Bearfoot Bistro Executive Chef Awarded Gold Medal
at Canadian Culinary Championships

Whistler, BC: Whistler is celebrating this week, and its not just about the Olympic countdown. One of its culinary athletes has brought home a coveted gold award from the Gold Medal Plates Canadian Culinary Championships. Held in Toronto on February 7-9, the culinary championships pitted seven of Canadas culinary elite head to head for the title of Canadas Best Chef. Awarded top podium finish is 28-year-old Melissa Craig, Executive Chef of the Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler.

Executive Chef Melissa Craig of the Bearfoot Bistro

This is an enormous honour and I owe heartfelt thanks to Andr Saint Jacques of the Bearfoot Bistro and Brian Ennis of the Listel Group who believed in me and were instrumental in encouraging my passion, said Craig.

The gruelling three-day contest included a black box competition, a mystery wine pairing, and a grand finale wine-pairing event. A host of celebrities including Justin Trudeau, Blue Rodeos Jim Cuddy, and triple Olympic medalist Curt Harnett added to the excitement surrounding the final event.

Founded in 2003, Gold Medal Plates is committed to supporting Canadian excellence in food, wine, and athletic achievement. Gold Medal Plates has partnered with VANOC and the Canadian Olympic Foundation to support high-performance athletes by funds raised at prestigious culinary events. Since its inception, Gold Medal Plates has helped to raise more than $2 million to support Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes, while elevating the profile of Canadian cuisine and wine. (www.goldmedalplates.com)

In 2007 Gold Metal Plates invited Canadas top chefs to compete in seven cities across the country, and crowned a gold, silver and bronze medal culinary team in each city. These gold medalists competed at the Gold Medal Plates Finale last week. A silver finalist in 2007, Melissa Craig stepped in for Vancouvers gold medalist who was unable to travel to Toronto. Craig will also enjoy a once in a lifetime honour as guest executive chef in the Canadian Olympic Village at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Just 28 years old, Craig is a driven and talented young chef, with an already star-studded career. Graduating from the Culinary Arts Program at Malaspina University College, she went on to be the first Canadian female to win the National Apprentice Competition. Melissa completed her apprenticeship at Sooke Harbour House, where she refined her understanding of west coast Canadian cuisine, inspired by the foods of indigenous peoples, the ocean, and the rich soil of the Pacific NW. Today, heading a team of 20 in the electrifying show kitchen of the Bearfoot Bistro, Craigs style is best described as modern Canadian cuisine a unique blend of west coast and international ingredients, immaculate presentation and simple yet passionate artistry.

The Bearfoot Bistro has earned a reputation as one of Whistlers culinary hot spots and entertaining dining experiences. From the centre of the dining room a staircase drops to the wine cellar, stocked with one of North Americas most impressive collections of champagne and wine. The whimsical Champagne Bar, custom-made in pewter, features a rail of ice that cradles, cools, and illuminates your champagne flute from below. In the stylish dining room with its high-backed leather chairs, Venetian masks, hand-painted Bopla plates, and Riedel crystal stemware, diners watch the evident passion and dedication with which Craig stewards her team of 20 in the open show-kitchen.

For more information on the Bearfoot Bistro visit www.bearfootbistro.com
or call (604) 932-3433.