News

AC learners take centre stage at Canadian Culinary Championship  

Feb. 3 marks the start of the Canadian Culinary Competition, a two-day competition which will take place in Ottawa and feature nine of Canada’s brightest culinary minds. The event is divided into three separate competitions with one winner crowned at the cumulative grand finale event on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The first competition will be a Mystery Wine Pairing which will take place at the Shaw Centre — chefs will be given a mystery bottle of wine and challenged to create a dish with local ingredients that best complement the beverage.

Algonquin College will be the proud host of the second competition on Saturday, Feb. 4. The Black Box challenge will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the College’s state-of-the-art culinary facilities. The challenge will require the chefs to prepare two dishes in one hour using a box of mystery ingredients. Delicious nibbles will be prepared by Algonquin College’s culinary learners, using local ingredients, for onlookers to enjoy while they soak in this Iron Chef-type experience.

AC learners will be hard at work during the third and final competition at the Shaw Centre as well where teams of five will be assigned to each competing chef for culinary support.

This competition is an opportunity for budding chefs to learn from some of the best in the business and create meaningful relationships that will promote their success in the industry post-graduation. Student volunteers were chosen for their academic vigor and culinary abilities within all levels of the College’s culinary program.

Learners from Algonquin College’s Broadcasting – Television program will be onsite as well — a team of 18 students will put their audio and video skills to the test, broadcasting the Canadian Culinary Championship for viewers at home.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support Algonquin College learners and enjoy delicious fare prepared by the nation’s foremost culinary professionals. Learn more about the weekend’s events and buy your tickets today by visiting this link.

School of Hospitality & Tourism raises $6,398 for women’s shelter

Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism launched their much-anticipated holiday fundraiser in support of Cornerstone Housing for Women on Nov. 21, 2023. Their $75 Holiday Starter Kits, which included a non-alcoholic cocktail, appetizer and treats for up to four guests, sold out in a record three days.

The kit featured canapés and cocktails from renowned culinary experts under the guidance of accomplished professionals Cathy Dewar, Manager of Restaurant International, and Tanya Skeates, Algonquin College Chef Instructor.

Today, Dewar and Skeates, alongside President and CEO Claude Brulé, and with the support of many hardworking staff and student volunteers, presented Cornerstone with a cheque for $6,398.15, the result of a meaningful and ultimately successful fundraiser.

Cornerstone Housing for Women representative, Amber, stands with student and staff volunteers as well as the College's President and CEO, holding the donation cheque. Individuals pictured are staggered on the stairs and all culinary staff and students are wearing their Chef whites.

President & CEO, Claude Brulé, fundraiser leads, Chef Tanya Skeates and Cathy Dewar, alongside volunteer staff and students, present donation to Cornerstone Housing for Women Director of Development and Communications, Amber Bramer.

Cornerstone has faced many challenges this year including a fire which rendered one of their units within the residence inhabitable and an increase in food costs that has taken a bite out of the women’s shelter meal program. This donation comes at a pivotal time for Cornerstone — a period in which Cornerstone is relying heavily on community support to continue offering critical programs and services to women and gender-diverse people in need.

Congratulations to our School of Hospitality and Tourism on another successful fundraiser, this year your hard work has helped give the gift of hope, healing and housing!

Didn’t have a chance to purchase a Holiday Starter Kit but still interested in supporting Cornerstone? Use this link to donate today.