Local chefs heat up culinary competition

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Seven local chefs have thrown their hats in the ring for a chance to represent Winnipeg at the 2026 Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa January next year.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2025 (342 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Seven local chefs have thrown their hats in the ring for a chance to represent Winnipeg at the 2026 Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa January next year.

Also known as Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, the regional qualifier takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the RBC Convention Centre, and features entertainment from Spirit of the West’s Geoff Kelly, as well as Canadian musicians Barney Bentall, Kevin Fox, Matthew Harder and Rebecca Harder.

Chefs Emily Butcher (Bar Accanto), Darnell Banman (Thermea Spa Village), Michael de Groot (Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar), Ken Hoang (Le Colonial Restaurant and Bar), Norman Pastorin, (Basta! Filipino Kitchen), Chinnie Ramos (Wow! Catering) and Lauren Wiebe-Dembowski (Niakwa Country Club) will be judged on skill, creativity and technique as they vie to impress the panel of local culinary experts, led by head national judge Chris Johns, 2025 regional winner Austin Granados (formerly of Cake-ology) and Winnipeg senior judge Mike Green.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES Chef Norm Pastorin of Basta! Filipino Kitchen is competing at Canada’s Great Kitchen Party.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES

Chef Norm Pastorin of Basta! Filipino Kitchen is competing at Canada’s Great Kitchen Party.

“We’re honoured to have such a strong field of chefs representing Winnipeg this year,” said Green.

“There’s several past regional champions returning, along with some up-and-coming chefs that should be on every local’s radar who have impressive CVs. You’ll also note there’s a broad range of culinary styles too, reflecting our diverse culinary scene. I’m really looking forward to what’s in store on Oct. 1 as we return to the RBC Convention Centre.”

The event, which is also a fundraiser for MusiCounts, Spirit North and Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, includes the opportunity to sample all the competing chefs’ dishes, along with Canadian wines, local craft beer, spirits and mocktails. The VIP reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with the competition at 6 p.m. and the celebration — including passed dessert, entertainment, auction and awards — running from 7:40 to 9 p.m.

Individual tickets are $315 at greatkichenparty.com.

— Staff

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