Ontario takes top spot as culinary champ

Photo: Contributed - Brian Chambers

It was a valiant effort by local chef Mark Filatow of Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar, but Ontario chef Marc St. Jacques was crowed champion of the Gold Medal Plates Canadian Culinary Championships.

The competition brought 10 of the best chefs from around Canada to compete for culinary glory at the Delta Grand Hotel.

The new Champion, Chef Marc St. Jacques from Auberge du Pommier in Toronto, won with Terrine of Fois Gras, a dish of White Soy Gele, Black Sesame Financier and Roasted Lemon Curd, paired with Peller Estates Ice Cuvée.

“I am shocked and this win is totally unexpected. There were some amazing chefs competing against me this weekend, and this is by far an incredible honour.”

Chef Jamie Stunt from Oz Kafe in Ottawa took second place with a Pan Seared Tiraislin Farms Yak, paired with Ashton, la belle terre, Ashton Brewing Company and Chef Milton Rebello from Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza in Regina, rounded out the top three with a Lamb and Goat Cheese Duo paired with See Ya Later Ranch 2010 Pinot Noir.

The two-day event started with a Friday evening Mystery Wine Pairing at the Hotel Eldorado, where chefs prepared a dish they felt perfectly suited the mystery bottle of wine they had received the evening before. It was Norman Hardie 2010 County Pinot Noir from Ontario.

They were given $500 to shop for ingredients to provide a small plate nosh for the 350-plus guests in attendance. Invited guests were able to taste the chefs' creations and cast their own ballot.

Eden Hrabec of Crazyweed Kitchen in Canmore, AB came away as the People's Choice Winner for this single event.