Canadian Culinary Championship 2024
A Celebration of Canadian Excellence!
The 10 best chefs from across Canada competed to be on the podium on Feb 2-3, 2024 in Ottawa
Mark your calendars for 2025: January 31 and February 1
The Winners
Silver: from the Calgary regional competition
Rupert Garcia: Hawthorn @ The Fairmont Palliser, Calgary, AB
Paired with Monte Creek 2021 Frontenac Noir, Thompson Valley, BC
Gold: from the Vancouver regional competition
Jasper Cruickshank: Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, Whistler, BC
Paired with Roche 2021 Pinot Gris, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Bronze: from the Edmonton regional competition
JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer, AB
Paired with Frind 2020 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley BC
The Contenders
Back row - representing:
Newfoundland: Kyle Puddester, Fork, Mobile NL
Toronto: Frank Parhizgar, FK,
Vancouver: Jasper Cruickshank, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, Whistler BC
Montreal: Thomas Deschamps, Les Têtes Brûlées, Mascouche QC
Saskatoon: Garrett Thienes, Harvest Eatery, Shaunavon SK
Front row - representing:
Okanagan: Neil Taylor, Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery
Calgary: Rupert Garcia, Hawthorn @ The Fairmont Palliser
Edmonton: JP Dublado, Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Ottawa: Raghav Chaudhary, Aiana
Winnipeg: Kristopher Kurus, deer + almond
Mystery Wine 2024
Lailey Vineyard 2021 Zweigelt
Niagara on the Lake, ON
Wine of the Year 2024
Rosehall Run 2020 St. Cindy Pinot Noir
Prince Edward County, ON
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!
The Competitions
Mystery Wine Pairing
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. 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. The event will also feature a selection of wines, local craft beer, cocktails and artisanal food products. Food and beverages included.
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!
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. 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.
Ticket Information
Photos from 2024
Partners
Thank you to the partners and supporters who provide vital support to the project!
National Partners
Airline Partner
Platinum Partner
Regional Partners
Prize Partner
