Menu

Winnipeg

All-Star Invitational

This year’s regional qualifier, held at the RBC Convention Centre October 7th, was an evening of elegance, artistry, and exceptional taste. Guests were treated to an immersive experience executed by Winnipeg’s All-Star Chefs. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, two chefs will represent Winnipeg at the national finals: Emily Butcher, Winnipeg’s appointed Chef of Distinction and Edward Lam, who is the winner of the regional competition. Don’t miss cheering them on at the Canadian Culinary Championship.

The Winners


Silver Medalist: Luc Jean, WOW Catering Inc.

Dish: Maple braised Bison Neck, Pickled cranberries and mustard seeds, Smoked Parsnip puree, Porcini mushroom flan, Prairie grain crumb, Wild sage and scallion aioli
Pairing: Tawse Cabernet Franc 2020, Niagara Peninsula, ON


Gold Medalist: Edward Lam, Peacock Kitchen & Drinks

Dish: Roasted dry-aged duck with duck jus, Chou farci of duck legs, fermented olives, garlic scapes, and jicama underneath a green pea purée and sweet barbeque sauce, Foie gras torchon, nori nougatine, citrus veil, paired
Pairing: Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2022, Niagara Peninsula, ON


Bronze Medalist: Darnell Banman, Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg

Dish: Humble Beginnings, Chicken Mousseline | Carrot Jus | Chicken Crunch | Cipollini Onion | Spruce, Tip Oil | Gougere | Confit Egg Yolk | Black Truffle | Celery
Pairing: Closson Chase Hillier Pinot Noir 2023, Hillier, ON


Click here to see our previous culinary winners


Representing Winnipeg at the Canadian Culinary Championship:

Chef Emily Butcher, in collaboration with The Burnley Place Hospitality Group, owns and operates two of Winnipeg’s most celebrated restaurants: Nola and Bar Accanto. She has won Gold at the Great Kitchen Party twice: first in 2019 and again in 2025 and took home Bronze at the Canadian Culinary Championship in 2020.

Chef Edward Lam is the 2022 Regional Gold Medalist and the co-owner of Peacock Kitchen & Drinks and Saburo Kitchen, two acclaimed Winnipeg restaurants that each offer a unique culinary experience. As a self-taught chef, he never had the professional training, but he was always determined and focused. He never takes a break, you can always see Chef Edward researching and looking for inspiration to develop new creations to bring to his customers.


The People's Choice

Luc Jean of WOW Catering Inc., the recipient of the 2008 Best Modern Australian Restaurant in Queensland, earning the Culinary Excellence Trophy from Les Toques Blanches Queensland, capturing a Silver Medal at the World Culinary Olympics while representing his home province of Manitoba, and winning the 2014 Manitoba Gold Medal Plates.

Dish: Maple braised Bison Neck, Pickled cranberries and mustard seeds, Smoked Parsnip puree, Porcini mushroom flan, Prairie grain crumb, Wild sage and scallion aioli

Pairing: Tawse Cabernet Franc 2020, Niagara Peninsula, ON


The All Star Contenders

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 Harvest Manitoba’s Meals2Go.

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

Winnipeg Photos 2026