Chef Cook-Off 2008

The theme of Herbfest 2008 was "Spice Up your Life", so the dishes had decidedly spicy overtones. Congratulations to Pablo Robaina of Amate Food & Gifts who was named winner of this year's Chef's Cook-Off (for his recipe, click here) This year's event was again hosted by Debbie Trenholm, accedited sommelier of The Savvy Grapes.  Special thanks to Freda Godby and Chris Hudson for their help in organizing the Cook-Off this year.

Chef Marc Lepine.   Atelier Restaurant 540 Rochester Street, near Carling and Booth (soon to open).   He was previously chef at The Courtyard restaurant for about 6 years.   Chef Lepine has a special interest in moleclular gastronomy.  He was chosen as Best Chef of the Year in 2006 by the Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Chefs Federation.

Chef Pablo Robaina - Amate Food and Gifts in the Wellington Village at 1311 Wellington Street. Originally from Mexico, creative use of spices are his forte. Chef Robaina has studied and worked at Cordon Bleu cooking schools, and has travelled through Europe before settling in Ottawa.

Chef Scott Lucas – TRIO Restaurant at Novotel Ottawa. Scott has transformed this hotel restaurant (once known as Cafe Nicole) into one of Ottawa's best. Chef Lucas has cooked extensively in the Caribbean, and is excited about the challenge of cooking with spices.

Chef Pablo Robaina, Chef Scott Lucas and  Chef Marc Lepine (left to right)   

** For a copy of the Chef Cook-Off Recipes, click here.**

Ottawa's award-winning vegetarian eatery, The Table Restaurant generously agreed to be the sponsor of this year's Chef-Cook Off. Visit their website at thetablerestaurant.com.