October 29, 2008

FREDERICTON- New Brunswick’s capital has welcomed one of the World’s best chefs home.

Chef Ray Henry, Executive Chef at BrewBakers, recently returned to Fredericton after his Culinary Team Canada squad won four gold medals at the 2008 IKA Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany.  The team placed fifth in the World in the medal standings. The competition wrapped up on Saturday.

"It is an honour to represent my country in this capacity,” says Chef Henry. “We represented Canada in so many ways-competitiveness, sportsmanship and great team work. Canada is so respected around the world for our high standard of cuisine; it was great to lay it on the line and show our stuff. 2012 is not so far off for Team Canada. If the phone rings again, I would jump at the opportunity."

A veteran member of Culinary Team Canada, Chef Henry’s career of over 20 years has won him many accolades such as Bermuda Chef of the Year and the mentor of Canada’s first Next Great Chef in 2006.

Chef Henry is also an active member of the community. His desire to help the Fredericton area and Atlantic Canada is reflected in his efforts to see the region shine as a premiere culinary destination and his work with the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network to try and connect regional growers with chefs.

“BrewBakers is extremely excited that a professional of Chef Ray’s level has decided to call Fredericton home,” says Mr. Mark Haines-Lacey , President of Ross Ventures Ltd. “He has already had a positive effect on the food quality at BrewBakers. We know this because our customers are telling us so!”

Mr. Haines-Lacey adds that Chef Henry has won the respect of many within Ross Ventures Ltd. and the community.

“He is professional in everything he does. But that’s obvious – how can you win gold medals at the premier international culinary completion without being the best of the best?,” Mr. Haines-Lacey says. “He is also a wonderful teacher. All of his staff are so happy to be working with him. If I was a young chef looking to develop my career, Chef Ray would be my only choice of employer to apprentice with. He uses cutting edge techniques and has international connections. Best of all, he enjoys developing talent in others that are serious about their professional pursuit.”

A native of British Columbia, Chef Henry joined BrewBakers earlier this year.