Oakville chef Victoria Rinsma wins Canadian Regional Finals of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition

Oakville chef Victoria Rinsma wins Canadian Regional Finals of
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition

Victoria Rinsma, a talented young chef from Hexagon Restaurant in Oakville, Ontario, has been named the Canadian regional winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25.

Victoria impressed the esteemed panel of judges, including chefs Normand Laprise, Jason Bangerter, and Nuit Regular, with her signature dish, “Across the Sea and Home Again“. She will now represent Canada at the Grand Finale in Milan, Italy, in October 2025.

Rafael Covarrubias, the executive chef at Hexagon Restaurant, served as Victoria’s mentor for the Canadian Regional Finals, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to help refine her winning signature dish.

Three other talented young chefs were also awarded at the Canadian Regional Finals, winning the collateral awards:

Clement Cavoret from Quebec, with his signature dish “Deerly Not Wasted”, won the Acqua Panna Award for Connection in Gastronomy.
Sébastien Rémillard from Quebec, with his signature dish “The Evolution of My Life”, received the S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility.
Mary Yap from Toronto, with her signature dish “Duck Sinigang (Tamarind Consommé)”, took home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.

The group of talented young chefs competed in October in Toronto for the chance to be named the Canadian representative in the competition’s Grand Finale in October 2025 in Milan, Italy. For 125 years S.Pellegrino has been sparkling tables around the world, connecting cultures, stories, and emotions, and we are honoured to showcase the 10 Canadian finalists and their stories in this celebratory year.

The dish – Across the Sea and Home Again

This is the purest form of expression of my journey. This dish will take you through the beginning of my career all the way to the present. It takes inspiration from my grandmother’s impactful love for cooking transmitted to me as a young girl, to the reflection of my culinary career. My development as a chef and the learning of cultures, were turning points of finding my own identity and what has devoted me to this chapter.

The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of chefs and culinary influencers to determine the Canadian Young Chef competing in the Grand Finale. The judging panel includes:

Normand Laprise – With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, chef Normand Laprise is a culinary icon in Canada. Renowned for his visionary approach to cuisine, chef Laprise is the mastermind behind Montreal’s acclaimed restaurant, Toqué!. His dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients and pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity has earned him widespread acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.
Jason Bangerter – As the executive chef of Langdon Hall, a Relais & Châteaux property nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cambridge, Ontario, chef Jason Bangerter has established himself as a leading figure in Canadian gastronomy. With a culinary philosophy deeply rooted in seasonality and sustainability, chef Bangerter’s innovative dishes reflect his commitment to showcasing the natural bounty of the region.
Nuit Regular – Hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of Toronto, chef Nuit Regular brings a unique perspective to the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition. As the creative force behind PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, Kiin Chaiyo by PAI, Sukhothai, and Selva, chef Regular’s expertise in Thai cuisine and her dedication to preserving authentic flavours and techniques have garnered her widespread recognition and accolades.

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy
Gastronomy has the potential to transform society, shaping a more inclusive, more sustainable future. But doing so requires talent. That’s why S.Pellegrino has created S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a platform to attract, connect and nurture the next generation of culinary talents. An environment that will empower them through education, mentoring and experience opportunities, as well as through the renowned global competition. The Academy opens its doors to members from over 70 different countries, ensuring that talent is not constrained by geography, ethnicity, or gender. This is a place where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential players in global gastronomy, and where together they cultivate an inspiring culinary community. To discover more please visit: sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna
S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs and drinks. Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

SOURCE Sanpellegrino Group