2026 Taste Canada Cooks The Books

Join us at the 2026 Taste Canada Cooks the Books student competition presented by Canada Beef! ⁠ ⁠ On Saturday, October 24, 16 student chefs from across Canada will converge on Cirillo's Academy for the annual Cooks the Books competition. In this culinary showdown, competitors will prepare dishes live before an audience, with recipes highlighting the theme, "Global Flavors Grown in Canada." The student chefs' will first be evaluated by two Kitchen Judges before presenting their final dishes for a formal tasting and judging by a panel of esteemed celebrity chefs. Following the live cook-off, competitors will present their dishes for a formal tasting and final judging. The culinary journey culminates at the Taste Canada Awards Soirée on October 25, 2026, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, where the winning team will be announced and awarded the title of Taste Canada’s Best New Student Chefs, a $3,000 bursary, and a chef-curated prize pack. WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026 WHERE: Cirillo’s Academy 118 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1A9 OUTLINE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 1:00 pm Doors Open 1:30 pm Opening Remarks from celebrity Chef and host Dwight Smith 2:00 pm Competition Begins Enjoy delectable hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef John Cirillo, artisan cheeses provided by Lactalis Canada Foodservice and a curated selection of local wines from Trius Winery. 7:00 pm Doors Close We thank our many Sponsors and Partners, whose generous and ongoing support makes Taste Canada programs possible. DRESS CODE: Casual Notes to ticket holders: Photography Release Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this event may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. By purchasing tickets, redeeming a complimentary ticket and participating in this event, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests. FAQs 1. Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? Please bring your tickets to the event registration table. The event is for those of legal drinking age: 19 and older. 2. What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Cirillo's Academy is located in downtown Toronto. Public parking and public transport is available nearby. 3. Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? Karen Baxter, Executive Director-Taste Canada [email protected] mobile (519) 731-5286 4. Is my registration/ticket transferrable? Yes, if you have purchased a ticket. Complimentary tickets are not transferable. 5. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes 6. What is the refund policy? 50% refundable 30 days before the event. After that, no refunds are issued. 7. The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay? Yes, paid tickets can be transferred, just make sure your guest informs the volunteers working at the registration desk about the change of name on the ticket. Complimentary tickets are not transferable. Allergy advisory: Please be advised that this event cannot accommodate any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or gluten-free requests. Food and beverages served here may contain or come into contact with major allergens, including milk, eggs, wheat, gluten, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Guests with severe or life-threatening food allergies are strongly advised to exercise caution or refrain from consuming the food provided. Acknowledgement: The competition is sponsored and made possible by Canada Beef, Lactalis Canada, Dainty Rice, Canadian Food Focus, The Culinary Federation, Trius Wines and Cirillo's Culinary Academy. We collectively thank each sponsor for their on-going support.