One of our very own beat out three other culinary school representatives to win the title of “Top Chef” at the 2013 Prince Edward Island Cook-Off held in Toronto earlier this week and hosted by celebrity chef (and our good friend) Michael Smith.
Lorelei Simbulan, 28, of Etobicoke and a
graduate of the Lakeshore Campus’ Basic Program who was mentored by Chef
Instructor Carolyn Hogg, wowed Smith
and three food writers with her recipe, which featured three key, fresh PEI
ingredients – beef, potatoes and mussels.
Lorelei’s winning dish consisted of a pan seared medallion of beef strip loin
seasoned with fresh chopped spruce tips and served on a bed of mashed red
potatoes, along with a side of dulse and panko-crusted mussels on the half-shell
-- all drizzled with a chive garlic butter.
“We chose Lorelei’s dish because the
beef was cooked perfectly,” Smith said, when announcing the winner. “The mashed
potatoes were rustic and delicious, and the mussels were inventive and
delicious as well.”
Sponsored by PEI Tourism, the contest featured
four hand-picked culinary students from Liaison, Humber,
Niagara, and Fanshawe colleges. The students had only 30 minutes to prepare,
cook and plate an appetizer for each of the four judges, who then evaluated it
on taste, use of ingredients and creativity/presentation. But there was a catch
- students were also given a “black box” containing a surprise foraged
ingredient that had to be included in each contestant’s dish.
“This was my first culinary event so it is amazing
to win,” said Simbulan, who received a $500 prize, presented by Smith. “I am
also very proud of my school, Liaison College. The whole program has prepared
me for this and I cannot wait to start my Advanced Level classes!”
