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Culinary Stars on the Road

Three emerging talents from the Fairmont Pacific Rim culinary team are set to compete in two illustrious cooking competitions

August 22nd, 2024

Zack Bernardo, Chloe Sy and Ottis Crabbe will proudly represent Fairmont Pacific Rim and Junior Culinary Team Canada in upcoming national and international culinary competitions. Starting in Calgary, from October 17 to 19, Zack will partake in a national competition for Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs, and Chloe and Ottis will travel to Singapore to compete for the Worldchefs Congress & Expo’s Global Chefs Challenge from October 22 to 25.

The Jeunes Chefs competition is a prestigious annual event that provides young chefs with a platform to confidently showcase their culinary skills and creativity in a competitive environment, with the exciting opportunity to present their dishes on an international stage.

The Worldchefs Congress & Expo unites a global community of culinarians and thought leaders worldwide. At the expo, the Global Chefs Challenge features top chefs from around the world competing in four exciting categories.

now meet the culinarians…

zack bernardo

Zack started casually at Fairmont Pacific Rim in June of 2023 while in culinary school at Vancouver Community College. After graduating, he joined the team as full-time Third Cook; his role includes preparing guest amenities, Fairmont Gold offerings and In-Room Dining dishes.

After winning first place at the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs in June 2024, Zack will be returning Calgary this October where competitors will participate in a Black Box competition with each cook executing three-courses within four hours.

“I am looking forward to competing for the second year with the support and training from Fairmont Pacific Rim. My biggest source of inspiration is my family who’s been supporting me in everything I do.” says Zack Bernardo. “My dad was a chef, and allowed me to cook freely; my mom, who is a steadfast supporter; my sister, and biggest critic of all which has always kept me grounded; and everyone who has believed in me along the way.”

chloe sy

Chloe has been working at Fairmont Pacific Rim since 2022 as a Third Cook, working primarily on-the-line for In-Room Dining and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar.

Chloe will be competing in Singapore this October for Global Chefs Challenge at Worldchefs Congress & Expo on behalf of Junior Culinary Team Canada where competitors will be executing a three-course menu in a span of three hours to create the best dishes.

“I look forward to seeing all the work I put into the dishes to finally come to life on stage.” says Chloe Sy. “Chef Bruno Marti, who serves as the coach for Culinary Team Canada, Bocuse d’Or Canada and Team British Columbia, has been one of my mentors throughout my competitions and his expertise and leadership has inspired me to excel in my culinary career.”

ottis crabbe

Working as a Third Cook, Ottis has been with Fairmont Pacific Rim since 2022. He is stationed in the production kitchen and is responsible for making stocks, soups and sauces for all the hotels’ outlets.

Ottis will also be competing for Global Chefs Challenge in the Senior category as the Commis of Chef Francis Flores, where they will be creating a four-course menu in five hours.

“I’m very excited to compete on an international stage; I look forward to seeing what the team is able to create.” says Ottis Crabbe. “What has inspired me to continue on my current competitive path is the ability to better myself as a competitor and a cook.”

We are thrilled to support these rising culinary stars as they demonstrate their dedication, hard work, and passion through their exceptional dishes.

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