “It was my first time ever being at a dinner like this!”  

Among the various accolades presented at the gala includes the Chef of the Year award which stands out as a particularly coveted title, recognizing a chef’s outstanding contributions to culinary excellence here in Manitoba.  

“I met a lot of chefs in this industry,” said Rhea Lantin, an LRATC culinary student. “A part of myself makes me want to be like them.”  

The evening was a gastronomic delight as these aspiring chefs demonstrated their prowess in the kitchen, which sets a new standard for culinary events that LRATC culinary students participate in.  

“It was an awesome experience,” said Liv Sirtonski, an LRATC culinary student. “It made me see how great Culinary Arts can be. It inspired me!”  

Anticipation is growing to see what these young chefs will cook up next year at the CCFCC President’s Awards Dinner.