JUNKO SADAHIRO
Last updated March 2008.
Calgary, Alberta
“Cooking encourages me to grow and learn new things.” That sums up Junko Sadahiro’s passion, and the motivation behind her professional development as a chef.
In 2003, Junko undertook apprentice cook training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. Following stints at The Westin Hotel and the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Junko completed her apprentice cook training at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary while working at the Calgary Golf and Country Club and then the Hyatt Regency Calgary. Along the way, Junko won the Alberta Culinary Challenge Apprentice of the Year competition in 2004, earned her Red Seal and journeyman certificates in 2005 and received the Fred Balmer Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her achievement in the SAIT program.
Cooking was always Junko’s favourite thing to do — and now she gets to do it every day as her job. She loves to eat, to try different ethnic cooking, to cook something she’s never made before. Always keen to learn more about cooking and food, Junko has worked both in the kitchen and in the pastry side of food preparation. In 2006, she started a second apprenticeship, in baking, at SAIT, partly to further her knowledge for team competition.
Junko counts herself fortunate to have worked with Culinary Team Alberta over the years on various fundraising dinners and to have competed with the Culinary Team Alberta Student Team at the World Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany in 2004. She credits seeing the commitment, dedication and time demanded of the chefs on the professional team with inspiring her to work harder and set higher goals for her career.
Quick to learn techniques and pick up trends, Junko sees international competition as an opportunity to hone her abilities and skills, and see the new culinary developments, practices and styles of some of the best chefs in the world. Beyond her well-rounded culinary experience, and particular strength in pastry, Junko’s positive attitude and perseverance are a great addition to the team.
Challenging herself, pursuing culinary excellence and reflecting what she learns in her work are Junko’s greatest reward — and motivation.
International Competition Resume
| 2006 | Luxembourg | Team Alberta | Member | Gold, Second Overall |
Contact Information:
Hyatt Regency Calgary
700 Centre Street S
Calgary, Alberta T2G 5P6
Phone: (403) 537-4445
Email: junkosadahiro@hotmail.com