World Association of Chefs Societies comes back to Canadian soil at the CRFA Show; first time in Canada in 20 years

TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - For the first time in 20 years, Canadian chefs and cooks will get the opportunity to compete in a World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)-endorsed competition on Canadian soil at the CRFA Show.

The CRFA Show will take place March 2-4 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

This type of competition is very prestigious because it will be judged by WACS-approved judges using WACS international standards. It will help prepare competitors for the international culinary competition arenas including the World Culinary Olympics in 2016.

The contestants will compete in culinary arts and pastry arts for gold, silver or bronze medal glory, and Best of Show prizes. There will be categories for individuals and teams, novices, and professionals.

Competitors will cook for an impressive panel of judges that includes:

• Graham Tinsley, Manager, Welsh National Culinary Team
• Shawn Whalen, Past Culinary Team Canada Captain
• Clayton Folkers, Baking Instructor, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
• Cornelia Volino, President, CCFCC Toronto Branch/The Escoffier Society of Toronto and Manager, CCFCC Bocuse d'Or Canada

This competition is also sanctioned by the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC), the official member association of WACS representing Canadian chefs and cooks. It will be hosted by the CCFCC Toronto Branch/The Escoffier Society of Toronto and the CCFCC Oakville Branch.

NOTE: Media wishing to cover the CRFA Show must register in advance for accreditation. Visit www.crfashow.ca and click on "Media" for criteria and registration form.

Chefs who want more information, including rules and criteria should contact Cornelia Volino, at [email protected] or Ryan Marquis at [email protected].

The CRFA Show is owned and operated by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, one of the country's leading business associations with more than 30,000 members. Proceeds from the show fund CRFA's advocacy, research and member services to support a growing and prosperous Canadian restaurant industry.

SOURCE: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

For more information about the Canadian Culinary Federation, visit www.ccfcc.caFor more information on the World Association of Chefs Societies, visit www.wacs2000.org.