COMPETITOR BIOS BY PROVINCE

ONTARIO
Matt Binkley, Age 36 (Toronto, ON) Matt is a freelance chef and instructor with over 15 years of experience. He trained at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and the University of Guelph. Matt would use the winnings toward his growing business. His cooking style is progressive and health conscious. Bryan Birch, Age 30 (Toronto, ON) Bryan is the chef de cuisine at Barque Smokehouse. He trained at Stratford Chefs School and has over 10 years of experience. With the winnings, he would open a restaurant that elevates Caribbean cuisine. Stephanie Brewster, Age 46 (London, ON) Stephanie is a chef instructor at Fanshawe College. She has over 25 years of experience in the industry and wants to prove to her students that she is not just a great teacher, but also a great chef. Adam Calzonetti, Age 35 (Guelph, ON) Adam is a corporate chef at Morton Food Service. He trained at George Brown College and has over 20 years of experience. He wants to prove he is up for the challenge and willing to put his culinary credibility on the line. Anthony DAmbrosio, Age 39 (Toronto, ON) Anthony is the owner and chef at Fish Street Market. He has over 20 years of experience and studied at George Brown College. He enjoys simple, fresh, farm-to-table cuisine and believes he has the skill to win and would use the winnings to improve his business. Maurice Desharnais, Age 32 (St. Catharines, ON) Maurice is the executive sous chef at Peller Estates Winery. He loves simple, uncomplicated food and anything deep fried! If he won, he would use the prize money toward a cross-Canada culinary tour. Michael Dolente, Age 26 (Toronto, ON) Michael is a first cook at the Shangri La Hotel. He is a Red Seal certified chef with over 10 years of experience. He enjoys creating simple Italian food with a modern influence. Competing on Chopped Canada, he hopes to push his limits and step outside of his comfort zone. Jesse Fader, Age 31 (Toronto, ON) Jesse is a senior cook at Fabbrica restaurant and he describes his cooking style as refined comfort food. A big fan of Chopped, Jesse has always wanted to appear on the show.

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Anthony Figliano, Age 28 (Toronto, ON) Anthony is the sous chef at Jump Cafe and Bar and his specialty is Canadian/Italian/Puerto Rican fusion. He studied at George Brown College and has over nine years of experience. By competing on Chopped Canada, he hopes to make his family proud! Sherry Gallinger, Age 35 (Kitchener, ON) Sherry is the executive chef and owner of Crossroads Coffee House and executive chef at Wilfred Laurier University. She trained at Fanshawe College and is Red Seal certified. Sherry would put the winnings towards new equipment for her business as well as travel. James Hannah, Age 23 (Vancouver, BC) ames is the head chef at 1984 Inc. His style is classic French with a modern twist. He hopes to prove on Chopped Canada that just because he is a young chef, he is not to be underestimated. Luke Hayes-Alexander, Age 22 (Kingston, ON) Luke is the chef and owner of Lukes Gastronomy. A self-taught chef, he likes to create playful dishes that tell a story. Luke would use the winnings to travel and expand his culinary knowledge. Missy Hui, Age 29 (Toronto, ON) Missy is the sous chef at Fabbrica restaurant and likes using Asian flavours combined with French technique. She studied at Liaison College and has over seven years of industry experience. Winning Chopped Canada would make her mother proud! Daniel Janetos, Age 27 (Waterloo, ON) Daniel is a self-employed food service consultant. He has over 12 years of experience, trained at George Brown College and has worked in top kitchens such as the Savoy in London. A former football player, Daniel brings to the kitchen his passion and drive to win. He wants to prove his hard work and dedication have paid off. Erik Kekes-Marshall, Age 25 (Toronto, ON) Erik is the executive chef of the Sultans Tent and Caf Maroc. He is a young, determined, self-taught chef with over 11 years of industry experience. He wants to prove that he is a champion chef who has overcome personal challenges. Paul Lillakas, Age 24 (Toronto, ON) Paul is a personal and catering chef. He specializes in smaller scale, refined dining in a home setting. While cooking has always been a constant in his life, Paul also has an interest in comedy which he has studied and also performed. A self taught chef, Paul wants to prove himself in the Chopped Canada kitchen.

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Johan Maes, Age 39 (Toronto, ON) Johan is the chef de cuisine at Petit Dejeuner. He has over 20 years of experience and enjoys making bistro style and breakfast food. If he won, he would use the money towards a new house for his family. Whitney Mayes, Age 29 (North York, ON) Whitney is the sous chef at The Country Club and a pastry chef at Air Canada Centre. She has over 15 years of industry experience and studied at George Brown College. She enjoys simple, fresh, comfort food and wants to prove she can take on the best chefs! Jose Mendoza, Age 50 (Whitby, ON) Jose is the owner and head chef at The Lake Grill Restaurant. He is a self-taught chef with over 30 years of experience. Despite not being formally trained, Jose wants to prove he has the skills to win. Brianne Nash, Age 24 (Mississauga, ON) Brianne is the sous chef at Corks Restaurant. She trained at Humber College, is Red Seal certified and would use her winnings to move to the big city and compete with the heavy hitters. Jason Nolan, Age 40 (Toronto, ON) Jason is a catering chef at Eatertainment and specializes in Canadian fusion. He studied at George Brown College and has over 20 years of experience. At the age of 40, he wants to prove hes still got it! Jonathan OCallaghan, Age 31 (Toronto, ON) Jonathan is the chef de partie at Museum Tavern and has over ten years of experience in the industry. He studied at the Vancouver Culinary Arts Institution and would use the winnings to take his mother on a trip to Malta, where she grew up. Trevor Ritchie, Age 28 (Toronto, ON) Trevor is the chef de cuisine at La Societe. He creates modern French food that is locally inspired. He trained at George Brown College, has over 12 years of experience and is keen to prove his skills to the nation on Chopped Canada. Robert Rose, Age 30 (Stratford, ON) Robert is the chef and owner of Canadian Grub To Go. He creates dishes that highlight Canadian grown products. He wants to show the country his Canadian food philosophy. Adam Ryan, Age 26 (Orangeville, ON) Adam is the executive chef at One99 Restaurant and he cooks using local and accessible ingredients. He studied at Humber College and International Sommelier Guild. If he survives the chopping block, he would use the prize money to stage at the famous French Laundry under Thomas Keller.

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Tim Schorno, Age 38 (Bancroft, ON) Tim is the executive chef at The Granite Restaurant. With over 23 years of experience, Tim strives to always serve his customers exactly what they want. Tim wants to prove that his small town restaurant is a big success because of his cooking. Terrance Tew, Age 22 - (St. Thomas, ON) Terrance is a sous chef at Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort. He trained at Fanshawe College and has over 5 years of experience. He loves being among nature especially hunting and fishing. If he survives the chopping block, he would use the winnings to open up his own butcher shop. Alvin Viguilla, Age 26 (Toronto, ON) A former Canadian Armed Forces soldier, Alvin is the chef de partie at Earls. He trained at George Brown College, has over eight years of experience and loves to cook Italian cuisine. He is eager to prove his culinary skills to the world. Kirk Weiss, Age 51 (London, ON) Kirk is the executive chef at Riverbend Golf and Country Club. He has over 30 years of industry experience and studied at George Brown College. He has worked all over the world, living a culinary nomadic lifestyle. He is very artistic and brings that expression to his cuisine. If he wins, he will spend the money on a big family reunion. Trevor Wilkinson, Age 44 (Toronto, ON) Trevor is the executive chef and owner of Trevor Bar & Kitchen. His cooking style is classic French - done his way. He trained in some of Torontos top kitchens and has over 23 years of experience. He wants to prove he can compete against the best chefs. Damien Wilmot, Age 29 (Toronto, ON) Damien studied at George Brown College and is the chef de partie at Origin in Liberty Village. His cooking style is classic, avant-garde and he has worked in Torontos top kitchens. A fierce competitor, Damien believes he has the skill and passion to win. Nicholas Wong, Age 41 (Mississauga, ON) Nicholas is a chef instructor at Dish Cooking Studio. He is a personal chef and his specialty is upscale comfort food. With the winnings, he would open up his own culinary studio. Eric Wood, Age 34 (Toronto, ON) Eric is the executive chef at the Beverley Hotel. Originally from Edmonton, he has worked all over North America, including under the renowned chef Michel Richard. Eric wants to continue to make his mark on the city. Kai Zyganiuk, Age 32 (Toronto, ON) Kai is the chef and owner of City Gourmet. His cooking style is classic French using local ingredients and would put the prize money towards his business.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA
Diana Johnstone, Age 31 (Squamish, BC) Diana is the executive chef at Gateway Casinos Rock Bar & Grill. She is Red Seal certified and her specialty is seafood, simply cooked. She would use the prize money toward opening her own west coast inspired seafood shack. Simon McNeil, Age 42 (Vancouver, BC) Simon is the executive chef at Dockside Restaurant. He trained at George Brown College and has over 19 years of experience. He doesnt spend much time on the line anymore and wants to prove that he can hack it with the best of chefs. Ryan Reed, Age 31 (Victoria, BC) Ryan is the chef de partie at Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa and his cooking style is west coast contemporary cuisine. He would put the winnings toward a bigger home for his future family. Shelley Robinson, Age 49 (Kamloops, BC) Shelley is the executive chef at Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. She has over 20 years of experience and trained at Debrulle Culinary Institute. She hopes to be an inspiration to young female chefs and prove that women are strong players in the culinary industry. William Tse, Age 40 (Vancouver, BC) William is the executive chef at Sandbar Seafood Restaurant. His cooking style can be defined as Asian with classical technique. He studied at Burnaby College and has over 13 years of experience under his belt. He hopes to clean up in the Chopped Canada kitchen! Pieter Van Meenen, Age 48 (Port Coquitlam, BC) Pieter is the executive chef at The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre and co-owner/operator of Land & Water Catering and Bistro. He trained at Dubrulle Culinary Insititute, gained experience in every type of culinary cuisine he could get his hands on, and learned from many gifted mentors. He is eager to prove his success on Chopped Canada!

QUEBEC
Luca Cianciulli, Age 22 (Montreal, QC) Luca is the chef de partie, entremetier at Toque! His favourite cooking style is Italian and he apprenticed at two restaurants in Italy early in his career. He wants to prove he is ready for the next step in his career.

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Lukas Gurtner, Age 24 (Montreal, QC) Lukas is the junior sous chef at Laurie Raphael. He studied at Camosun College and his specialty is classic European cuisine. He hopes to one day open a restaurant with his father. Martin Juneau, Age 35 (Montreal, QC) Martin is the chef and owner of Pastaga. He began his career as a dishwasher in a hospital and never believed he would come this far in his culinary career. He trained at the Culinary Institute of Quebec and is ready to show Canada he can compete and win in the Chopped Canada kitchen. Tammi McGee, Age 35 (Gatineau, QC) Tammi is the chef de partie saucier at Fairmont Le Chteau Montebello and enjoys rustic, simple and clean cooking. By competing on Chopped Canada, she hopes to set a good example for her children. Patrick Vasiliauskas, Age 35 (Montreal, QC) Patrick is the chef de cuisine at Ateliere Argentine. He is self taught and has over 18 years of experience. Patrick previously worked for Food Network celebrity chef Chuck Hughes (Chucks Day Off) at his restaurants. He would use the winnings for a down payment towards a restaurant of his own.

ALBERTA
Michael Batke, Age 43 (Calgary, AB) Michael is the chef de cuisine at CHARCUT Roast House. He trained at Selkirk College and has over 18 years of experience. He works among some of the citys best chefs like Connie DeSousa and John Jackson, and he wants to prove he is a deserving member of the team. Kieth Carlson, Age 37 (Claresholm, AB) Kieth is the chef and owner of Roys Place and likes to use basic ingredients with big flavours. With his small town restaurant on the rise, he is ready to show-up some big city chefs. Steve Glavicich, Age 43 (Calgary, AB) Steve is the chef and owner of Brazien Food Truck, which serves chef driven cuisine on wheels. He trained at SAIT Polytechnic and is eager to prove he is more than a food truck operator, but a formally trained, skilled chef. Paul McGreevy, Age 34 (Calgary, AB) Paul is the executive chef at Craft Beer Market and enjoys creating comfort food with finesse. He trained at SAIT Polytechnic and has over 16 years of experience. He wants to showcase his creativity in the kitchen and prove Calgary is about more than just beef.

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Mariel Montero Sena, Age 30 (Edmonton, AB) Hailing from Mexico, Mariel studied at Instituto Culinario de Mexico and is the kitchen manager at Expressionz Cafe. She is passionate about music and the arts and her cooking style is Mexican fusion. She is ready to prove herself in the Chopped Canada kitchen!

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES/NEWFOUNDLAND
Mark McCrowe, Age 30 (St. Johns, NL) Mark is the chef and owner of The Club and Aqua Kitchen. He studied at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and his specialty is fresh, local seafood. He wants to prove that his restaurants are a culinary destination for Canadians. Robin Wasicuna, Age 42 (Yellowknife, NWT) Robin is the chef and owner of Wiseguy Food Truck and he likes to create home-style, organic meals. Winning Chopped Canada would help him spread his culinary philosophy.

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