{"id":9728,"date":"2025-03-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T13:35:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T17:35:57","slug":"every-dish-tells-a-story","status":"publish","type":"menu","link":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Dish Tells a Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

Chef Victoria Rinsma likes a challenge. She\u2019s the sous-chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hexagon, the winner of the S. Pellegrino Young Chef Academy
competition and busy perfecting her recipes in preparation for the finals in Milan. But she\u2019s also the kind-hearted birthday cake baker for her boyfriend\u2019s four young nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m making three cakes in the next couple of weeks and they\u2019re all different and quite intricate. I just ordered everything since I\u2019m also decorating the cakes.\u201d When asked about the different skills required for baking and decorating Rinsma admits, \u201cThere\u2019s this part of me that says I know I can make it happen. I like to take things on, and I like being busy. At one point someone said to make the cake simpler, and I said, \u2018No. If I\u2019m doing it – I\u2019m doing it\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like many chefs, her earliest influence in the kitchen was her grandmother. \u201cI learned to cook from my grandmother. She\u2019s like a huge inspiration for me,\u201d Rinsma recalls.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHer flavours are delicious. When I think about my childhood, there are so many things that we would make, and we had so many different fun food traditions that I don\u2019t think were very typical.\u201d She adds, \u201cFor Thanksgiving, instead of having turkey, we would buy a cookbook from somewhere else in the world. Then we would make meals that we picked from the cookbook, and it would change every year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

With these early experiences in the kitchen, Rinsma knew her career was in culinary. She originally wanted to be a pastry chef. \u201cWhen I was in high school, my cooking teacher said that I needed to be able to cook. He felt that there wasn\u2019t a lot of jobs for people who only did pastry, so that\u2019s why I got into cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While in high school and at Durham College, Rinsma got her first taste of cooking competitions, from skills to Taste Canada\u2019s \u201cCooks the Books.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was really keen and eager, and I would try anything. When I first heard of S. Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition, I thought, \u2018Oh I\u2019m going to do this,\u2019 but then I got busy doing other things.\u201d These other things include her career at Hexagon, a restaurant in Oakville, Ontario which recently received its first Michelin Star. After starting as a cook in 2018, she became chef de partie and now is the proud sous-chef of the acclaimed restaurant. It\u2019s here that Rinsma saw the level of dedication and work required for the competition.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking with Rafa (Hexagon\u2019s Chef Rafa Covarrubias), I watched him prepare for the S. Pellegrino competition, and I helped him practice and get ready for New York. It was so emotional to see him compete and win. His dish was amazing, and it was so great to see him showcase his skills, show what he has to offer and for him to tell his story.\u201d But instead of being intimidated, Rinsma was inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of her signature dish was a challenge, \u201cI knew it wasn\u2019t just about the dish itself, but also my story, and I was confident in my story. Many dishes I saw had a lot of components in it, but mine was more on the simplistic side.\u201d Rinsma\u2019s award winning dish, \u201cAcross the Sea and Home Again\u201d was a two-part meal that includes a chawanmushi and a main course inspired by her grandmother. \u201cShe made a split-pea soup with dumplings which was one of my favourites,\u201d muses Rinsma. \u201cSince this was a meal about my journey I wanted to pay tribute to my grandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The competition was a milestone showcasing her creativity, resilience and determination. \u201cIt was more difficult than I anticipated,\u201d she admits. Balancing work, life and practice sessions took a toll, both physically and mentally. \u201cAt one point, I was sick, lying on the table shucking peas, thinking, \u2018I don\u2019t know if I can do this.\u2019 But I kept going. It was me against me.\u201d When her name was announced as the winner, Rinsma describes the moment as surreal. \u201cEveryone was composed and clapping and my boyfriend and Rafa were just screaming.\u201d Winning not only validated her hard work and vision but also opened doors for her to represent her culinary vision on a global stage. \u201cI\u2019m very competitive, so I\u2019m going to Milan to win this thing,\u201d she says. The final is scheduled to take place in Milan in October 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeeing Rafa compete in the same competition and win was incredibly inspirational,\u201d she shares. Under his guidance Rinsma gained invaluable insights not only into cooking but also pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. \u201cHis mentorship is everything,\u201d she states. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be where I am without it and his friendship. There hasn\u2019t been a day at Hexagon where I\u2019ve stopped learning.\u201d Reflecting on her early days she acknowledges how her initial independence sometimes held her back. \u201cWhen I was younger, I didn\u2019t want to ask for help. But I\u2019ve realized that asking for help shows more strength.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the kitchen at Hexagon thrives on collaboration, the team brings diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. \u201cWe brainstorm together. Everyone contributes something unique based on their life experiences,\u201d says Rinsma. This environment of mutual support fosters both technical excellence and creative innovation, proving that mentorship is not a one-way street, but a shared journey of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy community believed in me before I believed in myself,\u201d declares Rinsma. \u201cThey were my first taste testers, my biggest critics and my loudest cheerleaders.\u201d When she began competing for the S. Pellegrino title, the support from her community became even more tangible. Friends, family and local businesses rallied behind her offering everything from ingredients, to places to hold practice sessions, to handwritten notes of encouragement. \u201cIt felt like everyone was invested in this journey with me,\u201d she recalls. \u201cThat kind of support is priceless. It pushes you to do your absolute best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s this idea of doing her best that makes her excel in fine dining \u2013 which some believe is a world of small portions and finicky foods. Rinsma hopes to change that perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt the end of the day everyone in cooking is here for the same reason: to give someone a good experience,\u201d she explains. \u201cFine dining, pushes the boundaries of culinary arts, inspiring the entire industry. Techniques once confined to fine dining, like sous vide, have now found their way into more casual kitchens, demonstrating its impact\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her philosophy for fine dining is straightforward. \u201cSimple, delicious food. Not pretentious. I want people to leave saying, \u2018That was really good. It was worth every penny\u2019\u201d. She believes the industry\u2019s role extends beyond the plate. \u201cFine dining teaches people about themselves. It\u2019s an experience that can surprise you, expand your palate, and challenge your perceptions of food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central to Rinsma\u2019s culinary vision is the idea of storytelling through food. Every dish she creates serves as a narrative, weaving through her personal experiences, cultural heritage, and inspirations. Her menus are thoughtfully crafted, with every element intentionally designed to evoke emotions and spark conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This commitment to storytelling extends to how she approaches new recipes. \u201cI start with the emotion I want to convey,\u201d Rinsma says. \u201cThen I think about the flavours and textures that will bring that emotion to life. It\u2019s like composing a piece of music or painting a picture.\u201d By anchoring her culinary creations in emotion and memory, Victoria ensures that her work resonates deeply with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having navigated her journey with both triumphs and challenges, Rinsma offers heartfelt advice to aspiring chefs: \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone starts somewhere. And balance is crucial. Staying creative means stepping away sometimes\u2013going for a walk, eating at other restaurants, experiencing life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience. \u201cThe kitchen can be tough. There are long hours, high-pressure situations, and moments where you\u2019ll doubt yourself. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her parting words reflect the philosophy that has driven her success: \u201cStay true to who you are. Focus on being the best you can be. And remember, at the heart of every dish is a story, so tell yours with pride.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Quick Six<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Greatest inspiration:<\/strong> My grandmother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Favourite flavour:<\/strong> I like combinations of flavours, textures and contrasts like salty and sweet, hot and cold desserts and acidic foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secret ingredient:<\/strong> Lemon, the whole fruit, not the bottled version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tool of the trade:<\/strong> I think a petty knife is underrated because they\u2019re smaller so you can do so many things whether it requires finesse because it\u2019s intricate or you\u2019re just chopping an onion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top skill:<\/strong> It\u2019s either a skill or a personal downfall but I always want things to be as perfect as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signature personality trait:<\/strong> I\u2019m always busy \u2013 I like taking on a lot of things and I like the stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Chef Rinsma\u2019s journey at:
IG: @victoriarinsma<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0
IG: @hexagonrestaurant<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":9732,"template":"","menu_author":[471],"menu-category":[485],"menu-tag":[486,487,481,490],"class_list":["post-9728","menu","type-menu","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","menu_author-menu-magazine","menu-category-workforce-culture","menu-tag-back-of-house","menu-tag-chef","menu-tag-spotlight","menu-tag-women-in-leadership"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nEvery Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Every Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chef Victoria Rinsma likes a challenge. She\u2019s the sous-chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hexagon, the winner of the...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Restaurants Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RestaurantsCanada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-20T17:35:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Competition-Dish.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1199\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"786\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@RestaurantsCA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/\",\"name\":\"Every Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/Competition-Dish.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-11T04:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-20T17:35:57+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/Competition-Dish.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/Competition-Dish.jpeg\",\"width\":1199,\"height\":786},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/menu\\\/every-dish-tells-a-story\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/fr\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Every Dish Tells a Story\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Restaurants Canada\",\"description\":\"La voix des services alimentaires\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Restaurants Canada\",\"alternateName\":\"RC\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rcsparkdev.wpenginepowered.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/rc-brand-colour.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rcsparkdev.wpenginepowered.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/rc-brand-colour.svg\",\"width\":1,\"height\":1,\"caption\":\"Restaurants Canada\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.restaurantscanada.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/RestaurantsCanada\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/RestaurantsCA\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Every Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"Every Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada","og_description":"Chef Victoria Rinsma likes a challenge. She\u2019s the sous-chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hexagon, the winner of the...","og_url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/","og_site_name":"Restaurants Canada","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RestaurantsCanada","article_modified_time":"2026-10-20T17:35:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1199,"height":786,"url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Competition-Dish.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@RestaurantsCA","twitter_misc":{"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/","url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/","name":"Every Dish Tells a Story - Restaurants Canada","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Competition-Dish.jpeg","datePublished":"2025-03-11T04:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-20T17:35:57+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Competition-Dish.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Competition-Dish.jpeg","width":1199,"height":786},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/menu\/every-dish-tells-a-story\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Every Dish Tells a Story"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/","name":"Restaurants Canada","description":"La voix des services alimentaires","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#organization","name":"Restaurants Canada","alternateName":"RC","url":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/rcsparkdev.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rc-brand-colour.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/rcsparkdev.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rc-brand-colour.svg","width":1,"height":1,"caption":"Restaurants Canada"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RestaurantsCanada","https:\/\/x.com\/RestaurantsCA"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/menu\/9728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/menu"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/menu"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"menu_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/menu_author?post=9728"},{"taxonomy":"menu-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/menu-category?post=9728"},{"taxonomy":"menu-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/menu-tag?post=9728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}