Resident Chef by Cookin is a distinctive dining experience where a community-selected Cookin chef collaborates with a renowned chef for an exclusive one-night event.
This program provides mentorship and hands-on experience for Cookin chefs, working alongside esteemed chefs to create a unique tasting menu. Joining forces, these chefs craft a memorable meal, blending the talents of a community-chosen Cookin chef with a well-known culinary expert.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AMEX
Exclusive invitations were extended to American Express Canada Platinum Cardmembers, and the event sold out in under 24 hours.
The Cookin Winner
Zulfikar Fahd, chef of Java Bali Kitchen, who secured the most votes by leveraging his social media and personal network, earned the title of Resident Chef. He migrated from Indonesia as a queer refugee and has explored cuisines from 30 different countries. His goal is to share the same joy through his food creations.
He had the opportunity to collaborate with Chef Nuit Regular at her restaurant Kiin Toronto, a recent addition to the Michelin Guide selection.
The Resident Chef Program
The program started with Chef Regular and Zulfikar brainstorming menu ideas in an introductory call, followed by an in-person mentorship session at Kiin to finalize the menu and plating.
On the event day, Zulfikar participated in food preparation, plating, and introduced and described each course to the guests. He worked in the kitchen alongside the Kiin team, learning from Chef Regular and experiencing the pace of service firsthand.
Zulfikar and Chef Regular delighted guests with a collaborative feast featuring dishes inspired by Fikar’s Indonesian heritage and family recipes, including Beef Rendang and Ayam Goreng (Indonesian fried chicken) served traditionally by hand. The evening began with a welcome cocktail and canapés, followed by a four-course meal with wine pairings and a special dessert.
A Night to Remember
The Resident Chef program not only showcases unique culinary collaborations but also supports aspiring chefs like Zulfikar in achieving their culinary aspirations.
The event underscores our dedication to empowering local culinary entrepreneurs and providing valuable hands-on experiences for up-and-coming chefs like Zulfikar, who immersed himself in a true “hospitality master class.”
2023 WINNER
Patrick Kriss and Chef Sand
For our inaugural event, Michelin-starred Patrick Kriss, the owner and head chef of Alo, partnered with us at his restaurant, Salon by Alo.
