Team Canada Throws their Cap in the Ring
It’s time for the butcher to take reign as the next culinary superstar. This forgotten trade is seeing a much-needed resurgence and taking the gastronomic spotlight across the country as television shows pop up, public butchery courses proliferate, and chefs make the leap from the restaurant kitchen to the butcher shop.
For the first time ever, Canada will be entering a team into the World Butchers’ Challenge. Creating a Canadian team was the brainchild of Peter Baarda, Team Captain, three-time winner of Ontario’s Finest Butcher competition, and owner of J&G Quality Meats, Aldershot. It was a rigorous try-out process for those wanting a spot on the team and in the end, seven butchers were chosen to join Peter to represent Canada at this prestigious competition.
“Our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labour. Esteemed competitions like this help elevate the profession to where it belongs as a true and respected trade. As an association, we are proud to put forward and support a Canadian team in the World Butchers’ Challenge. ”
Competing comes with a hefty price tag as competitors must travel across our vast country to practice together, not to mention the expense of travel to California for the competition itself. As such, a GoFundMe campaign has been set-up to help offset travel expenses. Funds raised from this campaign will also help defer other associated costs such as uniforms, props, and ‘practice’ proteins. Please consider supporting the team.
Meet Team Canada (From left to right)
Corey Meyer (Edmonton, AB) – ACME Meat Market
Brent Herrington (Port Perry, ON) – Herrington’s Quality Butchers
Elyse Chatterton (Edmonton, AB)
Peter Baarda (Burlington, ON) – J&G Quality Meats
Taryn Lee Barker (Port Moody, BC) – The Little Butcher
Damian Goriup (Oakville, ON) – Florence Meats
Aaron McLaughlin (Didsbury, AB) – Old’s College
Dave Vander Velde – (Stoney Creek, ON) – VG Meats
TBD - Ontario’s Finest Butcher 2019
Corporate sponsors to date include Canada Beef, Friedr Dick Knives, Europaeus, Pearl Street Communications and Chef Works.
Interested corporate sponsors can contact Team Canada General Manager Franco Naccarato at franco@oimp.ca.