Presentation. Technique. Taste. Hygiene. Organization.

These five components, rated by a panel of five judges, are what decided the winner of the 2nd annual 2016 Passion for Excellence Chef Scholarship from Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute.

The gruelling four-hour challenge required finalists Gloria Otshudi and Kevin Morin to prepare a three-course French meal, consisting of specific ingredients and dishes.

Judges Hervé Chabert, Aurélien Legué, Nicolas Jordan, Oliver Bartsch (Guest Judge) and Amanda Coccimiglio (2015 winner) were presented with starters of hard-boiled eggs and creamed spinach au gratin. They moved on to the main course of scallops served in their shells, followed by the classic Iles Flottantes for dessert.

Post-challenge, the contestants sat down with the judging panel for another meal before the winner was announced. Gloria Otshudi was crowned as the recipient for 2016, her prize including tuition to the Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute and a nine-month paid placement under Chef Yannick Anton at his Signatures Restaurant. Upon her winning, Otshudi spoke of her lifelong passion for the culinary arts and desire to attend Le Cordon Bleu. Previously thought to be out of her reach for economical reasons, Otshudi jumped at the chance to enter the scholarship competition, calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Valued at $30,000, the scholarship is presented by Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, in association with Restaurants Canada and Canada’s 100 Best. Congratulations to Gloria Otshudi!