The Okanagan Valley is overflowing with opportunity for young chefs.
Okanagan College graduate chef Jenna Pillon has landed her dream job right here in the Okanagan Valley as she settles into her second year at the helm of one of the South Okanagan’s most esteemed winery restaurants, Hester Creek’s Terrafina in Oliver.
Jenna Pillon. (Photo Credit: contributed.)
Her culinary career took off rather quickly once she finished up her Professional Cook Level 3 Apprenticeship at Okanagan College in 2011.
After a two-month stint as a sous-chef, she was promoted to Restaurant Chef at Terrafina.
“I am where I’d hope to be in five years,” said Pillon. “I’ve come a long way in a short period of time and I’m still working on what’s next.”
Growing up cooking at home with her family in Salmon Arm, cooking has always remained a significant part of Pillon’s life. However, it wasn’t until Pillon landed her first job in a kitchen pub at 16, that the spark and passion for cooking professionally came alive.
“I realized the excitement of cooking on a line was fantastic and decided to pursue it more,” said Pillon.
After completing her professional Cook Level 1, she became an apprentice chef at Manteo restaurant in Kelowna. Under the guidance of renowned Chef Bernard Casavant, Pillon successfully mastered the Professional Cook Level 2 exams and entered the six-week Level 3 apprenticeship program at Okanagan College.
“Learning how to process local wild boar and venison in class was fantastic,” said Pillon. “The College’s instructors are very knowledgeable. They helped me so much with wine knowledge, competition practice and constructive criticism. They try to make you the best cook you can be.”
Okanagan College is opening up its kitchen doors on Thursday, May 14th from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is inviting interested aspiring chefs to explore their training options.
“Cooking is a craft that takes true passion and it can be intimidating for the average person who hasn’t had any professional training,” explained Chef Casavant. “The truth is, with the right instruction and opportunities, anyone with that passion can turn it into a career with endless possibilities.”
Interested individuals who would like to attend the free Culinary Arts open house can contact Chef Geoffrey Couper at gccouper@okanagan.bc.ca to register.
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