on @ ensemble
July 4, 2011, Vancouver - At a friends and family fundraiser party at ensemble restaurant and bar, Chef Dale MacKay and 65 guests enjoyed a four-course TV dinner of sorts, while the season finale of the Food Network's Top Chef Canada played out on several flatscreens set up for the occasion.
In town and in the ensemble kitchen for the event was Dusty Gallagher - another Top Chef Canada favourite, and Dale's Sous Chef during the final Challenge.
On the menu was Lobster Iceberg Salad with Caesar Dressing, Dale’s Top Chef Canada challenge-winning Black Cod with Pork Thai Broth, and Dusty's Roasted Ontario Quail with with Parsnip Purée. A stellar menu, but all eyes were glued to the sets.
The winner was announced just before the Pineapple Soufflé dessert. "I feel so lucky to have won" says Dale. "More than anything I wanted my son Ayden to be proud of his dad and to know that a person can accomplish anything they set their mind to, if they just put in the time, stay authentic and be a good person along the way."
Net proceeds of the event will benefit Vancouver's Boys Club Network for at-risk youth, and one of its beneficiaries, the Culinary Arts Program at Templeton Secondary School.
In a post-event message sent via email to his family, friends and clients, Dale had this to say:
A Huge Thank you!
"It's impossible to express how grateful I am to my family, my close friends, my mentors and my customers, for their confidence, advice and support these past 11 years. Without you, I wouldn't be here.
I couldn't have asked for tougher or better mentors than Chefs Gordon Ramsay, David Hawksworth and Daniel Boulud.
To my son Ayden, who I missed like crazy when I was away competing in Top Chef Canada - I promise I'll never leave you for that long again, but know that I did it for you.
To the men and women at the Food Network and at Top Chef Canada, and to the 15 other competitors - I tip my hat. Your talent blows me away.
To my friends and customers all over the world, and especially here in my new hometown of Vancouver - thank you all, for your loyalty and your friendship.
To my restaurant family here at ensemble - thank you for your loyalty, and for your hearts and energy these past months.
I look forward to the future, to giving back to the culinary community, to more time in the kitchen, and to cooking for each and every one of you.
I hope to see you soon here at ensemble."
Sincerely,
Chef Dale MacKay
to view the Top Chef Canada season one video gallery, click here
ensemble restaurant and bar is Dale Mackay's modern french restaurant where classical French technique meets the modern interpretation and seasonal flavours of British Columbia. Executive Chef/Proprietor and Top Chef Canada contender Dale MacKay's first restaurant promises an extraordinary culinary experience in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere just steps from bustling Robson Street. Casual dress code, open for weekend brunch and for dinner every Tuesday thru Sunday. Private dining and catering services are available.