Life is a highway, and Canadian rock icon Tom Cochrane is steering his way to Oak Bay this September to headline a high-stakes culinary showdown.
Cochrane is set to headline the live entertainment for Canada’s Great Kitchen Party All-Star Invitational on Sept. 29 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Victoria resident and 2008 Olympic gold medallist Adam Kreek will serve as the emcee for the regional culinary qualifier.
The event is a part of the 20th anniversary season for the organization.
“This is such a fantastic lineup of chefs alongside the great Tom Cochrane,” Stephen Leckie, CEO of Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, said in a press release.
“We are thrilled to be back in Victoria at the prestigious Oak Bay Beach Resort to celebrate our 20th anniversary in grand style.”
Milton Rebello of LIV Cafe & Bistro has already been selected as Victoria’s Chef of Distinction, earning the first of two local spots for the national finale.
The other spot will be up for grabs.
Five Greater Victoria-based chefs will compete at the Oak Bay event, looking to earn the second position alongside Rebello.
The local competitors are Castro Boateng of House of Boateng, Billy Nguyen of Rabbit Rabbit, Corbin Mathany of Ugly Duckling, Sam Harris of Brasserie L’Ecole, and Israel Alvarez of MAiiZ Nixtamal Gastroteca.
“These chefs represent the extraordinary depth of talent that has helped establish Victoria as one of Canada’s premier culinary destinations,” stated the organizers.
Following the showcase in Oak Bay, the two Victoria chefs will head to Ottawa for the Canadian Culinary Championship in January 2027.
They will join regional winners from nine other cities across the country.
But before that, guests will sample signature dishes from each competing chef paired with Canadian wines while watching the competition.
The event raises funds to ensure Canadian youth have equitable access to music education. Since its inception, the organization has raised nearly 20 million dollars for Canadian charities.
Tickets are available by visiting the organization online.