The culinary scene in Vancouver is the best anywhere in Canada if not in North America, and as Chef Matthew Stowe said tonight we have the best of the best right here in our own back yard. I was honored to be invited to attend the Top Chef Canada Finale viewing party tonight at Cactus Club Café Coal Harbour where they threw one smashing party.

During the viewing party invited guests were treated to a taste of dishes from this past season of Top Chef Canada which Chef Matthew Stowe had prepared for the judges.

1^st dish:

Curry Cauliflower Soup with dried apricots, currants and toasted almonds

2^nd dish:

Maple Leaf Slider with maple pork patty, bacon and rickards beer jam, fresh apple slaw on a challah bun

3^rd dish:

Roasted Banana & Coconut Tapioca with tropical fruits ad a macadamia nut crumble

Matthew Stowe is the second Vancouver chef to win during the three-year run of the Top Chef Canada tv show. Chef Dale MacKay took top spot in the first season. I interviewed Matthew Stowe a few weeks ago which gave me some insight into Matt’s goals and his career in the culinary world. Learn more about Top Chef Canada here, Chef Matthew Stowe is currently the Product Development chef for Cactus Club Café.

By: Richard Wolak