Chopped Canada Season Two Winners
Many talented chefs have come into the kitchen this season hoping to win the $10,000 grand prize and the title of Chopped Canada champion. Meet the 26 successful competitors who used their culinary prowess, imagination and drive to wow the judges and take home the top prize. Congratulations to all our winners for a great season of Chopped Canada!
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Episode 1 Winner: Chef Keith Hoare
<p>Chef Keith Hoare won the very first episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em> by impressing the judges with his cinnamon raisin bread beignet and sealing his fate as a Chopped Canada champion. The Mississauga-based culinary instructor from Thistletown Collegiate Institute generously used his $10,000 prize money to offset the costs of a cooking trip to Europe for his culinary students.</p> -
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Episode 2 Winner: Chef Jack Demers
<p>It was an emotional ride for Chef Jack Demers in the <em>Chopped Canada</em> kitchen. This 'Jack of all Trades' Vancouver chef cooked up delicious dishes that proved that chain restaurant chefs are just as good as any other and deserve respect for their culinary chops. Chef Jack is using the prize money to take her wife on their dream trip to Paris.</p> -
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Episode 3 Winner: Chef Stacie Royds
<p>Chef Stacie Royds took home the title of <em>Chopped Champion</em> in the third episode's all-female kitchen battle. This hard working Niagara region chef is a longtime fan of the show and says she focused on enjoying her time in the competition and staying in the moment while in the Chopped Canada kitchen.</p> -
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Episode 4 Winner: Chef Matthew Sullivan
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/gastromatthew" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Matthew Sullivan</strong></a> used his creativity to pull off an amazing dessert dish that won over the judges. His sticky baba ganoush fritter with caramelized carrot juice sauce was the winning play for this Toronto chef. It was an extra special victory for Sullivan, who got married on Toronto Island just ten days after filming his episode and becoming a <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion.</p> -
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Episode 5 Winner: Chef Dylan Draper
<p>Chef Dylan Draper was crowned king of the kitchen in this special viewer's choice episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The 29-year old sous chef from Calgary used his Le Cordon Bleu culinary training to create fantastic and creative dishes like ketchup chip-crusted prairie oysters with wild blueberry gastrique that wowed the judges.</p> -
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Episode 6 Winner: Chef Brody Ashton
<p>A self-taught chef from Calgary, <a href="https://twitter.com/brodyashton" target="_blank"><strong>Brody Ashton</strong></a> won over the judges with his "experimental perfectionist" cooking style, making use of the culture clash of mystery basket ingredients and claiming the title of <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion. He says he was blown away by the support and encouragement from friends, family and colleagues during his time on the show. Chef Brody has very special plans for his <em>Chopped Canada</em> prize money - he plans on contributing towards his cousin's cancer memorial and investing in the future of his four second cousins.</p> -
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Episode 7 Winner: Chef Paddy Townsend
<p>This "cookin' cowboy" chef proved that true culinary expertise can also be gained outside of culinary school. With his 11 years of experience, he created dishes like his turducken dip sandwich with crispy purple potatoes, which crowned him Chopped Canada champion. He says the prize money will be a big help towards his dream of opening his own restaurant with his fiancée. When reflecting on his experience on <em>Chopped Canada</em>, <a href="https://twitter.com/chefpaddyband" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Paddy</strong></a> said, "I still can't believe I made a sandwich!”</p> -
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Episode 8 Winner: Chef Erin Smith
<p>Surprising mystery basket ingredients like frogs legs and thumbprint cookies were no match for this new mom and sous chef who pulled out all the stops to reign supreme on the 8th episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The Niagara native says the most difficult part of the experience was the clock: "When that timer starts, there's no stopping the clock." Chef Erin plans on putting away the 10K prize money towards an RESP for her son.</p> -
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Episode 9 Winner: Chef Janet Burnup
<p>Chef Janet Burnup calls her experience on <em>Chopped Canada</em> "overwhelming and surreal." The chef and culinary instructor set out to show that institutional chefs like herself have far more skills than just heating and serving. "For me to win would prove to the people who doubted it that I have the skills and ability," she said. She plans to use the prize money to help out her mother and ailing father.</p> -
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Episode 10 Winner: Chef Daryle Ryo Nagata
<p>Industry veteran and restaurant co-owner Chef Daryl Nagata used his 30 plus years of culinary experience and simple yet complex cooking style to take home the prize on <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The Vancouver chef created exquisite dishes like a Szechaun-style brisket and Mexican banana split to beat the chopping block and win the $10,000 prize.</p> -
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Episode 11 Winner: Chef Alana Peckham
<p>Chef Alana Peckham, with her masterful handling of the special take out-themed mystery basket ingredients, proves that corporate chefs have serious chops to take out the competition in the <em>Chopped Canada</em> kitchen. Chef Alana plans on using the prize money to open her own "classy little restaurant."</p> -
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Episode 12 Winner: Chef Kendra Smith
<p>The Calgary-based sous chef pulled out a win by putting her 14 years of culinary experience to the test and whipping up delicious dishes in every round, from her lemon curd sautéed shrimp appetizer to a pineapple yogurt raisin pudding with crème de menthe mousse for dessert. <a href="https://twitter.com/kendras84" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Kendra</strong></a> plans on using the $10K prize to visit her family in Ontario, where she also received her formal culinary training.</p> -
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Episode 13 Winner: Chef Angela Villata
<p>The talented young chef from Whitby, ON came to the <em>Chopped Canada</em> kitchen ready to "go hard or go home" to show how underestimated female chefs can be. Well she did go home - $10,000 richer and with the title of <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion! <a href="https://twitter.com/angvillalta" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Angela</strong></a> plans on putting the prize money towards the purchase of her first home with her long-time boyfriend.</p> -
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Episode 14 Winner: Chef Anne Sorrenti
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/eas52" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Anne Sorrenti</strong></a> came to the table with a broad range of experience from working political offices to local farmers markets - which she said was like an episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em> every week! The Toronto chef used her homegrown culinary skills to claim the prize and plans on using the $10K prize money by creating a culinary school for underprivileged youth.</p> -
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Episode 15 Winner: Chef Manny Ferriera
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/chefmannyf" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Manny Ferreira</strong></a> can hold his own under pressure but said the <em>Chopped Canada</em> kitchen was emotionally and mentally tough. The father and chef said his win was a much needed morale boost. He plans on using the $10K prize money to take some time away from his restaurant <a href="http://www.mezcaltnt.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Mezcal Tacos and Tequila</strong></a> and travel with his son.</p> -
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Episode 16 Winner: Chef Wallace Wong
<p>Wallace Wong, from Mississauga, ON, is young but ambitious - at only 23 he has six years of culinary experience under his belt and is currently the chef assistant at Nella Cucina Culinary School. Chef Wallace used his overachiever attitude and "adventurous Asian" cooking style to create dishes like a braised tripe entrée with chai tea chocolate cream egg toast to win on <em>Chopped Canada</em>. He plans to use the $10K prize money to fly his aunt and uncle over from Hong Kong for a family reunion.</p> -
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Episode 17 Winner: Chef Sean Reeve
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/reevesean" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Sean Reeve</strong></a> had a lot to prove by winning this leftover-themed episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The Montreal-based executive chef said winning validates his career choice and the eight years he has put working in the industry. The "big teddy bear" chef will use his $10K cash prize to take himself on a culinary tour of Napa Valley, California.</p> -
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Episode 18 Winner: Chef Charles Emmanuel Pariseau
<p>This culinary "troublemaker" and restaurant owner made bold moves with his simple rustic cuisine that resulted in a win on <em>Chopped Canada</em>. His winning play was a candied mix vegetable and peach soup for dessert made with a tricky mystery basket ingredient - frozen mixed vegetables. He says he's happy for his win because it provides great visibility for his restaurant, <a href="http://www.ochevreuil.com/" target="_blank"><strong>O Chevreuil</strong></a>, and for his home, Sherbrooke, QC.</p> -
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Episode 19 Winner: Chef Ryan Gark
<p>For <a href="https://twitter.com/salishspoon" target="_blank"><strong>food truck owner</strong></a> and Chef Ryan Gark, competing on <em>Chopped Canada</em> was all about battling for his family, winning the prize and getting back home to his kids on Vancouver Island. His west coast style cuisine tickled the judges taste buds and sent him home with $10,000 to invest in his business and set funds aside for his children.</p> -
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Episode 20 Winner: Chef Barrie Elliot
<p>The rustic flavours of Chef Barrie Elliot's cooking won her the title of <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion. The BC chef had to contend with difficult mystery basket ingredients like pickled garlic, elk loin and pork fatback (not to mention the pressure of the clock!) to come out victorious. Chef Barrie plans on using her prize money to invest in the <a href="http://www.liveryrestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Livery Restaurant</strong></a> in Fernie, BC, where she is the head chef.</p> -
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Episode 21 Winner: Chef Matt Rosen
<p>Toronto chef, Matt Rosen used his rustic style cooking to create dishes like buttermilk waffles with caramelized patty pan squash and pretzel nut butter, securing him a place as a <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion. The corporate chef and recent Stratford Chef School grad will use his winnings to take his family on an "epic adventure" to make up for the lost time over the past few years as he's put in his time in the kitchen.</p> -
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Episode 22 Winner: Chef Roger Andrews
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/chefrogandrews" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Roger Andrews</strong></a> proved that culinary instructors can "throw down" like the best of them in a special carnival-themed episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The processed carnival foods like maple fudge, soft pretzels and chili fries threw him for a loop but he was able to transform the fair fare into spruced-up modern dishes like a butter poached lobster with corn maple fudge succotash in the entrée round.</p> -
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Episode 23 Winner: Chef Sonia Cuffy
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/chefsoniacuffy1" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Sonia Cuffy</strong></a>'s Caribbean style and formal training at George Brown College made for a winning combination on her episode of <em>Chopped Canada</em>. The executive sous chef used her culinary experience to trump her competitors and pull off winning dishes like a deep-fried churro and raspberry pudding dessert made with instant scalloped potatoes, churros, raspberries and mint jelly. The inspiring single mom plans to use her prize money to help fund her sons' educations.</p> -
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Episode 24 Winner: Chef Mathieu Masson-Duceppe
<p>23-year old Chef Mathieu Masson-Duceppe is already an executive chef at the Restaurant Magia Garde-Mange in Longueuil, QC and now he can add <em>Chopped Canada</em> champion to his list of accomplishments! He will use the $10,000 prize money to continue investing in new projects and furthering his culinary skills. He says of the experience, "The feeling of accomplishment is the best thing I can ask for."</p> -
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Episode 25 Winner: Chef Brock Bowes
<p>"$10,000 buys a lot of moustache wax!" joked <a href="https://twitter.com/projectbe" target="_blank"><strong>Chef Brock Bowes</strong></a> after beating out the competition and winning the title of <em>Chopped Canada</em> victor. He used the mystery basket ingredients in his refined rustic dishes that made the judges smile. He plans on donating a portion of his $10,000 winnings to the SPCA and the rest to open an intimate restaurant and wine bar with his sommelier wife.</p> -
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Episode 26 Winner: Chef Marcia Delleport
<p>Chef and caterer Marcia Delleport became the final winner of season two on <em>Chopped Canada</em> with her fresh and wholesome cooking. From a warm cabbage salad with sardine vinaigrette to a curry noodle bowl with butterscotch rice cake crusted halibut, this fiery mamma impressed the judges and beat out her competitors with her creative cooking. She plans on investing her $10,000 prize money in her catering business, <a href="http://www.bizoucatering.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Bizou Creative Catering</strong></a>.</p>