Could Vogue Supperclub’s Chef Shawn Rock be Toronto’s hottest chef? Photo by Aaron Pozzer
Ten of Toronto’s hottest chefs are competing for bragging rights and warm fuzzy feelings as part of TO’s Hottest Chef contest, presented by Swallow. The contest kicked off Monday and was narrowed down to 10 finalists today. Round two of online voting is now open and runs until July 17. The sexy contest generates $1 per vote for charity as donated by the selected chef’s participating restaurant. The top five chefs will then go on to the finals at the Drake’s 86’d Mondays on July 23. They’ll prepare canapés for the attendees who will judge and crown TO’s Hottest chef. All money raised through online votes and PWYC door profits will go to the winning chef’s charity of choice.
We chatted with finalist Vogue Supperclub’s Chef Shawn Rock on what he’s got cooking and why this contest matters.
Why is it important for Toronto’s culinary community to participate in events like this?
I think its great to just get people’s names out there. There are so many great chefs here in the city. It’s amazing to see their faces. A lot of them are good-looking handsome fellas and gals. It’s important to get out there and see them. We’re in the back of the house – get us on the front page!
What do you think of your competition?
Its a stiff competition with really good, high quality chefs. Culinary wise, there are a lot of people to look up to. I know it’s supposed to be the hottest looking, but it’s not about that at all. It’s more for charity and being the all around hottest chef.
Why did you choose the Daily Bread Food Bank as your charity?
People need to eat whether it’s fine food or not. Having food in your belly is important. It’s a great charity all around. Everybody should have access to food if they can’t afford it.
Why should you be crowned TO’s hottest chef?
God granted me with good genes! Kidding, that’s silly. I’m just taking it one step of a time. I want to win. Why should I? I know I cook differently than anybody out there. Its unique, its passionate, its innovative. I cook with what I have. The voting part is cool, but I want to really wow people with the food and that’s more important. It’s an avenue to get that out there.
The remaining top 10 hottest finalists are:
Matt Dean Pettit
Owner, Chef @ Rock Lobster Food
Charity: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Joann Lusted
Resident Chef @ Clean Eating Mag
Charity: Canadian College of Naturopathic Med
Felipe Faccioli
Chef de Cuisine @ Lil’ Baci Taverna
Charity: Christian Children’s Fund of Canada
Dave Junek
Sous Chef @ Salt Wine Bar
Charity: Juravinski Cancer Centre
Amanda Ray
Chef de Cuisine @ Biff’s Bistro
Charity: Because I Am A Girl
Dan Frenette
Partner, Exec Chef @ The Food Dudes
Charity: Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Rob LeClair
Executive Chef @ Fabbrica
Charity: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Graham Auf Der Mauer
Line Cook @ Drake Hotel
Charity: Parkdale Community Food Bank
Arturo Anhalt
Head Chef @ Milagro Cantinas
Charity: Because I Am A Girl
This contest is being run by event planner @notyouravgparty, food bloggers @foodieyu and @restosinto, and food photographer @paulkapridov. It’s hosted by our own XX columnist and Swallow publisher @IvyNight and @ChefCoryV of Harbord Room fame.
For more information and to vote visit: www.swallowfood.com/toshottestchef
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Sheena Lyonnais is Toronto Standard’s Tech and Business Editor. You can follow her on Twitter at @SheenaLyonnais.
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