#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 scoop on Chef Mark Filatow from Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar in Kelowna.

What was your first food memory?

The smell of my Mom’s soups simmering on the stove

What was in your elementary school lunch kit?

Rye Bread and Salami

Where did you first learn to cook?

Tweeds Gourmet Grill if “learn to cook” is a loose term

Did you attend culinary school – if so, where?

Dubrulle in Vancouver

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

Diva at the Met because of the inspirational cooking team at the time

Who in the industry taught you the most?

Everyone that I have ever worked with has taught me something, even if it was from their mistakes.

What is your favourite ethnic cuisine?

Depends on the day

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

Salt

What are the most essential tools for cooking?

Knife and Fire

Do you have an unforgettable taste combination?

First Time I had a really good Crab Bisque with a Heavy Handed Chardonnay

What is your most prized possession?

Portable Spit Roaster

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

Hollandiase, Butter Sauces

What’s your go-to comfort food?

A roast Chicken, or Pizza

What’s your favourite cocktail?

Negroni, a Perfect Martini with Vodka

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Dark Chocolate

What’s your definition of a perfect meal?

Simple, Tasty and cooked by someone else

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

Wine

How do you unwind after service?

Music and Beer/wine

Favourite culinary destination?

NYC

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

Cabinet Maker

What do you do in your off time?

Spend Time with the Family, cooking, farming and playing

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

At home, because I spend so little time there and the wine cellar is close at hand

Why did you choose the particular wine/beer pairing for the dish you will cook at Gold Medal Plates?

We tasted flights and this one paired up the best with the flavours

What ingredients will be key?

All of them

Who will assist you on the big night?

Wayne Morris my Restaurant Chef

Who do you see as the toughest competitor this year?

 

Everyone