We’ll be wrestling the title of Ottawa Gold Medal Plates Culinary Champion from Marc Lepine of Atelier on November 5th, when the NAC once again plays host to the glittering gastronomic event of the year, in support of Canada’s Olympic athletes. Small plates on the menu, presented by eight competing chefs this year, in sufficient quantity to feed a crowd of 450 or so, and to present to a table of seven judges. There will be wines, of course, along with music and merriment and memories, no doubt, of highlights of the summer Olympics in London.
I thought it might be useful to remind you of the chefs representing Ottawa this year, so you can begin to cheer on a favourite, so that list follows. I’d also like to thank my fellow judges who give so generously their time and palates to the job of adjudicating many plates of – usually – glorious food paired with Ontario wines. That bit’s a pleasure. Determining the best plate… that’s no picnic. I promise you an insider’s perspective from the judges’ table in two weeks!
Whoever the winner, he will head to Kelowna for the Canadian Culinary Championship in February, and will face winners in nine other cities. Three of those chefs are already known and standing by: Toronto’s winner is Marc St Jacques of Auberge du Pommier, Regina’s is Milton Rebello of the Hotel Saskatchewan, and Edmonton’s Nathin Bye of Wildflower Grill.
Ottawa GMP Competing Chefs 2012 are…
Norm Aitken, Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar
Michael Blackie, The National Arts Centre
Chris Deraiche, The Wellington Gastropub
Jason Duffy, Arc Lounge.Dining
Michael Hay, Back Lane Café
Jonatha Korecki, Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen + Bar
Jamie Stunt, OZ Kafé
John Taylor, Domus Café
And my fellow judges are James Chatto, one of Canada’s best known food and spirits writers, and head judge for Gold Medal Plates; House of Commons Executive Chef Judson Simpson; cookbook author and lifestyle TV host Margaret Dickenson; TV cook, author, teacher and food stylist Pam Collacott; Sheila Whyte, President/owner of Thyme and Again Creative Catering and Take Home Foods and, as last year’s GMP winner, Chef Marc Lepine, joins our merry band.
I can hardly wait…
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