It was unanimous. Every judge from every region across the country agreed: Marc Lepine was the undisputed winner. He won the mystery wine pairing event, he won the People’s Choice Award, he won the Black Box Competition and placed second at tonight’s Grande Finale, at which he recreated the dish that secured him the gold in the regional competition in Ottawa last fall.
I’m collapsing into bed now, but with a big stupid grin on my face, so pleased am I for Lepine and his team from that tiny little restaurant called atelier, gold medallist among a field that included such heavyweights as Vancouver’s Rob Feenie of the Cactus Club Restaurants, and Toronto’s Johathan Gushue of the Relais et Chateau property, Langdon Hall.
Rob Feenie actually took the silver medal, and the bronze went to the crowd pleasing Jean-Phillipe St-Denis from Montreal.
Congratulations to Marc Lepine. Ottawa should be very proud.
Marc,
Congrats on a phenomenal accomplishment! Every chef and person interested in food in this region was behind you, whether formally a part of Takeover or not. Your special talent obviously shone through in spades and I am very happy for you for what will undoubtedly be an unforgetable weekend all around. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person!
Rob MacDonald
Chef, Pelican Grill
Hi Anne!
It certainly was an intense and exciting competition! I’m really pleased for all the chefs – and to have Marc Lepine win, with all the support he has had in Ottawa, was such a thrill. I’m also glad you made it out a day early to see what Kelowna has to offer – this year staying at Bottega Farm Inn with dinner hosted by some of our wineries (Tantalus Vineyards and CedarCreek Estate Winery) and farms (Sunshine Farm, Okanagan Lavender, and Arlo’s Honey Farm)… we’ll do it again next year!