The Invitation
Chris Johns, author, award-winning food writer, and our national head judge and culinary advisor, oversees the selection and judging process of the more than 70 competing chefs, each vying for that coveted trophy and a shot at the Canadian Culinary Championship.
The selection and invitation process for regional competitions takes place each spring with the assistance of our senior judges, who oversee panels representing the best, most knowledgeable and respected food professionals in their cities. Together, they represent the finest selection of culinary expertise ever assembled in Canada, and each year, these judges seek out the best and brightest chefs in their region to compete: from unsung heroes to hometown favourites
If a talented head chef slips under our radar, we encourage chefs, passionate diners or anyone in the culinary community to reach out to our national culinary advisor at cjohns@greatkitchenparty.com to put their name forward. Just remember, to be considered for competition chefs must occupy the highest position in their restaurant. We consider all nominations, but can’t guarantee a spot in the competition.
The Competition
Selected chefs are invited to create an inspired dish that best showcases their particular style and pair it with a premier Canadian wine, beer or spirit. The chefs hone their creations and beverage pairings over many weeks, utilizing the best ingredients Canada has to offer, refining and perfecting each element until they are satisfied they’ve created something that is ready to present to our exacting guests and judges. Dishes are scored out of 100, with points given for taste, visual presentation, texture, technical achievement, beverage compatibility and wow factor.
*Chefs cannot customize dishes for the competition; however, we will clearly list common allergens (gluten, dairy, nuts, soy) on chef signage to help guests enjoy the event safely.
The National Championship
Each city’s regional winner earns a spot at the Canadian Culinary Championship. Held each year in the nation’s capital, our competitors are put through a grueling two-day, three-event grand finale to decide who will be the year’s ultimate champion.
To be invited to compete at the regional level is a notch in the belt. To stand on the podium is to be recognized as one of the very best this country has to offer. To win: a career-defining achievement!
THE IMPACT: Hundreds of Canada’s finest chefs have competed over the years with only a select few taking home the Championship trophy. Today, many of those chefs are sharing their experience and knowledge with a new generation of competitors. The result, as both guests and judges can attest, is helping shape, elevate and define Canadian cuisine as a global force.
Guests of Canada’s Great Kitchen Party test their own palates against those of our esteemed judges as they vote for the People’s Choice winner. The results of this coveted prize are often surprising.
The Head Judges
Drawn from a selection of the finest chefs, culinary educators and food writers in the country, each head judge, in collaboration with their own highly esteemed local judging panel, is responsible for seeking out the best, most talented chefs in their city. Our judges spend countless hours and consume a heroic number of calories seeking out the best food from across their region.
