Photo: Contributed

Canada's top chefs return to Kelowna Feb. 1-2 to battle for the title of best in the nation at the Canadian Culinary Championships.

The competition includes a Mystery Wine Pairing Competition, Black Box Competition, and Grand Finale at the Delta Grand Hotel. Tickets are available at http://www.greatkitchenparty.com/.

Leading up the event, Castanet is featuring profiles of the 11 competing chefs.

Takashi Ito, AURA waterfront restaurant + patio, Victoria

What is your favourite ingredient?

Soy sauce! I can’t live without it.

What would you eat and drink as your last meal?

Sauteed foie gras with poached Okanagan peach and Sauterne as the first course; Australian rack of lamb with rosemary and Dijon mustard, with St. Emilion as the main course; finished with kabocha and rum mousse, almond Mont Blanc and ice wine. And two portions of each please. One for here, the other to go.

What is your most treasured possession?

Imagination.

What is your secret fast food indulgence?

Either the Chinese food court at T&T in Richmond or Cheezies!

What is the most unusual ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?

Grasshoppers!