ABOUT YOUNG CHEF YOUNG WAITER CANADA

The first Young Chef Young Waiter Canada competition 2022 opened to chefs and waiters who were based in Canada and were under 26 years old from any background working in the hospitality industry. The competition focused on sustainability in hospitality as well as supporting the education and development of home-grown talent.

The Young Chef Young Waiter competition was established in 1979 in the UK and is organized by The Nth Degree Global in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association, to promote hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation.

World Young Chef Young Waiter Canada was launched in 2022 to extend the competition around the globe with the World Finals

Young Chef Young Waiter Canada Competition 2022:

  • Entries opened online for YCYW Canada on August 8th, 2022, and closed on September 30th, 2022, where a short-list was selected.
  • Entry was free for young chefs and young waiters who were 26 years old or under and from Canada.
  • The winners were announced after taking part in a two-day live final in October 2022, they were Canadian Chef Tyler Lin and Canadian Waiter Paul Mckeand.
  • The World Young Chef Young Waiter Finals took place on the 16th of November 2022 at the Maybourne Riviera, Monaco where 7 countries from around the world competed for WYCYW Champion.

MEET THE 2022 CANADA WINNERS

WHY ENTER WORLD YOUNG CHEF YOUNG WAITER

The aim of World Young Chef Young Waiter is simple: to uncover the very best young talent in our industry and help equip them with relevant skills, current knowledge and the network needed to succeed in the world of hospitality. Devised by respected professionals, the competition has a fresh modern approach that focuses on tasks and criteria that are challenging, educational and fun.

World Young Chef Young Waiter showcases all aspects of hospitality. Inspiring, empowering and inclusive, most of all we celebrate the capabilities and diversity of our amazing industry.

Online entries are open August 8th with video submissions and a questionnaire by the competitors. Entries will close on September 16th, 2022, after which the judging panel will shortlist six finalists for both categories. The grand finale of six chefs and six waiters will see the finalists face culinary and service challenges, in front of a panel of experts.

YOUNG CHEF YOUNG WAITER CANADA JUDGES

Made up of top figures from Canada’s Hospitality sector and industry professionals with world-class skills, our judges will help competitors advance their careers and achieve their goals. Our expert judges are well known advocates for new talent as well as staunch supporters of our food culture.

Judges - Canada

Chef Judges

JUDGES - CANADA

Chef Daniele Corona

Executive Chef Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto

Born in Naples, Italy, Daniele's upbringing was that of classic and traditional Italian culture, one which embodies the values expressed in the food and practice at Don Alfonso 1890--authentic, articulate and affectionate. read more In Italy, food is the foundation of Italian culture, it is commonly celebrated in its ability to teach, express and continue family traditions. Since his youth, Daniele's pleasure in food went above and beyond his palate. He learned to savour and respect the art of Italian cuisine, often studying and examining the ingredients and spices which have made Italian food one of the most influential cuisines in the world.

Much of Daniele's career has been centered among the most respected Chefs and restaurants in the world, many of which have been awarded with Michelin Stars. His experience and reputation in the affluent world of the Italian culinary arts would eventually lead him to Chef Ernesto laccarino. Ernesto recognized the talent and potential in Daniele which eventually earned Daniele the title of Executive Chef of Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto. Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has been awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide – Toronto 2022.

Chef Jason Bangerter

Executive Chef Langdon Hall

As an influential leader in the Canadian culinary scene, Jason’s career spans nationally and internationally, working alongside some of the world’s leading chefs. read more Inspired by his exceptionally high personal standards, Langdon Hall’s culinary direction excels and continues to be honoured as the only restaurant in Ontario to be awarded the AAA/CAA Five-Diamond rating. Surrounded by a “sense of place” at Langdon Hall, he instills a philosophy inspired by the gardens, bees, and forest just outside his kitchen. Chef Jason’s unbridled passion for excellence is fueled by his dedication to supporting and developing sources for sustainable, responsibly produced ingredients. As a Feast On certified partner, Chef Jason is a champion for Ontario products by ensuring 80% of all food and drink in the restaurant is sourced locally from Ontario.

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WAITER JUDGES

JUDGES - CANADA

Nick Di Donato

President and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group

For over three decades, Liberty Entertainment Group, led by Nick Di Donato has been redefining the restaurant, nightlife and special event experience in both Toronto and Miami. read more As creators of numerous landmark establishments Liberty Entertainment Group has become recognized as one of the most successful and innovative companies in the hospitality and entertainment industry, appreciating a continuous growth and garnering constant media attention. At the heart of this evolving urban development is President and C.E.O., Nick Di Donato. Di Donato earned his Bachelor of Science and a Professional Engineering degree from the University of Toronto. With 25 years of design and construction experience, as well as simultaneously working in the food service industry, Di Donato leads one of Canada’s most recognized and successful hospitality, nightlife and entertainment companies. Liberty Entertainment Group continues to gain success and acknowledgment for developing an impressive roster of unique venues. These venues include Toronto’s premier special event facilities; Casa Loma, Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Liberty Entertainment Group is also responsible for the development of Toronto’s most prolific restaurants including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Don Alfonso 1890, Xango, and three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St and Yorkville), as well as the city’s most vibrant nightlife venue Arcane. With a passion for creation, a love of architecture, a barometer for trends, and an eye for design, all married with construction knowledge and engineering expertise, breathing life into any structure has simply become a never-ending adventure for Di Donato. Renowned for creating venues of magnitude, originality and diversity, Di Donato’s vision and commitment is the driving force that fuels Liberty Entertainment Group to continuously strive to achieve greater heights and higher standards. Constantly ahead of the curve Liberty Entertainment Group is distinguished for its ability to set trends, push limits and create the impossible.

Rosanna Caira

Editor and Publisher of Kostuch Media’s Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines

Rosanna Caira is the editor and publisher of Kostuch Media’s Foodservice and Hospitality, and Hotelier magazines. read more In her capacity as editor of Canada’s two leading hospitality publications, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content of both publications, and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines, its five websites as well as the varied tertiary products including e-newsletters, supplements and special projects. In addition to her editorial duties, Rosanna also serves as publisher of the company, directing the strategic development of the Sales and Marketing, Production and Circulation departments. Rosanna is the face of the magazines, representing the publications at industry functions and speaking engagements. She serves on various committees and Boards, including the Board of Directors of the Canadian Hospitality Foundation. She is a recipient of the Ontario Hostelry’s Gold Award in the media category. In 2006, Rosanna was voted one of the 32 most successful women of Italian heritage in Canada.

Julie Garton

Wine Director, Liberty Entertainment Group

Julie Garton is the Wine Director for the Liberty Entertainment Group in Toronto. She discovered a passion for wine while working and traveling abroad for which created multiple opportunities to visits to various wine producing regions along the way. read more Upon returning to Toronto, she attained the Certified Sommelier designation through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) in 2013. From there she continued her education and has earned the title of Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), and became a Certified Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy in Verona. Julie has spent time as teaching the Wine Specialist Certificate program through George Brown College in Toronto. Prior to joining Liberty Entertainment Group to oversee their flagship properties including 1 Michelin Star restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890, she was the Wine Director for the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto.

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