Applications now open for Restaurants Canada’s annual cooking competition

The Garland Canada Culinary Competition is set to take place virtually during RC Show 2021

Restaurant Canada’s annual RC Show is set to take place next month and for the first time in its storied 77-year history, the four-day culinary event will take place entirely online. 

And while the transition from in-person events to online events has become relatively common in our current landscape, today Restaurants Canada and event partner Garland Canada announced an additional change coming to one of the tradeshow's main draws, the Garland Canada Culinary Competition.

In an effort to promote and provide equal opportunities for all chefs, up to 50 per cent of the competition’s available spots will be reserved for female and BIPOC chefs. 

“Supporting diversity and inclusion in any field is a must, but especially within the foodservice industry where the majority of recognized chefs are white men,” says Mary Chiarot, Vice President and General Manager of Welbilt-Garland Canada. “This competition aims to level the playing field and celebrate incredible dishes from chefs of all backgrounds, while supporting the recovery of the restaurants industry across Canada.”

Chefs from coast-to-coast can apply to compete in the virtual competition by submitting a short video, which will then be judged by a panel of culinary experts from the top culinary schools in Canada. 12 finalists will be selected to compete for a prize pool of up to $10,000 in cash along with an array of other prizes.  

“We welcome all of Canada’s best and brightest chefs to come to the table, bringing new innovations and trends to this year’s competition,” says Todd Barclay, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “Now more than ever we need to support Canadian chefs and restaurants, and we look forward to celebrating both old and new talent across the country at the 2021 RC Show.”

Applications must be submitted by January 15. Further information regarding the Garland Canada Culinary Competition along with application criteria can be found online.