Ten of Canada’s top chefs are competing in Ottawa at the end of January for the title of the Canadian Culinary Champion. After winning the Ottawa qualifier last fall, Chef Lizardo Becerra of Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine will represent Ottawa.
The Canadian Culinary Championship takes place over two days with three events. The competition kicks off on January 31 with the Mystery Wine Pairing Challenge where chefs have to craft a dish that pairs with a mystery Canadian wine. The first of two events on February 1 is the Black Box Challenge where chefs prepare two dishes in one hour using a secret selection of ingredients. The Grand Finale takes place the evening of February 1 and will end with one chef being named the 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion. Each of the three events are open to the public with tickets available online (and going fast!). Attendees can sample food and drinks at the events. In addition to bringing great food to the capital, the event will support national and local charities with a portion of proceeds from championship going to MusiCounts, Spirit North, Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) and BGC Ottawa (formerly Boys and Girls Club).
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Ottawa has been well represented over the years: Chef Briana Kim of Alice (gold, 2023); Chef Yannick LaSalle of Les Fougères (gold, 2019); Chef Joe Thottungal of Coconut Lagoon (silver, 2017); Chef Marc Lepine of Atelier (gold, 2016); Chef Jamie Stunt of Oz Kafe (silver, 2013); Chef Marc Lepine of Atelier (gold, 2012); Chef Michael Carmichael of E18hteen (bronze, 2010); and Chef Michael Blackie of Brookstreet (silver, 2007).
Ahead of the competition, we reached Chef Lizardo Becerra by email to learn more about his restaurant, how he’s been preparing, and what it means to compete on behalf of Ottawa.
Apt613: Congratulations on qualifying to represent Ottawa at the Canadian Culinary Championship! How did it feel when you won the Ottawa qualifier last fall?
Chef Lizardo Becerra: It was amazing! I was very honoured to have the opportunity to compete with these incredible chefs in the city, and make our team shine through the competition.
How have you been preparing to compete at the Canadian Culinary Championship?
It has been a hustle. At my restaurant, Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine, it was a busy December, so balancing practicing for the competition and managing the restaurant was not easy. We had the opportunity to try new recipes, speak with other chefs in the city, and learn from feedback given to us about our original dish.
The weekend is jam packed with events. What are you most excited about?
I am most excited for the black box competition. I do not know what will be in the box, I have heard a lot of comments about it, and it will be challenging and I am looking forward to that challenge. I am secretly hoping that a lime is in it, because Peruvian food uses so much of this citrus fruit for acidity.
Having the opportunity to represent Ottawa, as a Peruvian Canadian chef at the Canadian Culinary Championship is a great honour and I am looking forward to doing my best!
Can you tell me more about your restaurant, Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine?
Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine began as a takeout restaurant at the back of a hidden warehouse in April 2021. For more than a year, a small team that included my family and friends helped the little space evolve from takeout to a small patio and dine-in location. It was simple, even the floor was uneven, but we began to attract guests who came to love Peruvian food. For reasons beyond our control, after just over a year, we had to close the small warehouse location.
During the time that we searched for our next location, my Chef de Cuisine, Hibett Antipiorta, moved to Ottawa, taking a leap of faith to pursue the goal of having a restaurant after she had spent 10 years working at Central in Lima. We eventually found a location in the Byward Market and built a larger team, only to have to move again after 6 months. Now at 200 Elgin Street, Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine has found its home.
We are honoured to serve Peruvian food in a fine dining environment in the heart of the city. Our team has grown, and now all of our chefs de partie are excellent cooks from Peru. We work hard to maintain our Peruvian traditions and are genuinely seeking to bring original Peruvian cuisine to Ottawa.
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Is there anything else Apt613 readers should know?
Like all locally owned restaurants, Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine is the culmination of a dream come true. Our team of 28 wonderful people works together to bring something unique and beautiful to Ottawa. Having the opportunity to represent Ottawa, as a Peruvian Canadian chef at the Canadian Culinary Championship is a great honour and I am looking forward to doing my best!
From everyone at Apt613 and across Ottawa: good luck Chef!
The three part event takes place on January 31 and February 1, 2025. The Mystery Wine event is on Friday January 31 at 6pm at Rogers Centre. The Black Box event takes place on Saturday February 1 from 8am-1pm at La Cité Collégiale. The Grand Finale starts at 6:15pm on Saturday February 1 at Rogers Centre. Tickets are available online and start at $95 plus tax.
Read more about chef Becerra’s food in our Best Bites articles for Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine and Lima Peruvian Rotisserie.
