Canadian Culinary Championships

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2017

CANADIAN CULINARY CHAMPIONSHIPS

TICKETS SELLING FAST!

Kelowna, B.C. – The 2017 Canadian Culinary Championships presented by Deloitte is taking place in Kelowna, B.C. February 3-4, 2017.The three unique events have strong ticket sales are already surpassing previous years levels with 90% of tickets for each event already sold.

Tickets for events can be purchased online at or by calling 778-883-3448.

Eleven gold medal winning chefs from across the country will compete in three events over the two days, challenging their skills, endurance and ability to think quickly. The goal: to be crowned The Canadian Culinary Champion.

Attendees at each event have the opportunity to enjoy the dishes and the wine pairings offered by each competitor. Guests attending the Saturday night Grand Finale will enjoy live music from chart-topping, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid and Juno-Nominated Danny Michel. As well, they will have the opportunity to bid on incredible live international experiential auction items exclusive to the Canadian Culinary Championships and cheer on the competitors to see who makes it to the podium in 2017.
Tickets are available for two key events including:

Friday, February 3, 2017
Mystery Wine Pairing
Chefs are given a mystery bottle of wine and must create a dish with local ingredients that best complements the mysterious vintage. The challenges: a time limit and a 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 wine and food pairing. A silent auction of rare wines and other experiences will also be featured. Food and wine included.Cost: $145 plus tax.

Saturday, February 4, 2017
Grand Finale Competition
On the final night of competition, anything goes. Chefs create their best dish for guests to sample, paired with a great wine from their regional winery partner. By evening’s end, Canada’s Champion Chef of 2017 will be crowned and a victory celebration will be staged featuring performances at the end of the evening by chart-topping, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid and Juno-Nominated Danny Michel. Food and wine included.Cost: $275 plus tax

"We are entering our 7th year hosting the Gold Medal Plates Grand Finale - theCanadian Culinary Championships. It is very gratifying to see how the community has embraced this event,” comments Judy Burns, Event Chair of the Canadian Culinary Championships. “The Championships are one of the most significant culinary competitions held in Canada, attracting Canada’s top culinary talents. We are proud to have the opportunity to showcase to all of our guests locally and those from across this country,the bounty Kelowna and the Okanagan have to share."
Judging will be led by James Chatto, Gold Medal Plates’ National Culinary Advisor and Head Judge and includes the following participating Gold Medal Chefs:

Chefs Competing at the 2017 Canadian Culinary Championships:

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Jesse McCleery –Pilgrimme,Galiano Island

EDMONTON:Eric Hanson –Prairie Noodle Shop

CALGARY: Jinhee Lee –Foreign Concept

REGINA: Garrett (Rusty) Thienes –Harvest Eatery and Fresh Market

SASKATOON: Scott Torgerson –Radisson Hotel Saskatoon & Aroma Resto Bar
WINNIPEG: Jesse Friesen –Pizzeria Gusto

TORONTO: Amanda Ray –Canteen Restaurant

OTTAWA: Joe Thottungal –Coconut Lagoon

MONTREAL: Sophie Tabet –Chez Sophie

HALIFAX: Mark Gray –Battery Park Beer Bar & Eatery

ST. JOHN’S: Ruth Wigman –Oppidan

“The culinary students at Okanagan College appreciate the opportunity to volunteer for the weekend and work under these very talented competitors. Each year they are grateful for the experience and the knowledge they obtain,” comments Chef Bernard Casavant, Culinary Manager, Okanagan College.” “Kelowna is becoming a farm-to-table culinary destination and our local chef’s enjoy welcoming their peers to our community, sharing stories and cheering on the competitors.”

Event information:
Official Website:
Official Twitter: @GoldMedalPlates
Official Hashtag: #CCC2017

About The Canadian Culinary Championships

Net proceeds from the Canadian Culinary Championships are provided to the Canadian Olympic Foundation which supports Olympic athletes and high performance programs. Since 2004, Gold Medal Plates has generated over 12 million for Canada's Olympic athletes.

Gold Medal Plates - Gold Medal Plates is the ultimate celebration of Canadian excellence in food, wine, athletic achievement and entertainment and has raised over 12 million for elite Canadian athletes. For more information, visit the Gold Medal Plates website

Canadian Olympic Foundation –The Beneficiary:The Canadian Olympic Foundation is a national charitable organization that generates support to meet the technical, scientific, medical and coaching needs of Canada's athletes across all Olympic sports. Proceeds from Gold Medal Plates are given to the Canadian Olympic Foundation to support high performance programs such as Own the Podium. To learn more about the Foundation and the programs it funds, please visit

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Media Contact:

Christina Ferreira

250.469.1958