Canadian Culinary Championship 2025
A Celebration of Canadian Culinary Excellence!
January 31st and February 1st, 2025
In late January 2025, ten of Canada’s finest chefs – winners of competitions held nationwide in cities stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic – will gather in the nation’s capital to test themselves against their peers and push their limits. Three competitions, each requiring the highest level of skill, talent and technique, judged by a panel of chefs, authors and culinary experts, put these competitors through their paces in every conceivable way. Their efforts will inspire the next generation of culinary talent and help shape the direction of the nation’s cuisine for years to come. Ultimately, a winner among winners is determined and the Canadian Culinary Champion is crowned.
When you attend the Grand Finale on Saturday, February 1st, not only will you have the best dishes these chefs from across Canada can offer, but you will also have the chance to revel in the incredible talent of Johnny Reid (multi-platinum selling artist, Juno Award-winning artist, producer and playwright) along with keyboardist Michael Shand.
The city unites to ensure Canadian youth have equitable access to music education, sport opportunities and healthy food - supporting MusiCounts, Spirit North and both the Ontario Network for Education (ONFE) and BGC Ottawa (formerly Boys and Girls Club Ottawa).
Johnny Reid
Michael Shand
THE CONTENDERS
Who will be the 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion?
The 2024 Canadian Culinary Champion
SILVER: Rupert Garcia, Hawthorn @ Fairmont Palliser Hotel
GOLD: Jasper Cruickshank, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, Whistler, BC
BRONZE: JP Dublado, Private Chef and Consultant
Click here to see our past winners
About CCC
Staged in many cities across Canada in the fall, the regional events are a celebration of Canadian Excellence and include a regional culinary competition. The mission: ensure Canadian youth have equitable opportunities in music education, sport opportunities and food security.
In each of the cities, 5 – 10 chefs compete with a dish of their choice paired with a Canadian wine, beer or spirit. To be invited to compete locally is a notch in the belt. To win regional gold and be on the podium is a major achievement. To be eligible to compete against each of the regional gold winners in Ottawa the following year is a thrill. To be crowned the top chef in Canada at the Canadian Culinary Championship is a career changer!
Click here to see our past winners
The Competitions
Mystery Wine
Chefs are given a mystery bottle of wine and are challenged to create a dish with local ingredients that best complement the mysterious vintage. They have a limited time window and are given a minimal set budget. Guests will have the pleasure of sampling these creations on the opening night of the competition, in a stand-up cocktail reception format. The event will also feature a selection of wines, local craft beer, cocktails and artisanal food products. Food and beverages included.
Friday, January 31 – 6:00 pm
Rogers Centre Ottawa
Black Box
One of the most exciting parts of the competition! Chefs will be given a black box containing a small array of diverse foods, and must produce and plate two spectacular dishes for the national judges – all in one short hour! Guests won’t get much closer to watching an Iron Chef-type competition than this! La Cité culinary students will create a fantastic spread of food during the competition for you to enjoy, and there is a mini-market featuring local products!
Saturday, February 1 – 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
La Cité Collégiale
Grand Finale
On the final night of the competition, anything goes and chefs plate a dish for guests and judges alike – one they have been working on for months! In addition, guests enjoy a selection of fantastic wines, cocktails, craft beer and some tasty local delights while bidding on some amazing silent auction items. During the event, guests will taste the mystery wine and play ‘judge’ as they vote on the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for the best food and wine pairing. By evening’s end, that year’s Canada’s Culinary Champion is crowned, the Winery of the Year is announced and a victory celebration will be staged including performances by some of Canada’s great musicians. Signature trips will be available to incredible destinations! Food and beverages included.
Saturday, February 1 – 6:15 pm
Rogers Centre Ottawa
Ticket Information
Partners
Thank you to the partners and supporters who provide vital support to the project!
National Partners
Podium Partner
Regional Partners
Photos from 2024
