Yes Shef, Yes Shef! Q&A With Marissa Leon-John

As Yes Shef, the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, gets set to make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga, some of Canada’s most talented women chefs are prepping 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

Since Yes Shef! is all about pairing established pros with the next generation of talent, if you could go back in time and cook one meal for your younger self on your first day of culinary school, what would it be?

I took a very unconventional path into culinary and skipped school altogether. I sometimes think about going to culinary school now and, if I did, I would probably make myself a simple, yet delicious steak dinner with perfectly smooth potato puree and a beautiful bordelaise sauce.

Of all the signature dishes you’ve created throughout your career, which one holds the most personal story for you, and where can our readers find the recipe (or a table to taste it) right now?

Because infusing the Caribbean flavours I’ve grown up with plays such a big part in my cuisine, so many of the dishes I make are very personal to me. A more playful dish that really comes from the heart is what I call the Taste of the Caribbean burger. I smash 2 burger patties out of ground oxtail and top with scotch bonnet mayo, a chadon beni chimichurri, island carrot slaw and fried plantain. You can’t get the recipe anywhere just yet but you can watch me make it on the Big Burger Battle which is streaming on StackTV/Flavour Network.

What is the one song or album that is guaranteed to be playing in your kitchen to get the team hyped during a busy Friday night service?

I try to avoid music playing during service; however, pre-service prep is a completely different story. The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack has been in heavy rotation for the better part of a year. It has too many HYPE songs that get us pumped before dinner service.

After a long night of hosting tasting stations and mentoring students, what is your ultimate, “no-judgment” comfort food that you crave the second you get home?

I tend to pick up my comfort food on the drive home. It is a McDonald’s double cheeseburger dressed like a Big Mac. If the lineup at the drive through is too long, when I get home, I will tuck into some Buldak Carbonara ramyeon. It’s quick, spicy, delicious, and always hits the spot.

You are doing incredible work for women in the hospitality industry—where can our readers follow your journey and keep up with your latest culinary adventures online?

You can follow all my adventures on Instagram @ellejays_