Vancouver Community College graduate Laura Sharpe recently won the Canadian national title of Next Great Chef through the reality TV show of the same name.
Ms Sharpe, 22, won over the judges with her hard work, superior technique, taste, and presentation in the finale. Her winning menu included an appetizer of roasted quail breast with foie gras torchon, followed by sous-vide flat iron steak with crab and fennel ravioli, and an array of creative lemon desserts to finish.
Prior to enrolling in the college’s acclaimed culinary arts program in 2001, Ms Sharpe had been working in the industry for 18 months. However, it was at VCC that she learned the techniques and discipline essential to a chef’s success.
Ms Sharpe said VCC taught her the basic skills and honed her talent. “I really enjoyed the program; the instructors were great.”
VCC chef and culinary arts department head Harald Bonkowski praised Sharpe's commitment, which helped her win a British Columbia Skills Canada gold medal while attending VCC.
"Even as a student, she demonstrated intense enthusiasm towards culinary competition," said Mr Bonkowski. "She was a great student who showed a remarkable passion for her studies —an inspiration to her instructors."
To learn more about VCC or its culinary arts courses, contact a counsellor.