We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
CELEBRITY JUDGE
Janet Bourbon
2013 WFC JudgeJanet Bourbon provides culinary support and perspective for CVAM Food Service, Fresh Pork, Salt, and Case Ready. As always happens with age, Janet’s work experience is extensive. Her background includes fine dining, chain restaurants, corporate retail, as well as manufacturing.
Janet’s cooking career began in high school, when she opened a small catering business with her sister. During university, she talked herself into a job at a local café, and cooked for the Geological Survey of Canada.
After earning her degree in art history, Janet attended the culinary arts program at George Brown College in Toronto. A two-year apprenticeship followed.
This was in the early 1980’s, when chef’s pants were available only in hound’s-tooth check, women were still a novelty in professional kitchens, and chefs could swear and throw kitchen equipment at those who did not perform. Janet benefited enormously from this type of coaching, developing both a thick skin and cat-like reflexes.
Janet moved to Dallas, Texas in 1987. Professional adventures include the Adolphus Hotel, Corporate Foodservice at Neiman Marcus, as well as corporate chef positions at Steak and Ale restaurants, Tyson Foods, and Meyer Natural Angus. Janet has been at Cargill since December of 2009.