Top Toronto chefs set to compete in prestigious culinary championship
Published September 11, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Some of the city’s top toques are set to wow diners in their quest to be named the top culinary talent in the country.
Recently, the list of acclaimed chefs who will compete in the Toronto edition of the upcoming Canadian Culinary Championship was released. The Toronto regional qualifier, also known as Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, will invite eight chefs to showcase their culinary talents at The Carlu on Nov. 13.
Local chefs set to compete include Vikash Chhetri from The Cottage Cheese, Laura Maxwell from Avling, Davide Ciavattella from Don Alfonso 1890, Lonie Murdock from Miss Likklemore’s, Hilary Lee from Sisters & Co., Jesse Vallins from Barberian’s Steak House, Ryan Lister from The Dorset and Johnson Wu from the Islington Golf Club.
“The event will showcase Toronto’s brightest talents, representing the pinnacle of the city’s culinary prowess,” event representatives said in a news release.
“This regional qualifier highlights the diverse flavours and innovative techniques that define Canada’s culinary landscape.”
The Toronto qualifier is one of many events leading up to the ultimate competition, which will take place in Ottawa on Jan. 21 and Feb. 1, 2025. Qualifiers are held across the country, from Newfoundland to B.C., in the lead-up to the final showdown. During the qualifiers, one skilled chef walks away with a gold medal and the chance to compete against other winners early the following year.
The upcoming event in Toronto will feature food (of course), live entertainment and a live auction.
“I had the privilege of competing during the Toronto regional qualifier last year. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, filled with genuine excitement for our team, as we earned a spot in the Canadian Culinary Championship finals in Ottawa,” Frank Parhizgar of FK Restaurant, last year’s Toronto qualifier, said in a statement.
“Competing at both the regional and final levels was an absolute honour. The event truly showcases and celebrates the best culinary talent in Canada.”
The final event will invite 10 chefs to participate in three competitions: Mystery Wine, Black Box and the Grand Finale.
In 2024, Jasper Cruickshank, who helms the kitchen at the popular Wild Blue Restaurant in Whistler, took gold.
The competitors are judged by a panel of chefs, authors and culinary experts.
Funds from the event will support two music- and sport-based charities: MusiCounts and Spirit North. Organizers say the event will also support food security for youth through Food Share.