Supporting the development of culinary arts students
Red River College student wins annual pork cookoff
Red River College Culinary Arts student Jesse Friesen won the 2009 Annual Pork Cookoff sponsored by Manitoba Pork Council. He takes home the first-place prize of $500.
Jesse decided he wanted to get involved with the culinary arts when he was 14 years old and working at the Mona Lisa restaurant. He then moved on to the Bonfire Bistro where he became a cook.
Jesse prefers French and bistro style cooking, but has been influenced by Iron Chef Mario Batali, who specializes in Italian cuisine. The Italian influence definitely came through in Jesse’s main dish of pork tenderloin marsala with risotto and zucchini.
The appetizer paired with this flavourful main was a ground pork tart with sundried tomato and roasted red pepper sauce.
Though this competition was only Friesen's second ever, he is excited to keep competing. He says competition in this field is positive.
Friesen wants to start getting his name out to other chefs in the community. He is currently working at Glendale Country Club and Bellissimo Italian Restaurant here in Winnipeg. Watch for this up and coming chef at your local bistro!