George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown College's (GBC) Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) and the Chef School celebrated another successful Room 4 Dessert capstone event. Graduating students in Baking and Pastry Arts Management showcased their exceptional skills through an impressive display of delectable creations, providing a delicious conclusion to their program.
Event highlights
The highly anticipated event attracted a full house of eager onlookers at the sold-out gathering on April 11, 2025. Attendees enjoyed a sumptuous international culinary journey featuring sweet and savoury offerings prepared by 140 up-and-coming bakers and pastry chefs in their final semester of the diploma program.
This semi-annual event culminated the students' two years of intensive culinary education. Teams conceptualized, budgeted, ordered ingredients, and executed specialized menus representing different countries and their flavours. Students showcased their talent and skills to emphasize the experience they bring to the industry.
"Capstone events like this aren't just end-of-year showcases; they are proof of how far our students have developed. said Tara Ferguson, Associate Dean of the Chef School. "Watching them navigate industry-related projects, tasks, and events with poise and creativity reaffirms our commitment and dedication to excellence in culinary education."
Award-winning creations
The evening's competitive element saw three outstanding teams take home cash prizes totalling $6,000:
- 1st Place: Team Sweden, Ye Seul Vanessa Kim, Sunyoung Jang, Yoonjee Jeon, and Vijanti Birenda Prajapti, supported by Chef Oswald Schaller
- 2nd Place: Team Argentina, Vivian Shi, Cheong Long Tin, Ka Man Leung (Carmen), and Xinyi Jiang (Serena), supported by Chef Iris Roteliuk
- 3rd Place: Team Turkey, Rylan Schaub, Sierra Pingol, Sofia Milanetti, and Sophie Tang, supported by Chef Markus Elegino
Leadership and recognition
Chef Jennifer Lakhan-D'Souza's leadership as the Room 4 Dessert project champion significantly contributed to the event's overwhelming success. Her exceptional organizational skills ensured the evening ran smoothly, despite facility challenges, including an unplanned equipment outage.
Special acknowledgments
George Brown College’s Chef School extends its sincere gratitude to The Baking Association of Canada(Ontario Chapter) for their generous support, to faculty members who adapted to reduced lab resources, to the H113 faculty team, the ICC, CHCA Continuing Education team, and to the extensive event staff who ensured the evening's success.
The Room 4 Dessert capstone project continues to provide graduating students with valuable real-world experience while offering the community a delightful evening of culinary artistry.
