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Branksome Hall’s Master Chef Competition: A Sizzling Success

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Three people stand in a kitchen. The woman in the middle holds a "Master Chef Winner" certificate and smiles, while the two men on either side, wearing chef uniforms, give enthusiastic thumbs up.

Lunchtime is a favourite time of day for many Branksome students, and who can blame them when there is so much to choose from? From fun Fish Fridays to creative pizza options and the much-loved pierogi day, there is never a dull menu in the Athletics and Wellness Centre Dining Hall. Led by Ms. Denise Smith each year, young chefs and creative cooks in Grades 7–12 look forward to Branksome’s Master Chef competition—an exciting contest where students submit their favourite recipe to Chef Peter Domaradzki, Head of Culinary, and the Branksome Aramark team with the hopes of winning the title of Master Chef.

Branksome Hall’s first competition took place during the 2022–23 school year. The competition was deliciously fun, with entries including Jamaican beef patties, mochi and other delectable goodies. It was a tough choice for our judges, but in the end, Grade 10 student Emmi won for her innovative and creative recipe for Singapore chicken. “This delicious and spicy dish transported us straight to the hectic streets of Singapore,” said Julie Trudeau, General Manager of Food Services, in a congratulatory social media post. The aromatic spices and notes of mint provided for an unforgettable culinary experience. 

Two men sit at a table, taking notes and tasting food, while a group of people, mostly women, sit attentively in the background. The setting appears to be a modern classroom or meeting space with large windows.
A table with several plates of food, including rice with meat, dumplings, a pastry, cups with chocolate dessert, a small container with sauce, and a jug of water. Three people's arms are visible at the table.

In December 2023, the competition was back and better than ever with more scrumptious recipes from our students. In the most recent competition, green onion pancakes, quesadillas, penne alla vodka and more tickled the judges’ taste buds. But when Grade 9 student Anastasia presented her delicious domathes—carefully seasoned rice and meat wrapped in grape leaves—the judges were blown away by her creativity and skill. Anastasia got the stamp of approval from the Aramark team and her win was announced to the community in December 2023.

Special thanks to Ms. Smith for bringing the community together for this event each year, and to Chef Peter, Julie and the Aramark staff for participating in this fun competition and encouraging our students to explore their creativity through the culinary arts. Follow Julie Trudeau, Manager of Food Services at @jtrudeaubranksome for more exciting updates and a behind-the-scenes look at everything delicious at Branksome Hall. 

A girl in a blue hoodie serves food to two men seated at a white table in a busy cafeteria, while groups of people talk and eat in the background.
A group of people sit at white tables in a modern, indoor space. Some are listening attentively, while two in the front write notes. There are snacks and drinks on the tables, and a wood-paneled wall is in the background.
Two people smiling and holding a certificate in front of a green background that says "MASTER CHEF WINNER." One wears a chef's uniform and beanie; the other wears a green sweater and plaid skirt.

Address

Branksome Hall
10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
M4W 1N4

Contact

1-416-920-9741
admissions@branksome.on.ca

Land Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*


*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.

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