Former Sun Peaks chef wins competition

Vancouver native Shelley Robinson is the latest winner of the Food Network TV competition, Chopped Canada.

The former executive chef at Delta Sun Peaks beat out three other contestants using mystery ingredients to prepare dishes in a timed contest.

The 49-year-old has been in the food industry for over two decades and has also owned two restaurants.

Shelley prepared petite lamb with warm vinaigrette for her appetizer, grilled pork steak with grape leaf salsa for her entree and couscous fritters with a grapefruit salad for dessert.

Shelley said she hoped to be an inspiration to young female chefs.

“I think it was a pretty substantial win in terms of the all-male competition,” said Shelley, who was up against three male competitors. “I hope this sends a message that women can be top chefs too.”

Robinson says she plans to put the $10,000 prize money to good use, going towards something she has always dreamed of, although she wouldn’t say what that was.

Shelley is currently working as a culinary instructor at Vancouver Community College.