Tigh-Na-Mara chef de partie Kate Dean was the first on the chopping block.
Dean was chosen from hundreds of applicants across the country to take part in the popular Food Network reality television show Chopped Canada.
However, she didn't walk away with the grand prize.
Along with three other Canadians chefs, Dean was given roasted red peppers, duck confit, fresh savoury and baklava to make an appetizer. She created a duck confit salad with a baklava vinaigrette.
"It was fun if nothing else just to bring some awareness to Vancouver Island," she told The NEWS.
The episode Dean was featured in aired this past Saturday and showcased Cedars Restaurant as well as Dean's Parksville home.
The winner, Francois Lavallee, from Orleans, Ontario took home $10,000.
— NEWS Staff