Kelowna News

Kelownian vying to be 'Top Chef'

Canada will soon see what Kelowna has to offer in the way of culinary talent.

Evelynn Takoff apprenticed with Chef Rod Butters at RauDZ Regional Table and is currently the chef de cuisine at micro bar•bites, but starting this March she can be seen on TV's across the nation as she competes to be Canada's 'Top Chef'.

Photo: Contributed - YouTube

Takoff will go head to head with 13 other nationally recognized chefs during the fourth season of Top Chef Canada, The Food Network's number one series. 

For the first time ever, an even number of men and women will compete in a series of challenges, with the winner taking home the grand prize of $100,000, a GE Monogram kitchen worth $30,000, a custom installation by Caesarstone Quartz Surfaces worth $25,000, and the title of Canada’s Top Chef.

Takoff grew up on a farm outside Kelowna and has raised animals since a young age. Her family provides livestock for RauDZ and micro, as both restaurants focus on a farm-to-table approach.

The 28-year-old is the membership director of the Okanagan Chefs' Association and said during her audition video for Top Chef Canada that she will have an advantage in the competition thanks to her upbringing.

"I have an understanding and appreciation of the animal and where it comes from before we get it in the kitchen, it makes it a very humbling experience," she says in her bid to get on the show.

The new season of Top Chef Canada will feature guest judges and tasters including Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson, Chopped Canada host Dean McDermott and wife Tori Spelling, Chopped Canada judges Chuck Hughes, Lynn Crawford, Roger Mooking and Susur Lee.

The series premiers March 10 on The Food Network.

Watch Takoff's audition here: