Yes Shef, Yes Chef! Q&A With Alisha Montegomery

As Yes Shef returns for its fifth year at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, some of B.C.’s most talented women chefs are set to take centre stage. We caught up with one of this year’s culinary stars to talk mentorship, inspiration, and what she’s serving up at this landmark celebration of women in food and drink. —Noa Nichol

Chef Alisha Montegomery – The Keg

What does participating in Yes Shef mean to you personally, and how does it feel to be part of a community celebrating women shaping BC’s culinary scene?

I feel really fortunate to be a part of this event, standing alongside some of the most talented chefs in the industry and working with the next generation of women coming up in the culinary world. Throughout my career, I‘ve only had one female chef as a mentor, so being in a room full of powerhouse women is incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how strong this community really is.

You’re not just showcasing your skills, but also mentoring the next generation through this event. What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your culinary journey?

I wish I had known earlier to really believe in myself. If you set your mind to something and put in the work every day, you can get there. There will be times when you feel like you’re working twice as hard for half the credit, but if you stay true to who you are and take pride in your work, you don’t need outside validation. That confidence has to come from within.

The industry has historically been tough for women. What changes are you most proud to see today, and what work do you feel still needs to be done?

Events like Yes Shef and the work WORTH is doing are incredible to witness. I’m proud to see more kitchens across Canada reflecting the communities we serve; it feels like the culture is shifting in a real way. That said, there’s always more work to do. Opening doors for women and other underrepresented voices, and making sure they have the chance to lead, is still so important. Seeing more women being recognized for their ideas and their talents gives me hope for what’s ahead.

Your cooking often reflects both your personal story and the community around you. How do you express that identity through the dish or flavours you’re bringing to Yes Shef this year?

My dish this year is inspired by my family and my time at The Keg. I wanted to highlight ingredients that feel familiar and comforting, but with a simplicity that speaks to the way I like to cook at home. For me, food is about connection, whether that’s through family recipes or approachable flavours that bring people together around the table.

Finally, could you share a meaningful recipe with us—something that holds a special place in your heart, whether it’s a family tradition, a dish from your heritage, or one that represents a turning point in your career?

The recipe I’d like to share is my mom’s meatloaf. It’s simple, but it means the world to me. She’s the best cook I know, and she somehow managed to cook beautiful meals every night for me and my five siblings. Dinner was when we all came together at the end of the day, and those moments are what made me fall in love with food. My mom is my biggest inspiration in the kitchen, and that recipe keeps me grounded in why I do what I do.

Pennys Meatloaf

• 1 egg slightly beaten
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ½ onion grated
• 1 teaspoon black pepper + salt
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• ½ cup of quick oats
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Any BBQ sauce you have on hand

Instructions

1. Slightly whisk the egg
2. Chop onion and parsley
3. In a large bowl, combine the egg, ground beef, ketchup, onion, black pepper, salt, parsley, quick oats, and garlic powder
4. Transfer into a greased loaf pan
5. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 
6. In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush on a layer of barbecue sauce and continue baking as normal
7. Slice and serve