WINNIPEG, MB — Canada’s Great Kitchen Party is proud to announce Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy as the headlining performer and the six talented chefs selected to compete in Winnipeg’s 2026 regional qualifier for the Canadian Culinary Championship All-Star Invitational.
The highly anticipated 20th Anniversary celebration takes place Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom, bringing together Winnipeg’s leading culinary talent, food lovers, business leaders and community supporters for an unforgettable evening of food, music and giving back.
For twenty years, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, which began as Gold Medal Plates, has celebrated the very best of Canadian culture through food, music and community impact. Now, in its landmark anniversary year, the organization is bringing its All-Star Invitational to Winnipeg for an evening that celebrates the incredible depth and creativity of Manitoba’s culinary community.
10 Cities • 20 All-Star Chefs • East vs. West • One Canadian Culinary Champion
From St. John’s to Victoria, Canada’s most accomplished chefs will gather in ten cities across the country before advancing to the Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa in January 2027.
For the first time in championship history, two chefs will represent each city at the national finale. Each regional event will crown one winning chef to join the city’s Chef of Distinction, creating an elite 20-chef field for the national competition.
WINNIPEG’S CHEF OF DISTINCTION
Emily Butcher has been named Winnipeg’s 2026 Chef of Distinction. A two-time provincial winner and 2020 Canadian Culinary Championship Bronze Medalist, Butcher will represent Winnipeg at the national championship in Ottawa.
She will be joined by the winner of Winnipeg’s 2026 All-Star Invitational culinary competition.
THE ALL-STAR COMPETITORS IN WINNIPEG
Six of Winnipeg’s most exciting culinary talents will go head-to-head in the high-stakes competition:
- Darnell Banman — Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
- Luc Jean — Wow Catering Inc.
- Edward Lam — Peacock Kitchen and Drinks
- Graham Peltier — The Oakwood Café
- Fabrizio Rossi — DeLuca Specialty Foods
- Jessica Young — Spruce Catering
These chefs represent the extraordinary depth of talent, creativity and passion that continues to put Winnipeg’s culinary community on the map.
THE EXPERIENCE
Guests will enjoy signature dishes created by each competing chef, an exciting All-Star culinary showdown and an evening filled with entertainment and celebration.
Adding to the excitement, Chrissy Troy will serve as Emcee, Gregg Maidment will lead the Live Auction, and Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy will take the stage as the evening’s headliner.
VIP guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to experience a special dish created by Winnipeg’s Chef of Distinction, Emily Butcher.
“This is an incredible year for Canada’s Great Kitchen Party in Winnipeg,” says co-chair Matt Pilloud, Partner and Business Advisor with KP’s National Presenting Partner MNP. “The 20th Anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary culinary talent in this city while bringing our community together for an evening of great food, music and meaningful impact. With this exciting lineup of All-Star chefs, our Chef of Distinction, Emily Butcher, along with Jim Cuddy performing with Devin Cuddy and Anne Lindsay, we are creating a very special celebration for Winnipeg.”
DINING WITH PURPOSE
While Canada’s Great Kitchen Party celebrates Canadian excellence, the heart of every event is its commitment to giving back.
Since its inception, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party has helped generate nearly $20 million to support charitable causes across Canada.
Funds raised through the Winnipeg event will support three important organizations: SpiritNorth, MusiCounts and Harvest Manitoba’s Meals2Go.
Harvest Manitoba is the event’s local charity partner, with a focus on supporting children, families and food security in Manitoba. Funds raised in Winnipeg stay in Winnipeg, helping strengthen our local community.
TICKETS
Tickets for Winnipeg’s 20th Anniversary Canada’s Great Kitchen Party are available now.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom
Business Cocktail | Splash of GREEN
For tickets and event information, visit greatkitchenparty.com