Catching Up With Winnipeg Chef Jesse Friesen

This weekend eleven of Canada’s top chefs will head to Kelowna to compete in the Canadian Culinary Championships. We’re learning a little bit about them before they compete. Here we throw a few questions out to Winnipeg’s representing chef, Chef Jesse Friesen from The Merchant Kitchen and Pizzeria Gusto.

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant.

I currently operate two kitchens, Pizzeria Gusto & The Merchant Kitchen. Gusto is a trendy neighborhood restaurant with great guests, a great room and a modern yet classic bar and kitchen offering. The Merchant, who I will be representing this time for the CCC, is a downtown Winnipeg hotspot focusing on Latin & Asian street food. Complete with a buzzing bar and beautiful room, Merchant is a very busy place being right across from Bell MTS place, home of the Winnipeg Jets.

Where do you eat in your city?

I usually don’t get out much. Having a busy job & family life at home, we love to cook at home. My wife Kari and I enjoy cooking for our sons.

What would be your ideal food day?

Smoked meat. Raw fish. Foie gras. Pizza. Beer

What ingredient do you always have on hand?

Pickled Vegetables

What’s your go-to recipe when you’re eating at home?

My family favorite is cutlets. Super simply, but consistently executed

What cookbook are you most interested in lately?

I love to read about competitions. I have read numerous times “Chasing Bocuse” by Philip Tessier. Very good read.

Any hints on what dish you will be preparing for the Culinary Championships?

We will be doing a version of our gold winning dish in Winnipeg but modified by 50%. That’s all I can say. Bad luck to spill the beans.

What beverage are you pairing with?

Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut

Who is coming with you?

Connie Klassen – Restaurant Chef, Pizzeria Gusto
Tom Riel – Sous Chef, Merchant Kitchen
Josh Schettler – General Manager, Merchant Kitchen
Richard Hanna – General Manager, Pizzeria Gusto
Suzy Afifi – Operations Manager – Pizzeria Gusto + Merchant Kitchen
Bobby Mottola – Owner – Pizzeria Gusto + Merchant Kitchen
Kari Giavedoni – My wife and queen

What, outside the competition itself, are you looking forward to experiencing in Kelowna?

The weather, we are in -30 without the windchill over here, -40 with the windchill!