Vanessa Yeung has had a variety of careers in the culinary world. From attending Stratford Chef’s School, to restaurant kitchens, to being a personel chef to Ed Belfour, to owning the catering company Aphrodite Cooks, Vanessa’s wealth of experience is sure to help her win Taco Takedown. We were able to ask her a few questions before the big event this Friday.
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What sparked your love of food?
I have always loved to eat. I have always loved to create. So i think what sparked my love of food was also curiosity. As a kid growing up in Chinese family in Canadian society I was always nosy about what other people were eating. So being able to try what my Canadian friends were eating sparked my love of food.
Your career has taken you from the restaurant kitchen, to private chef, to manufactured foods, to catering and teaching. Why did you end up there?
I enjoy being a part of different types of events. Catering and teaching cooking classes always allows me to work with various ingredients, cuisines and cooking techniques. No two events are the same.
You host cooking classes for singles. What is it about food and making food that you think brings people together?
Fundamentally people love to eat and people need to eat. The enjoyment from cooking and food comes from the fact that it involves all of our senses.
You attended Stratford Chefs School. What did the school environment bring to your cooking?
The Stratford Chefs School taught me think about cooking in an organized manner. It is also taught me discipline and focus.
Why are you going to win Taco Takedown?
My dish will appeal to the masses through the fusing of Mexican flavours and Asian. I think this unique combination will win over many palates
