Quark Expeditions®, the world's leading polar expedition company, is proud to announce the accomplishment of Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge chef Justin Tse, chosen as a semi-finalist along with nine other inspiring Canadian chefs to represent Canada in the prestigious San Pellegrino Young Chef Competition. Tse was chosen from over 3,500 candidates spanning 191 countries for this highly-coveted position.    

The unique Arctic Watch lodge on Somerset Island, Nunavut, is Quark's first land-based arctic expedition. Tse is the head chef at camp during the summer season and pastry chef at the Ottawa restaurant Social the remainder of the year. A graduate of Culinary Arts & Management at St. Lawrence College, he specialises in fine Canadian dining with a distinct European flair. His creations at Arctic Watch consist of Canadian-inspired, locally sourced dishes, with specialties such as arctic char sushi, roasted prime rib slow cooked for 6 hours, fresh lake trout and water bath pork tenderloin in a mushroom truffle cream sauce. 

Contenders from 20 global regions were evaluated by judges at ALMA, the world's leading international educational training center for Italian cuisine, in early January. Ten semi-finalists were selected for each region, based on their scores in the competition's five areas: ingredients, skill, creativity, beauty and message.

"We are ecstatic to see Justin's substantial talents recognised, and how far he's made it in this esteemed competition against such emerging talent from across Canada" said Andrew White, Quark Expeditions President. "We are pleased to partner with Arctic Watch and its incredible team to bring a land-based polar adventure to our guests. They are in for a treat this summer with Chef Tse."

How to Book 

Price for the Arctic Watch Lodge expedition starts at £4,845 per person based on double occupancy. Flights not included. For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com   or call 0808 120 2333

Notes to Editor: For 25 years, Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel. With its diverse fleet of specially equipped vessels, unique land-based adventures and seasoned expedition leaders, it offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote regions on earth: the Arctic and Antarctica.

About Arctic Watch Established in 2000, this 5-star resort has grown into a world-class beluga whale observation site under the watch of the Weber family. The lodge is situated 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Nunavut, Canada, and offers hiking, kayaking, Arctic safaris with musk ox, polar bears and much more. A once-in-a-lifetime Canadian travel experience, Arctic Watch is part of the Canadian Tourism Commission's Canadian Signature Experience.

For all press enquiries please contact: Lynsey Devon, Heaven Publicity Phone: +44 (0)20 3544 1563 Mobile: +44 (0)7717 078862 lynsey@heavenpublicity.co.uk