The Grate Canadian Cheese Cook-Off

The 2014 Grate Canadian Cheese Cook-Off recently took place at Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Canadian Cheese Counter at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

Chefs and foodies competed to make the best comfort food using cheese and pasta, and Chef Andrew Farrell from 2 Doors Down in Halifax was awarded top honours for his Crispy Greens Mac and Cheese. The dish incorporates three Gouda cheese and one blue cheese, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Farrell’s dish was voted best overall by a panel of judges including Sue Riedl, journalist, blogger and cheese ambassador; Rita DeMontis, Sun Media food editor; Jason Bangerter, executive chef and 2012 Grate Canadian (Grilled) Cheese Cook-Off champion, as well as Lorie Chater, cheese lover from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the winner of the nation-wide contest for a professional mac & cheese taster.

“The competition was as sharp as Canadian cheddar,” said Andrew Farrell. “All the dishes looked delectable and the crowd was really engaged. I am so thrilled my Crispy Greens Mac & Cheese, featuring three Goudas and Dragon’s Breath Blue cheese from That Dutchman’s Farm, won the hearts and taste buds of the judges.”