Photo: Food Network Canada
One of the hottest culinary battles in the country returns to the kitchen this April when Top Chef Canada returns for its eighth season. This year’s competition will have local talent in the mix – Kelowna’s Brock Bowes.
He is the co-owner and chef of the Crasian Food Truck, Boxcar (in BNA’s tasting room) and Provisions Kitchen and Catering at Kettle River Brewery.
After a few attempts to qualify, Bowes eventually earned a reputation for establishing himself as one of the top 12 chefs in the country.
“That was probably the best call I got in my career.”
Bowes says this is something he’s always wanted to do, so it was exciting to find yourself on the set of the show.
“It was a bit overwhelming to enter. You watch it on TV all the time and you say, ‘Wow, I’m standing here right now, that’s amazing,’ “Bowes said.
Talented up-and-coming star chefs from all over Canada compete against each other in this challenge. Bowes says it was inspiring to be with some of the best talent in the country.
“It’s something that you don’t have to do often or not at all as a chef. I mean, you compete on other levels and I’ve cooked with great people in my career, but to represent with the top chefs in the country.” Doing a show was sure to be overwhelming, “says Bowes.
This isn’t the first time Bowes has attended a nationally televised cooking show. He entered competitions in 2015 and won Chopped Canada. Although the competitions vary a lot, it helps to know what it’s like to cook in front of a camera.
“I absolutely think that doing as many competitions as possible is good for you as a chef and as a chef, I wouldn’t say it’s an advantage, but it makes you feel good.”
Bowes has built his reputation as the chef for some of the best restaurants, hotels and wineries in British Columbia. For him it was a “huge privilege” to represent Kelowna on this scale.
“I think we have an amazing community of chefs here at the Okanagan and some of those who I think are some of the best in Canada.”
In addition to the rights to brag, this season’s winner will receive a grand prize of $ 100,000, a 2020 Lexus RX electric SUV, and an eight-day guided tour of Italy for two, according to a media release.
“It would mean anything to me, it’s a big deal to win – it makes you a celebrity chef in an instant,” Bowes said.
The season was shot last fall, but the competitors weren’t announced until this week. He says he felt the love, not just from fellow chefs, but also from locals who tell him they will cheer him on.
What was the most surprising aspect of the whole experience?
“The fact that I did! It was amazing to be on this TV show and I can’t wait to see myself on TV.”
The show premieres on April 13th at 7pm on Food Network Canada.
