Local first, chef's passion

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.

Edmonton – Davina Moraiko, RGE RD

Davina graduated from the Culinary Arts program at NAIT in 2003. She started her career in Edmonton before going to the west coast and working at some of the top restaurants in Vancouver.

She moved back to Edmonton to help open RGE RD in 2013. Chef de cuisine Davina Moraiko is kept busy at the restaurant, which has a butcher’s shop with a whole animal program, chefs tasting menu that changes daily and ever changing seasonal ingredients.

RGE RD was chosen as Best New Restaurant when it first opened, and Best Overall in Edmonton by Avenue Magazine for the last five years. RGE RD was recognized by EnRoute Magazine, placing No. 4 in its annual Top 10 Best New Restaurants for 2014.

Davina has made it a priority to cultivate relationships with farmers and farms. This relationship with food producers helps navigate the menus at RGE RD. The philosophy of local, healthful and ethical food is the backbone of the restaurant concept-an urban gathering place where the farm dictates the menu.

As chef de cuisine, she is passionate about food, continual mentorship and community engagement.