Toronto to Host S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Canadian Finals, Showcasing Emerging Culinary Talent
Toronto, ON – Ten of Canada’s most promising young chefs are set to compete in Toronto for a chance to represent the country on the international stage at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition’s Grand Finale in Milan, Italy. The Canadian regional final, to be held at George Brown College, is part of the global competition by S.Pellegrino, celebrating 125 years of culinary heritage, dedicated to nurturing and showcasing young talent in the culinary arts.
The esteemed judging panel for the Canadian finals includes prominent figures in the industry: Chef Normand Laprise, known for his transformative cuisine at Toqué! in Montreal; Chef Jason Bangerter of Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ontario, noted for his seasonal and sustainable cooking philosophy; and Chef Nuit Regular of Toronto’s PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, recognized for her expertise in Thai cuisine and authentic culinary methods.
These Canadian chefs have already made it through a rigorous selection process, which drew over 1,000 applicants from 15 countries. Their applications, which included a signature dish, were evaluated by experts from ALMA, a leading center for Italian culinary education, based on technical skill, creativity, and their personal belief in the social impact of gastronomy. The 10 finalists include:
- Stefan Armand, Fairmont Express, Victoria, BC
- Anthony Huynh, Enigma Yorkville, Toronto, ON
- Harun Younussi, Piano Piano, Toronto, ON
- Karly Ready, The Gate, Flesherton, ON
- Victoria Rinsma, Hexagon Restaurant, Oakville, ON
- Mary Louisse Isabelle, Islington Golf Club, Toronto, ON
- Clement Cavoret and Anthony Vien, Tanière3, Quebec City, QC
- Sébastien Rémillard, Bocuse d’Or Canada – Chefs Canada, Quebec City, QC
- Terry Boutte, Le Mousso, Montreal, QC
“The level of skill and passion demonstrated by these young chefs is impressive,” said Matteo Berti, Head of Education at ALMA. “It’s inspiring to see such dedication to creating positive societal impact through food.”
Hosted by TV personality Pay Chen, the competition will challenge each chef to create their signature dish for a panel of judges on October 23. The winner will advance to Milan’s Grand Finale in October 2025, joining other regional champions from around the world to compete in front of the esteemed “Seven Sages” jury, composed of culinary icons like Pía León and Hélène Darroze.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition continues to inspire and connect cultures worldwide, celebrating not only culinary skills but also the transformative role food plays in society. More details on the finalists and competition updates can be found on the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy’s official website.
