About the Y Embassy Chef Showcase
Ottawa’s embassies and high commissions are cordially invited to join us on March 26, 2025 for the 2nd Annual event that could only be held in Canada’s Capital: The Y Embassy Chef Showcase.
Each embassy will host a culinary station representing their country and culture, where guests will have the opportunity to sample each dish and beverage. The embassies will prepare a dish to be scored by a panel of esteemed judges on the strength of its execution, presentation, taste, and creativity, with overall awards presented for: Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, Best Beverage, Best-Dressed Booth.
Every dollar raised at this celebration of culture and friendship will directly support the YMCA’s vital programs and services which help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, right here in our community.
The 2025 Embassy Chef Showcase takes place:
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
6:00PM - 9:00PM
Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Now inviting interested embassies to confirm participation!
How embassies can participate
The Y Embassy Chef Showcase is a natural fit for the Nation’s Capital, which is home to 101 embassies and 28 high commissions.
Embassies and high commissions can participate in the Y Embassy Chef Showcase in a variety of ways:
- Share samples of a specialty dish that represents your country with guests, and enter it in the judging competition. Using your own supplies, ingredients, and chef*, dazzle guests and judges with a taste from your home country.
- Decorate your embassy’s booth in a traditional style. Showcase your country's unique style and culture and provide a little ambiance for guests.
- Serve samples of your country’s preferred beverage of choice (optional). Using your own supplies, ingredients and sommelier/mixologists*, treat guests to sips of your favourite beer, wine, spirit — or non-alcoholic drink!
*Please let us know as soon as possible if you need us to match you with a chef or volunteer Smart Serve server for the event.
Each participating embassy will be provided with:
- 4 tickets for the event for Ambassador and Guest, including 2 booth staff (embassy culinary team)
- a chest-high counter to present your dishes from
- a 6' banquet table with cloth to work from
- a 6' banquet table with cloth for display purposes
- napkins
- biodegradable plates and cutlery to serve your dishes with
- access to power (power is limited)
- garbage bin
Confirm your embassy's participation today by contacting:
Robin Duetta
Culinary Event Consultant / Embassy Liaison
robin.duetta@outlook.com
613-558-9568
For other event inquiries, please contact:
Marianne Long
Manager, Philanthropy and Outreach
YMCA of the National Capital Region
marianne.long@ymcaottawa.ca
613-415-6611
Additional Information
You will have room for banners and other adornments. You are welcome to use your booth area in any manner to reflect your country's culture. You may bring travel information and any other materials you think may be of interest to our guests.
For countries with interest in sharing beverages from your country: please get in touch with us as early as possible. We welcome opportunities for guests to be able to sample products that they may not have access to on a regular basis. Please advise if you require any particular glassware (ie. red wine, white wine, hi-ball, beer).
There will be dedicated time to deliver and set up at Horticulture Building earlier in the day on March 26. The load-in and load-out schedule will be communicated in October to all participating embassies.
Parking is available on site in the underground parking at Lansdowne Park. 2 complimentary parking passes will be provided.
We will do our utmost to accommodate any requests that you may have. Feel free to reach out to Robin Duetta at robin.duetta@outlook.com.