Toronto's Carl Heinrich Wins the Title of Canada's Top Chef

Defeats David Chrystian, Jonathan Korecki and Trevor Bird in a Riveting Surprise-Filled Season Finale

Top Chef Canada Maintains Top Spot on Food Network Canada

For more information about Top Chef Canada including bios and high resolution photos visit our media site at: www.shawmediatv.ca

TORONTO, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Following 12 weeks of grueling challenges and heated kitchen battles, Toronto-based Chef Carl Heinrich (formerly of Marben) is the winner of the second season of Top Chef Canada. Monday night's season finale on Food Network Canada saw the native of Sooke, BC, claim top honours in the ultimate test of skill and creativity by defeating 15 of Canada's brightest culinary talents. Heinrich receives the grand prize of $100,000 courtesy of SpongeTowels® and a GE Monogram Kitchen valued at over $30,000, in addition to claiming the sought-after title of Canada's Top Chef.

Heinrich competed against Toronto's Chef David Chrystian (Victor Restaurant), Ottawa's Chef Jonathan Korecki (Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen and Bar) and Vancouver's Chef Trevor Bird (newly-opened Fable) in a surprise final challenge that saw three previously eliminated competitors given the chance to cook themselves back into the finale. Chrystian won his way back into the competition, joining Heinrich, Korecki and Bird in a final challenge in front of special guest judge and renowned master of contemporary Indian cuisine, Chef Vikram Vij (Vij's Restaurant in Vancouver).

"Winning Top Chef Canada is a dream come true," says Carl Heinrich, Top Chef Canada season two winner. "Being a part of this competition has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my life. It's an honour to have my passion and commitment for food rewarded in this way and to be included in such an elite group of chefs. Big thanks to everyone who has supported me in my journey."

Heinrich most recently served as Executive Chef at Marben, before leaving in February 2012 to work on his soon-to-open restaurant in downtown Toronto.  After completing his studies at Stratford Chef School in Stratford, Ontario, Heinrich went on to train under some of the world's most renowned chefs including Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse.

Carl Heinrich will be available for media interviews on Tuesday, June 5^th.

Viewers who missed the season finale of Top Chef Canada can tune in to see it again on Tuesday, June 5 at 4pm ET/1pm PT on Food Network Canada or log onto topchefcanada.ca to watch it online. Stay tuned in the coming months for more information about the third season of Top Chef Canada.

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Image with caption: "Toronto's Chef Carl Heinrich is declared the winner of Top Chef Canada in the second season finale that aired Monday, June 4th on Food Network Canada. (CNW Group/Food Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120605_C5835_PHOTO_EN_14597.jpg

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