Shown above is our colleague Michael Allemeier (right), executive chef of Mission Hill Family Estate winery in Westbank, British Columbia, during a ceremony where he was presented with a Silver Star of Excellence from the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table in more than 120 countries around the world.

The Silver Star was awarded to Allemeier in late October at the annual induction dinner held at the winery. It honors the chef’s 15 years of service and dedication to the Paris-based epicurean organization and for overseeing the Jeunes Commis Rôtisseurs Competition for young chefs.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such a prestigious organization with its long history of culinary and dining traditions,” says Allemeier. “Helping mentor and develop the next generation of cooks through the Jeunes Commis Rôtisseurs Competition has been a real pleasure for me. I believe all good farmers need to replenish resources we’ve taken out; giving back to the culinary community by cultivating future chefs is one of the greatest ways for us to do this.” Hear, hear!