From PEi International Shellfish Festival:
The heat is on this September as top chefs compete in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, for one of Canada’s most thrilling live culinary competitions at the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge, happening during the PEI International Shellfish Festival from September 19-21, 2025.
With only 45 minutes on the clock and PEI’s finest shellfish as their star ingredient, chefs will go head-to-head in the high-energy Kitchen Stadium, all competing for the coveted title and a $10,000 cash prize. Watch the competition heat up all weekend long as chefs advance through every stage to the finals.
Spectators can be part of the excitement, watching from the front row as chefs chop, sear, and plate their way through the intense, timed challenge. With expert judges looking for standout flavour, technique, and presentation, only one chef will take home the top honour.
Early bird tickets to the PEI International Shellfish Festival start at just $10 and are on sale now.
The 12 competing chefs in the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge are:
Saskatoon, SK: Benet Hunt, The Night Oven Bakery
Burford, ON: Tia Huszczo, Spencer’s At The Waterfront
Clarke’s Beach, NFLD: Maya Petten, The Merchant Tavern
Edmonton, AB: Winnie Chen, Fu’s Repair Shop
Scarborough, ON: Alijah Casellas, The Westin Harbour Castle
Bellaire, TX: Roshni Gurnani, Chef Rosh Concepts
Markham, ON: Joseph Mongillo, Glass Kitchen
Vancouver, BC: Brent Thornton, Elem
Halifax, NS: Joe Martin, Bar Stillwell
Halifax, NS: Moira Murray, The Ostrich Club
LaSalle, QC: Jae-Anthony Dougan, Tropikal
Kelvin Grove, PE: Kim McKeown, Leonhard’s Café & Restaurant
These chefs will be judged by an esteemed panel, featuring Celebrity Chef Corbin from Corbin Catering & Foods in Toronto, Ontario; Chef Dany Duguay, Owner of Anemone and Terra Cafe, Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Chef Imrun Texeira, an award-winning chef and owner of Wanderlust, Toronto, Ontario.
The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is presented by Dairy Farmers of PEI. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.peishellfish.com
QUOTES:
“Talented chefs from around the world are drawn to the Island, inspired by high-quality delicious ingredients and a culture that celebrates our thriving food scene. The Government of Canada is committed to building on our country’s strengths by supporting distinctive tourism and culinary experiences that help grow local economies.” – Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“The Garland Canada International Chef Challenge brings incredible energy and talent to the heart of the Shellfish Festival. It’s thrilling to see chefs from across North America put their skills to the test using PEI’s world-class shellfish,” said Zack Bell, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture. “We’re counting down to an unforgettable showcase of culinary excellence this September!”
“It’s so exciting to see the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge back for another year at the PEI International Shellfish Festival happening right here in Charlottetown,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “With top culinary talent, celebrity chefs and of course, PEI’s world-famous shellfish, this is one event you won’t want to miss!”
“The PEI International Shellfish Festival is set for September 18 to 21 at the Charlottetown Event Grounds,” says Liam Dolan, Chair of the PEI International Shellfish Festival. “There are still tickets available to catch all the action live and watch this incredible culinary battle unfold all weekend long. We’re thrilled to welcome these 12 highly-trained chefs who will go head-to-head for the $10,000 prize in this year’s Garland Canada International Chef Challenge. It’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet!”
NEED TO KNOW:
EVENT: Garland Canada International Chef Challenge at the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival
DATE: September 19-21, 2025
TIME: Friday Preliminaries | Saturday Semis | Sunday Finals See the full schedule here https://peishellfish.com/schedule-events/
LOCATION: Charlottetown Event Grounds, PEI International Shellfish Festival
ADMISSION: Afternoon Only Pass starting at $10 | All Day Pass starting at $45 | Weekend Pass starting at $90. Early bird pricing available until August 31 at 11:59pm, or while supplies last.
Winners of the 2024 Garland Canada International Chef Challenge:
1st Place: Chef Benet Hunt, The Night Oven Bakery, Saskatoon, SK – $10,000
2nd Place: Chef Kelly Sheridan, North Shore Canteen, French River, PE – $2,500
