#goldmedalplates Chefs from across British Columbia will meet in Vancouver Friday November 16, 2012 at the Vancouver Gold Medal Plates Canadian Culinary Championships.  The winner will move on to compete at the National Championships (Kelowna February 8/9, 2013) I sent them some questions prior to the challenge. Here’s the answers from Darin Paterson from Bogner’s of Penticton.

What was your first food memory?

Lobster listening to Born in the USA

Where did you first learn to cook?

At home 12 years old, dad couldn’t make kraft dinner. Mom worked nights…

Did you attend culinary school – if so, where?

Nait

Where has been your favourite place to work to date and why?

Soliden, Stockholm. Kitchen windows over looked all of Down town Stockholm.

Who in the industry taught you the most?

Christer Svantesson, Taher Methloithi

What is your favourite ethnic cuisine?

Arabic

What ingredient(s) can’t you live without?

Löjrom

What are the most essential tools for cooking?

smoker

What basic recipe/s do you advise for cooking novices to learn as a starting point?

Rice pilaf

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Grilled cheese

What’s your favourite cocktail?

John walker black

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Kalix Löjrom

What’s your definition of a perfect meal?

Beer snapps cheese, caviar, friends

What do you always have on hand for last minute entertaining at home?

siljans croustades, and bubbles

How do you unwind after service?

sleep

Most overrated food trend?

Farm to Table

Favourite culinary destination?

Singapore

If you weren’t a chef what career would you have pursued?

Pastry chef

What would you eat at your last meal?

fiddleheads and bacon.

Where do you eat in your city when you are not working?

Genki Sushi

What dish will you be cooking for Gold Medal Plates?

I will figure that out the day before

Why did you choose the particular wine/beer pairing for the dish?

They paid me

What ingredients will be key?

love

Who will assist you on the big night?

A team of dish washers