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St. John’s

All-Star Invitational

This year’s regional qualifier, held at the St. John’s Convention Centreon October 3rd, was an evening of elegance, artistry, and exceptional taste. Guests were treated to an immersive experience executed by St. John’s All-Star Chefs. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, two chefs will represent St. John’s at the national finals: Roger Andrews, St. John’s appointed Chef of Distinction and Kyle Puddester, who is the winner of the regional competition. Don’t miss cheering them on at the Canadian Culinary Championship

The Winners


Silver: Cody Lambe, Blue Smoke BBQ

Dish: Spruce Tip Patrami, Partridge BBQ Sauce, Turnip Greens, Russian Dressing Crumble
Therianthropy "Le Maillot" 2022, Niagara Peninsula, ON


Gold: Kyle Puddester, Fork Restaurant

Dish: The Forest Floor- Textures of foraged Newfoundland & Labrador mushrooms
Closson Chase Pinot Noir 2024, Prince Edward County, ON


Bronze: Lacey Coffin, Vu Resto & Bar

Dish: Newfoundland Cod Mosaic with Brandade foam, beet Caviar, carrot puree, dandelion greens oil. Served with Newfoundland salt beef crisps
Our Story Charming White 2025, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Click here to see this year's culinary report

Click here to see our previous culinary winners


Representing St. John's at the Canadian Culinary Championship:

Chef Roger Andrews is a two-time provincial competitor at the Canadian Culinary Championship and culinary instructor at the College of the North Atlantic. He represented the country as a member of Culinary Team Canada from 2006 to 2012, and won Chopped Canada.

Chef Kyle Puddester is the chef-owner of Fork in rural Mobile, NL and is the two time Regional Gold Medalist in 2019 & 2023 and 2018 Regional Bronze Medalist. Fork is a small 30-seat restaurant with a quality-over-quantity approach, utilizing locally sourced and on-site farmed ingredients to produce creative and flavorful dishes.


The People's Choice

Cody Lambe, the 2025 Regional Silver Medalist and 2024 Regional Bronze Medalist, and owner, operator and pitmaster of Blue Smoke BBQ a Texas-inspired catering company in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dish: Spruce Tip Patrami, Partridge BBQ Sauce, Turnip Greens, Russian Dressing Crumble

Beverage Pairing: Therianthropy "Le Maillot" 2022, Niagara Peninsula, ON


Best of Show Wine Winners

Silver - Therianthropy "Le Maillot" 2022, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Best of Show - Leaning Post Merlot 2020, Niagara, ON

Bronze - Little Engine Pinot Noir Gold 2022, Naramata Bench, ON
 
 


The All Star Contenders

Lacey Coffin
Vu Resto Bar

Cody Lambe
Blue Smoke BBQ

Kyle Puddester
Fork Restaurant

Brennen Tower-Bowering
North 48

Michael Wozney
Soul Azteka Catering

Dining with Purpose

At the heart of the evening is a deeper intention.

Your participation supports Canadian charities with local impact - dedicated to ensuring youth have access to music education through MusiCounts, sport opportunities through Spirit North and health opportunities through Kids Eat Smart Newfoundland & Labrador.

Together, we are creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and strengthening communities across the country.

To date, we have raised 19.9 million.

It is an experience that resonates far beyond the table.


Partners

St. John’s Photos 2026