Highly Anticipated Yes Shef Returns for Fifth Year
Highly Anticipated Yes Shef Returns for Fifth Year
BC’s Top Women Chefs Take Centre Stage at Annual Culinary Event
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Yes Shef is more than just an evening of culinary excellence; it's an opportunity to empower the next generation of emerging chefs as the event pairs top chefs with women studying culinary arts from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) as part of its mentorship program. A launchpad for professional growth, Yes Shef marks the beginning of six weeks of one-on-one mentorship for the 15 emerging culinary talents. Through the WORTH Association mentorship program, these students receive a range of opportunities, including hands-on coaching, weekly meetings, or on-site experience at leading restaurants.
“I started my hospitality career as a cook, where I was often the only woman in the kitchen”, says founder and executive director of WORTH Association, Joanna Jagger. “25 years ago I didn’t have a community to offer support and mentorship as I was navigating the industry. While a lot has changed, we want to continue to see more women in leadership roles and Yes Shef is about opening doors for the next generation in culinary.”
A highlight for 2025 will see the return of Yes Shef’s integral partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC), to spotlight a plethora of rich Indigenous culinary traditions through tasting stations curated by ITBC mentor-mentee chef pairings. Chefs include Stephanie Baryluk of Nihkhah, and Sarah Meconse Mierau, Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe.
This year's lineup promises an unforgettable experience. With more still to be announced, the current confirmed participating chefs include:
Kate Siegel and Leah Patitucci, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Nikola Janitsova, Chambar
Stacy Johnston and Minette Lotz, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
Alisha Montgomery, The Keg
Sarah Meconse Mierau, Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe
Stephanie Baryluk, Nihkhah
Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid, Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine
Eleanor Chow Waterfall, Cadeaux Bakery
Malindi Taylor, Fanny Bay Oysters
Marissa Gonzales, Hawksworth
Fanfan Cheng, Little Karp
Tanya Muller, Le Gateau Bakeshop
Jiwon Seo, Dachi
Beverage Makers:
Stacey Kyle, Lionheart Spirits
Melanie MacInnes, Locality Brewing
Valli Manickam, Plenty Real Brews
More information on this year’s talent can be found at https://www.yesshef.com/chefs.
Along with delicious bites and craft beverages, guests will enjoy live music, and the opportunity to participate in an online auction and raffle. The evening will also offer a blind date with a restaurant, where guests can donate either $25, $50, $75, or $100 in exchange for a gift card to a mystery establishment. All proceeds will go to funding scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality.
This year’s event marks an extra special chapter for the organization as Yes Shef announces it will arrive in the Greater Toronto Area for the first time, on March 9th, 2026.
EVENT DETAILS:
Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim in the Star Sapphire Ballroom, 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6 pm
TICKETS:
Tickets available now at $200 and can be purchased online at https://www.yesshef.com/events/vancouver-2025.
PARTNERSHIPS:
Opportunities are still available. Explore exclusive access and benefits online at https://www.yesshef.com/partner-with-us.
