EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Convention Centre (SCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Serge Belair in the role of Executive Chef. Serge will formally take over the role on February 1, 2017.
Named 2012 Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation and one of Edmonton’s top 40 under 40 by Avenue Edmonton in 2015, Serge is one of Canada’s finest chefs. Originally from Gatineau, Quebec, Serge has climbed through the ranks and served thousands of guests at the Edmonton Convention Centre since 2005.
“We are thrilled to announce that Executive Chef Serge Belair will continue the premier culinary tradition Edmonton’s convention centre has become known for,” says Lisanne Lewis, General Manager, Edmonton Convention Centre. “Over the past eleven years Serge has proven he is not only one of our nation’s top chefs, but a caring, capable leader who develops the potential of those around him.”
Serge studied at Commission scolaire la Vallée de la Lievre and honed his skills at Hotel Clarion Gatineau’s Restaurant La Pergola from 1999 to 2005. He headed west to become the Edmonton Convention Centre’s Chef de Partie in 2005, then Sous Chef in 2007 and Senior Sous Chef in 2011. He has not only represented Canada on the world stage, but also mentored numerous apprentices throughout his tenure at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
“It’s a privilege to lead a team of Edmonton’s best culinary experts and be given the responsibility of representing one of our city’s iconic venues,” says Serge. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of this award-winning team for eleven years under the tutelage of the amazing Simon Smotkowicz. I look forward to taking this next step and building on the legacy he leaves behind.”
After 28 years, Executive Chef Simon Smotkowicz will be leaving the Edmonton Convention Centre in January 2017 to pursue a new chapter in his storied career. Named National Chef of the Year in 1998, he has won numerous medals as a part of Canada’s Olympic Culinary team and mentored many young chefs throughout the years. Details regarding an industry legacy initiative to honour Chef Simon’s contributions will be announced in the upcoming months.
“Chef Simon leaves behind a dedicated team and strong brand,” says Lisanne Lewis. “I would like to personally thank him for his dedication and commitment to positioning the Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton as an international culinary destination.”
For more information on the Edmonton Convention Centre’s culinary program, visit https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.com/planning-event/catering-menus/.
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About The Edmonton Convention Centre
The Edmonton Convention Centre is an iconic, BOMA Best, and Green Key level five certified sustainable facility. Located at the foot of North America’s largest urban parkland and in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the convention centre offers over 150,000 square feet of flexible and creative space.
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