Twenty years, six all-star chefs, and one big night in North Vancouver: Canada’s Great Kitchen Party knows how to throw an anniversary. The Vancouver All-Star Invitational brought some of the city’s most decorated competitors back to the kitchen to chase a podium finish and a ticket to the Canadian Culinary Championship, while guests sipped British Columbia wine, cheered on their favourites, and caught a performance from some of Canada‘s best-loved musicians. Presented nationally by MNP and co-chaired by Alan Cosgrave of MNP and Nancy MacKay of MacKay CEO Forums, it was the kind of party where the competition was fierce, the music was loud, and every ticket went toward young Canadians.
Two Decades of Giving Back
As a social enterprise, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party has raised over $19.9 million for charitable causes across the country. Its mission is to build a more inclusive Canada by ensuring equitable access for all youth to music education, sport opportunities, and healthy food, with its 2026 impact focused on children and youth in the communities where its guests, sponsors, and volunteers live and work.
The Vancouver evening supported two national beneficiaries. MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity affiliated with the JUNO Awards, will put instruments built to last 15 to 20 years into a school in the Vancouver area. Spirit North, founded by Olympic gold medallist Beckie Scott, empowers Indigenous youth through no-cost, land-based programs such as cross-country skiing, canoeing, and biking, and proceeds will support its coaching development program.
The All-Star Field
To honour the anniversary, the 2026 regional events brought past podium finishers back to compete. Jasper Cruickshank, Executive Chef at L’Abattoir, earned his Red Seal over an 18-year career while training under Bruno Marti, Tobias McDonald, Alex Chen, and Roger Ma. Robert Lee of Five Sails, born in Taiwan and raised in Vancouver, has worked in kitchens in Canada and abroad, including Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco and Taiwan.
Bal Ajagaonkar, Executive Chef at Desi Indian Lounge, brings more than 15 years of experience in five-star hotels and fine-dining establishments across India and Canada, and took bronze at this competition in 2025. Felix Zhou (ATLAS Steak + Fish, Grand Villa Casino) brings experience leading a diverse culinary team across multiple restaurants, events, and culinary programs.
Clement Chan (The Apron, The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport) is a National Chef of the Year and member of Culinary Team Canada who has worked at Chambar, Blue Water Cafe, and Hapa Izakaya. Rounding out the field was Bo Li, chef and owner of The Fish Man in Vancouver, who brings more than two decades in the restaurant industry, with experience in both Chinese and Japanese kitchens. Opening the night at the VIP reception was Vancouver’s Chef of Distinction, Alex Chen of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, the 2018 Canadian Culinary Champion and Iron Chef Canada winner.
Bal Ajagaonkar (Desi Indian Lounge) & Robert Lee (Five Sails)
At the Judges’ Table
The culinary panel was led by Head Judge Chris Johns, National Culinary Advisor, author, and food and travel writer, alongside Senior Judge Joie Alvaro Kent, a bestselling cookbook author. They were joined by Chef Andrea Carlson of One MICHELIN Star Burdock & Co.; Chef Scott Jaeger, Culinary Olympics Gold Medallist in 2008 and 2016; Douglas Chang; Viranlly Liemena; and Alex Chen. Michael Godel, Head Wine Judge, led a wine panel that included Kristi Linneboe, Jenna Briscoe, Andrew Forsyth, and Michaela Morris.
“The judges and I were wowed by every one of the competitors. It is the best we have ever seen in the city. The level of excellence was impressive and the points were so close,” said Johns.
Gold for Jasper Cruickshank
Chef Jasper Cruickshank of L’Abattoir took gold for his creation, Alliums, paired with Fort Berens Estate Winery Pinot Noir Reserve 2025 from Lillooet. Silver and the People’s Choice Award went to Chef Robert Lee of Five Sails, and bronze to Chef Bal Ajagaonkar of Desi Indian Lounge.
The win marks a return to the national stage for Cruickshank, who captured gold at the Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa in February 2024. For the first time in the competition’s history, each regional winner will be joined by a Chef of Distinction from their city, so Cruickshank will compete in Ottawa on January 29 and 30, 2027 alongside Alex Chen, one of the chefs who trained him, as part of Team West.
“It means a lot to win against such an accomplished group of chefs, many of whom I’ve admired and competed alongside over the years. I’m incredibly proud to represent Vancouver again, and the opportunity to compete alongside Chef Alex Chen makes it even more special,” said Cruickshank.
A Night of Music and Celebration
Emcee Al Murdoch guided guests through a live auction and a performance by Neil Osborne and Dave Osborne of 54-40, Colin James, Craig Northey of Odds, and Geoffrey Kelly of Spirit of the West. British Columbia wineries also shared the spotlight, with Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir from the Cowichan Valley named Wine of the Year and Best of Show.
“This 20th anniversary is a celebration of the extraordinary chefs, Canadian producers, musicians, partners and guests who have built Canada’s Great Kitchen Party over two decades,” said Karen Blair, Co-founder of Canada’s Great Kitchen Party.
Held earlier this month at The Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, the Vancouver All-Star Invitational is one of 10 regional competitions staged across Canada this year, each sending its gold medallist on to Ottawa. Guests who want to follow Team West’s run at the national title can find updates at @GreatKitchenParty.
All photography by Tai Bursey.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury and luxury lifestyle niches. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read business magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and is an EIC for Hire. Connect with her here: [email protected].
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