Food has a way of being the heartbeat of community and our national economy, and this year’s Restaurants Canada RC Show , held March 8–10, captured that spirit beautifully. Produced and hosted annually by Restaurants Canada, the RC Show strives to bring the industry together for bold ideas, fresh connections, and the kind of inspiration wedding planners, food lovers, and hospitality pros can use.
For the first time, the event took over The International Centre, drawing over 27,000 industry professionals. Moving through the floor felt like stepping into a dynamic culinary hub, with booths from SIHE International Group, Chef Joe Friday, De’Longhi, Paradise Fields, KWE Cocktails, and many more. Between keynotes from leaders like Chockie Tom, Janet Zuccarini, and Colonel Chris Hadfield, plus immersive tastings, networking receptions, and live music, the energy was electric.
Competitions added even more excitement, with chefs, baristas, mixologists, and oyster shuckers competing in the Garland Canada Culinary Competition, RC Pizza Competition, the new Great Burger Showdown, the John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition, and Beyond the Rail. It was a full celebration of emerging talent and the craft behind every dish and drink.
A standout moment was the Yes Shef event, hosted by the WORTH Association, honouring women shaping Canada’s culinary scene. Notable chefs like Evan Chin, Charlotte Langley, and Marissa Leon‑John were recognized. Chef Marissa also shared thoughtful insight on emerging tech, noting that AI can support administrative tasks and help scale recipes, even for 500 people, but the heart of food will always come from the hands that make it.
A grounded reminder that innovation can assist, but never replace the craft.
Senior Writer- tosin@weddingplannermag.ca
Photography- Edward Chiazor (@eddy_chi) for @efosamedia
