Jackson and DeSousa are married. Also like many couples, the co-chefs finish each others thoughts and sentences and nod in agreement while the other talks. The petite tender is full of flavour and you can cut it into medallions and serve it with classic sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes. Fire Masters Season 3: Meet the Cast. Among a budding cohort of successful female chefs on the international food scene, Connie DeSousa, 30, is the co-owner of Calgarys Charcut Roast House restaurant. Log In or Sign Up Connie de Sousa See Photos Connie De Sousa See Photos Connie Desousa See Photos Connie Desousa See Photos Also, Im in the kitchen 16 to 18 hours a day and my husband stays at the front of the restaurant, so I only see him in the morning and late at night. Can you remember the moment you decided to become a chef what inspired you and what obstacles did you overcome to achieve your dream? Chef DeSousa began her culinary career after earning a Le Cordon Bleu Paris certificate in Ottawa and graduating on the Deans List with honors from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Culinary program. Manny Sousa. The chef from CHARCUTrestaurantin Calgary has made her name in the industrymastering nose-to-tail butchery, cultivating relationships with farmers and artisan producers, and challenging the social norms of women in the professional kitchen. It is so deliciously flavourful because its loaded with marbling, she says. But the Top Chef Canada finalist is also a fan of lesser-known cuts that are usually more affordable than their popular counterparts. But the Top Chef Canada finalist . Let's #meat tonight . You will be a mentor for Rafael Covarrubias, how you will challenge him? If youre after something tender, sort of like a filet mignon, you might want to try the cheaper alternative to this costly cut: the petite tender. She said the key to survival in Calgarys recovering economy has been to adapt to consumers new preferences in eating out. In the 2019-2021 edition of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, for the first time the S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility was awarded to the signature dish that was able to show that principles of sustainability enhance food. Born in Canada, Connie DeSousa is a Canadian chef, reality TV star, and entrepreneur. Learn to love your leftovers with zero-waste recipes from world-famous chefs. We have a lot of new retail and food and beverage development in the East Village and we are excited for more to come., READ MORE: This was a real turning point for me. Chef/co-owner, with John Jackson, of "Alley Burger" food truck in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Why did you turn your back on the barre?I started dancing when I was five, and it consumed a lot of my time, especially when I began competing. Connie DeSousa is feeling confident about Calgarys economic future and Calgarians spending habits. The whole experience has been quite amazing. of the kitchen the third disagreement was preceded by non-stop customers during the, Jackson and DeSousa are married. Now she's one of three women turning up the heat on Top Chef Canada. The program took place in Toronto. In 2004, she competed in Albert World Culinary Olympics. In the first season, 16 chefs competed against each other in weekly challenges. Connie Manso Desousa, age 70, Coffeyville, KS . Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. 69% HISPANIC Our ethnicity data indicates the majority is Hispanic. Its not often you get to hang out with 16 chefs for six weeks straight, she said. My mom is Irish-Canadian and my dad is Portuguese, so Id have amazing lamb stews and soda bread one night, then a seafood dish with fermented red-pepper sauce the next. Movies. Luckily, her mom and husband are in the pantry waiting to comfort her and tell her shell always be their top chef. DeSousa demonstrated she could more than hold her own against the numerous male chefs (she was one of only three women out of 16 competitors selected to take part) winning several quickfire and elimination challenges and making it to the shows finale where she competed against two men. Ultimately, were concerned with having the best ingredients we can get. On my day off I get one each weekwe visit different restaurants together to see what other people are cooking. Discover more on Fine Dining Lovers. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. Once she sets her sight on a goal, she accomplishes it. As well, raising awareness for poverty in Calgary, Connie is an ambassador for Mayor Naheed Nenshis Enough for All campaign. Connie has challenged herself to compete in many culinary competitions around the world, including the prestigious Chane De Rotsseurs in South Africa, placing 4th in the world, and participated in the World Culinary Olympics in Germany. We cant fool Calgarians. The national unemployment rate was 5.5 per cent in June 2019, down 0.5 per cent from the same period in 2018. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Biography. Each episode includes two challenges. People named Connie de Sousa Find your friends on Facebook Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Still, I was passionate about ballet and stuck with it until I was 18. [2] In response to the controversy, Food Network Canada issued a statement acknowledging the use of horse meat was controversial, but it was trying to create an episode involving "a truly authentic, traditional French menu. I love competing, as a young culinarian and now in my professional career. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Straight out of culinary school, Connies competitive spirit was unstoppable taking her to Germany to compete in the World Culinary Olympics, then onto the prestigious Chane De Rotsseurs in South Africa, and most recently, Top Chef Canada: All Stars. She is the co-executive chef and co-owner of the upscale Charcut Roast House in downtown Calgary opened in 2010. And others, in a good way. Each week of season one featured a guest judge or special guest, such as Dan Aykroyd, Susur Lee, Daniel Boulud, Rob Feenie, and recurring judge on the American version, Gail Simmons. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. Graduating from the top of her culinary class, she met her mentor, John Jackson, and instantly she knew they had a partnership for life. native Jean Francois Beeroo, while Jackson is married to Carrie and is father to their baby girl, Frances. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?In a general sense, Id like to be a role model for young women in this industry. They were supportive, but there was definitely a macho factor going on: The industry is still very male-dominated. After complimenting each chef, host Thea Andrews tells DeSousa shes out. Countless speaking engagements have taken Connie and her partner all over the world, representing Canada on the larger culinary stage, promoting our regional cuisine, history and culinary traditions. Hes not just fancy pants, hes cranky pants. I couldnt believe how hard it was once they took away one sense, she said. They know the place Cal, Regardless, Jackson says it wasnt long before he was learning as much from DeSousa as she learned from him. The good news is that Calgary has seen a drop in unemployment, from 7.6 per cent in April to seven per cent in June. I plan sharing a few of the tricks Ive learned throughout my years of competing and coach him on public speaking skills and presentation to help him strive to be a great Canadian ambassador. Each week's elimination is announced in a segment called "Judges' Table." Statistics for all 12 Connie Desousa results: 63 yrs AVERAGE AGE 62% are in their 60s, while the average age is 63. Connie is happily married to Jean Francois Beeroo. Connie De Sousa is on Facebook. Facebook and twitter have also filled up with messages of support for the 30-year-old chef. I think everyone needs to prepare for the fact that hours are long, and the pay isnt very good. They offered me a job, but I wanted to return to Calgary. Fine Dining Lovers spoke to Connie ahead of the competition's Grand Finale in Milan in October to find out more abouther mentorship role and her cooking philosophy. But it doesnt have to be. Connie did her High School graduation. It taught me professionalism and helped me find a sense of drive and determination, which is really important in the culinary world. Our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers. , Karl Jensen, John Kohut, Michael Scherman and Tyra Sloan, and many others are family members and associates of Connie. We asked Calgary's most prominent chef/restaurateur duo John Jackson and Connie DeSousa five questions to know them better. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Seems a bit arrogant as he tells the judges he just couldnt convey himself in only three plates. Click here formore interviews and storiesfromthe women who took part. Our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers. Join Facebook to connect with Connie Desouza and others you may know. DeSousa's unstoppable competitive spirit has taken her to Germany to compete in the World Culinary Olympics, the prestigious Chane De Rotsseurs in South Africa, and most recently, Top Chef Canada. Connie will also be a seasoned professional when it comes to guiding her mentoree into the bright competition lights,already being a well-known celebrity chef in Canada herself havingappeared in numerous cooking showsincludingTop Chef Canada. If cuts such as these are so flavourful, why are they inexpensive? Has being a chef led you to explore food abroad as well?Definitely. After all the slicing and dicing, sauteing and roasting -of both meats and fellow competitors -it comes down to three courses and one winner on Top Chef Canada. Why that matters. Connie DeSousa. Connie began her culinary career after earning a Le Cordon Bleu Paris certificate in Ottawa and graduating on the Deans List with honors from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Culinary program. Calgary celebrity chef optimistic about jobs, opens new restaurant. Char stands for the custom-built Rotisserie and Charbroiler, while Cut stands for the vintage-style slicer and hand-crafted charcuterie eating bar. If youre craving comfort food, what do you make in your kitchen?I always keep my fridge well stocked with unpasteurized and stinky cheeses. Thankfully, the magic of TV means were not left hanging long. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. What are your particular specialties?We make our own sausages and pt, and cure all of our meat in-house, including the bacon. They wanted to see our true personalities, so what you see is pretty raw and authentic. Updated September 27, 2016, Connie DeSousa Jean Beeroo is a Mauritian native. Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way.