Katie's Kitchen was open again, as family, friends and fans gathered at Forget's Happy Nun Cafe, Saturday, Aug. 12 for an evening of food, friendship and fond memories to benefit the Katie Vinge-Riddell “Nailed It” Memorial Scholarship at Edmonton's NAIT Culinary Arts School, in honour of the award-winning young chef and owner of Forget's The Happy Nun Cafe.
The evening was, unsurprisingly, sold-out. Guests dined on a four-course meal created by Chef Tim Davies of Regina's Willows on Wascana restaurant, who volunteered his expertise for the evening in order to pay tribute to his one-time apprentice.
“I was privileged to be invited to do this; we worked closely together,” said Davies, whose wife Sheeli Davies, assisted him in the kitchen.
Katie's sister, sommelier Jillian Vinge, oversaw wine pairing for each course, while the young chef's husband, Riley Riddell tended bar.
“Our family and the Vinge family have had so much support during this difficult time,” said Riddell. “It's good to be back at The Happy Nun with all of our friends and family.”
Jillian agreed, adding: “We're happy to bring life into The Happy Nun again.”
Katie's friend, Roxann Waelchili was one of the young chef's many friends and staff members who volunteered their time and talents to make the evening a success, along with musicians Wool Tree Grove.
“We're all friends of Katie's here tonight and we all came together,” said Waelchli. “It's hard, because we miss her so much, but tonight is just a lot of love for a special girl.”
Prior to the fundraiser, Katie's mother, Connie Vinge said, “The scholarship is entitled the Katie Vinge-Riddell “Nailed It” Memorial Scholarship, because that was her favourite saying when her food turned out perfectly - which really, was 100 percent of the time.”
“What we, as her family, want to do with this scholarship is to create opportunities for young chefs to follow their dreams and further their education like Katie did. The requirements for the scholarship are for a second-year Culinary Arts student at NAIT who displays passion, creativity, teamwork and consideration for others - all characteristics she exhibited.”
Katie's father, Tim Vinge, graciously addressed the crowd, starting with numerous thank yous, and briefly referring to the book, 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People' by Rabbi Harold Kushner.
“When bad things happened to our Katie, the folks from Saskatchewan were there to help us, as well as our good friends. This is the way people from Saskatchewan are, and the gratitude that we have for what you have done is beyond words.”
Tim addressed his daughter's considerable professional and personal attributes, which included The Happy Nun's numerous awards and accolades - the result of Katie's talent and hard work. Since 2015, the restaurant was showcased by television's 'The Prarie Diner', CTV's Small-Town Saskatchewan Summer Tour, The Saskatchewanderer, and the Saskscapes podcast with Saskatoon radio personality, Kevin Power. Katie also addressed the Community Futures and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan as their keynote speaker.
The Happy Nun was also awarded The Saskatchewan Tourism Award of Excellence and earned a five-star rating from TripAdvisor for Top Canadian Cuisine and Live Entertainment, as well as five stars for Top Family-Friendly Dining.
Most recently, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) spent three days with Katie at The Happy Nun for a BBC Online feature, an event which Tim remembered with a smile.
“When she told me The Happy Nun was being featured by the BBC, I thought it was bed and breakfast something,” said Tim. “I advised her not to take culinary arts - but she was interviewed by the BBC - not me!”
“It shows you parents don't always know best,” he added.
Her father compared Katie's career in culinary arts to his experience learning the violin.
“Katie had a passion and a vision about culinary arts,” he said. “She got her cooking ability from both of her grandmothers and she found her place and passion at NAIT's Culinary Arts program in Edmonton.”
“Katie had to learn the language of food,” he added. “She apprenticed under Chef Tim Davies at the Willow on Wascana in Regina and she worked hard to be the best.”
“She practiced and practiced. Her instructors at NAIT made sure all of her strings were in tune and they gave her their gift of passion.”
“Eventually, through much perseverence and hard work, Katie was able to make sweet music in the kitchen of The Happy Nun.”
“She was always focused on making sure that the food she prepared was good for the soul.”
“Now is the time to look toward the future,” continued Tim. “Now is the time for us to help others learn to fulfill their dreams and their passions.”
“The Katie Vinge-Riddell “Nailed It” Memorial Scholarship will help others play their own sweet music, so to speak and to fulfill their dreams.”
Katie's passion will live on through this scholarship.”
Connie Vinge said that the scholarship also addresses Katie's considerable philanthropic contributions, which included animal rescue and numerous benefits for both organizations and individuals.
“We want to continue the charitable work that Katie was so passionate about,” said Connie.
Tim said of his daughter: “Katie left all of us a little better than when she got us.”
“The scholarship at NAIT will ensure that we can help the profession of culinary arts and leave it a bit better for future students in this program.”
“We want to create new opportunities to support young chefs and their passion and vision,” said Tim. “This is what Katie would want and this is what Katie will get.”
Tim ended his address with a poem by Dorothy Holmes:
“What a delicious lunch
I munched on your words
Nourishing my tired heart
Enjoyed the sweet parfait of your smile.
Drank deeply the essence of your laughter.”
“Bon Appetit, Katie. Bon Appetit, all.”
Contributions to the Katie Vinge-Riddell “Nailed It” Memorial Scholarship can be made online at: alumni.nait.ca/katievinge 12.
