Biography José Janssen   

José Janssen, one the Yukon's best chefs and former owner of Whitehorse's celebrated Chocolate Claim, is now co-owner and chef of Tincup Wilderness Lodge in the heart of the western Yukon. A love of life and enthusiasm are evident in everything José does. She started the Chocolate Claim from the basement of her house in 1986. The shop soon became famous for its European-style baked goods, exceptional muffins, fine catering and Dutch quality hand-dipped chocolates. In 1990, the Chocolate Claim grew into a restaurant and became the favourite of locals as well as a winner of several awards at the Western Canada Chocolate Truffle Competition. In 1994, Jose's hard work and creativity won her a Canadian Woman Entrepreneurship Award for BC. After immigrating from Holland in 1974, José lived and worked in London, Ontario. In the early 1980s, she discovered the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while cooking at forestry camps in northern Alberta. She spent every spare moment hiking, canoeing and exploring the wilderness. Later, José took time out to refine her cooking skills in Italy before moving to the Yukon in 1986. José brings to Tincup Lodge an enthusiasm and energy that has taken her around the world and throughout the wilderness of the great Canadian North.  José welcomes visitors to Tincup Wilderness Lodge with fellow co-owners and friends Larry and Ernie Nagy. The lodge is known for its exceptional angling and for providing a total wilderness experience including alpine hiking, canoeing, kayaking, photography and wildlife viewing. José also offers visitors gourmet food and cooking classes with an international twist. The cuisine at the lodge uses the best of the Yukon - fresh fish, wild berries and local produce - and is meant to inspire the palate while creating a sense of fun.