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    CULTURAL CHEF EXCHANGE

    Chef Darren MacLean, in partnership with Food Tourism Strategies, presents the year-long Cultural Chef Exchange, an initiative designed to deepen understanding of Canada’s evolving culinary identity.

    No stranger to collaboration, MacLean has hosted more than 20 globally recognized and Michelin-awarded chefs in his Calgary restaurants, including James Knappett, A Wong, Yoshihiro Narisawa, Mark Best, Amanda Cohen, and Timothy Hollingsworth. Through these collaborations, and through his own international travels to cook and study abroad, MacLean’s restaurants have hosted more collaborations with Michelin-recognized and World’s 50 Best-affiliated chefs than any other restaurant group in Canada.

    World-renowned international chefs will continue to visit Calgary, Alberta, Canada as part of the Cultural Chef Exchange, an on-going initiative by Chef Darren MacLean in partnership with Food Tourism Strategies, to visit the city and surrounding area to collaborate, learn and inspire.

    As part of the Cultural Chef Exchange, internationally acclaimed chefs continue to visit Calgary, Alberta to collaborate with MacLean and explore the region’s culinary landscape.

    The program promotes Alberta and Canada’s culinary heritage while fostering cross-cultural exchange with leading chefs from around the world.

    Through these collaborations, MacLean helps establish a global narrative around Canadian ingredients, products, and culinary traditions. By sharing knowledge, techniques, and perspectives, the Cultural Chef Exchange highlights Canada as both a world-class culinary and cultural destination.

    Chef Chris Domit

    @chrisdomit @tavernaenprim

    Chef Christianne Domit, originally from Mexico City, began her career in architecture before discovering her true passion in gastronomy. After completing an internship with Chef Rodolfo Castellanos in Oaxaca, Domit embarked on a global culinary journey that led her to work alongside renowned chefs such as Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Ben Shewry at Attica, David Thompson at Nahm, and René Redzepi at Noma. These experiences allowed her to develop a deep understanding of ingredient sourcing and further shape her culinary philosophy. Upon returning to Mexico, Domit became involved in innovative projects such as El Santuario in Valle de Bravo and Mesa Nómada, a project by chef Emmanuel Prieto, with whom she eventually opened her own restaurant, Taverna, in Mexico City in 2021. Since opening, Taverna has received multiple accolades, including three consecutive recognitions from Culinaria Mexicana and placements on Marco Beteta’s list of the 100 Best Restaurants in Mexico. Her cuisine combines techniques and flavors from diverse culinary traditions, with a strong focus on fire and smoke, sustainability, and education around the origin of ingredients. Each dish reflects her passion for the culinary arts and her deep respect for the products she works with.

    Chef Emmanuel Prieto

    @emmeprm @tavernaenprim

    Prieto began his professional training under the guidance of a renowned French chef in Brazil, where he honed his discipline and refined his techniques in French and South American cuisine over the course of 18 months. At the age of 25, he embarked on a culinary journey that led him to explore flavors from around the world. During this period, he worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in South America, Southeast Asia, and Scandinavia, as well as serving as a private chef in Baja California Sur. These international experiences broadened his vision and enriched his culinary approach. Upon his return to Mexico City, Prieto found inspiration in world-class establishments such as STUD!O in Copenhagen and René Redzepi’s NOMA. This inspired him to establish MESA NÓMADA, a gastronomic experience recognized for its creativity and innovation. He later opened his first restaurant, TAVERNA, which has received multiple awards, including three consecutive recognitions from CULINARIA MEXICANA and a spot on MARCO BETETA’s list of the 100 BEST RESTAURANTS. Prieto’s culinary style is distinguished by impeccable technique and a deep respect for traditional flavors, enhanced with a contemporary touch. His approach is rooted in incorporating memory and emotions as essential ingredients, using smoke, fire, and ashes as signature elements to elevate flavors. Affectionately known as “Chef Emme,” Prieto prioritizes the use of local and fresh ingredients in all his projects. He places special importance on sustainable sourcing, working with local farmers and producers to ensure the highest quality. Fresh catches of the day, organic meats, and fresh dairy products are the foundation of his menus. His culinary philosophy is centered on simplicity, authenticity, and a commitment to freshness.

    Chef Garam Park is the Executive Chef of Dresden Green. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), widely considered as one of the top three culinary schools in the world. With her diverse and brilliant work experience at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Restaurant Daniel, The CIA, Le Bernardin, and Eleven Madison Park in New York, she served as the head chef at CHOI. Currently, she oversees Dresden Green and presents new and delicate dining experiences.

    Chef Naoto Kishimoto

    @naoto_k_2021

    Chef Naoto was born in Tokyo His first step as a ‘cuisinier'(cook) was in the so-called ‘yoshoku'(western style cuisines) restaurant in Tokyo. He studied French cuisine under Hiroyuki Sakai, a famous chef of ‘La Rochelle’ in Shibuya with his interest triggered by a famous TV program of NHK(Japan Broadcasting Corporation), ‘Cooks for the Emperor’. In 1994, he moved to France and obtained rich experiences as a ‘cuisinier’ in ‘La Promenade’ in Loire, ‘Fauche’ in Paris, ‘L’Espérance) in Vézelay, Bourgogne, and other fine restaurants in France. In 1996, he returned to Japan and contributed to the establishment of ‘Austral’ as sous-chef (vice chef). In 2001, he was appointed as chef of ‘Austral’. November. In 2006, he opened ‘L’Embellir’ in Minami-Aoyama, and in 2008, he obtained ‘one star’ in the famous Michelin guidebook of Tokyo, 2008 version. L’Embellir has been receiving Michelin star for 12 consecutive years. On August 2021, he opened “naoto.K” in Kanda-nishiki-cho, Tokyo.

    CHEF THITID “TON” TASSANAKAJOHN

    @cheftonn

    Born in Thailand, his passion for cooking was inspired by the flavors of his mother and grandmother’s home-cooked meals. After completing his Economics degree at Chulalongkorn University, Chef Ton pursued his culinary dream at the Culinary Institute of America and later earned an MBA in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University. His career took him to Michelin-starred kitchens in New York, including Eleven Madison Park, The Modern, and Jean Georges. Chef Ton is passionate not only about cooking but also about wine, earning certification as a sommelier. He is known for elevating Thai cuisine, combining traditional flavors with modern techniques and ingredients, and for being a prominent figure in Bangkok’s dining scene. As a judge on popular TV shows like Top Chef Thailand and Kitchen War Thailand, Chef Ton has become a respected authority in the Thai culinary industry. His restaurants continue to be celebrated for their creative and innovative approach to Thai cuisine.

    • Le Du (*1 Michelin star & No. 1 Asia’s Best 50 restaurants 2023)
    • Nusara (* Michelin star& No. 3 Asia’s Best 50 restaurants 2023 & Art of Hospitality award 2024)
    • Baan (Michelin Guide Thailand )
    • Samut (Michelin Guide Thailand)
    • Lahnyai Nusara (Michelin Guide Thailand)
    • Sood (Michelin Guide Malaysia)
    • Lawoi

    Yoshinobu Kimura
    Sushi m (Tokyo, Japan)

    Chef Colibrí Jiménez
    Maria Raiz y Tierra (Mexico)

    Chef Alberto Landgraf
    Oteque (Brazil)

    Chef James Knappett
    Kitchen Table (London, UK)

    Chef Aaron Bludorn
    Bludorn (Houston, Texas, USA)

    Nathan Gould
    Shelter (USA)
    Martha’s Vineyard Smokehouse (USA)

    Sam Tran
    Gia Restaurant (Hanoi)
    le Goût de Gia (Hanoi)

    Aishling Moore
    Goldie (Ireland)

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