At Verve Senior Living, food is more than just a meal, it’s an experience that brings people together. That spirit was proudly showcased last week on the stage by two of our Dining Services Managers at the Yes Chef! Black Box Competition, hosted by SGP.
Justin Calvez, from Verve Aspen Woods in Calgary, and Gustavo Hernandez, from The Shores of Port Credit in Mississauga, teamed up for this high-pressure culinary challenge—and walked away with a bronze medal, a true testament to their creativity, skill, and commitment to excellence.
This annual event brings together top chefs from senior living residences across Canada. The twist? Competitors receive a mystery box of ingredients on the day of the event and must plan and prepare a standout appetizer and entrée using only the items provided.
This year’s mystery box featured jumbo black tiger shrimp, whole chicken, daikon radish, oyster mushrooms, and smoked mozzarella—a combination that demanded quick thinking, collaboration, and culinary creativity.
Gus and Justin rose to the occasion with calm focus and strong teamwork. Their thoughtful approach, balanced flavours, and attention to detail made them a standout pair. Their station quickly became a crowd favourite, catching the attention of both attendees and judges.
Winning bronze in such a competitive field is no small feat. Congratulations to Gus and Justin on this exciting achievement—and thank you for representing Verve with such excellence on the national stage!
