Chef Jen Bryant, a food product development technician with Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, the research and development arm of The Culinary Institute of Canada, was named the Canadian Culinary Federation’s eastern region Chef of the Year for 2015 during an event held in Nova Scotia recently.

Bryant’s work as a product developer, food stylist, and as a mentor to culinary arts students was celebrated during an awards ceremony. She was a member of the 2012 silver medal winning team at the IKA Culinary Olympics and she has traveled to South Africa to participate in the World Chefs’ Tour Against Hunger, raising money and global awareness to help feed school children daily. Her award-winning food styling skills have led her to work with some of Atlantic Canada’s top food photographers.

“Because of Jen’s talent, Canada’s Smartest Kitchen is able to provide our clients with creative and beautiful food styling that supports their marketing initiatives,” said executive director Peter Crooks. “Having Jen on our team for the past six years has increased our capabilities and has allowed us to offer a unique service in the region. She is deserving of this recognition and we are very proud of her accomplishments.”