Five enthusiastic local amateur chefs on Vancouver Island will star in a 2025 episode of Come Dine with Me on the Food Network 鈥� but there's one caveat: they have to be discovered first.
Made for whizzes in the kitchen who love entertaining, the show revolves around chefs hosting a dinner party at home while showcasing culinary skills to impress fellow contestants. At the end of the week, the best host wins a cash prize.
"We are looking for enthusiastic amateur chefs with the ultimate hosting skills! If you have a signature dish, we want you to show it off. And we want people who have a healthy level of competition," said Alessia Stafferi from Food Network.
Stafferi said that presentation is a big part of the show, and that's why the setting 鈥� the chef's own kitchen 鈥� is important. "The amateur chefs鈥� kitchen reflects who they are as a person, and it can be indicative of their style of cooking," she said.
Those interested in applying must be 19 years old, available to film between August and October in 2025, and commit to two full days and four consecutive evenings of filming. The application requires photos of both the applicant and their kitchen/dining area, a short descriptor video of themselves, their cooking style, their hosting abilities and the dish they would make, along with over 50 other written questions.
For those thinking of applying, Stafferi has advice. "Pull out your classic recipes. The ones you make the most, the biggest crowd pleasers, and lean into your skills with that dish!"
The series debuted in 2010 and is adapted from the British program of the same name. Five amateur chefs generally compete against one another, while the tone remains light and comedic.
Come Dine with Me Canada will air on Food Network and Citytv+ in 2025 with more details to be shared in the coming months.
Stafferi said she looks forward to seeing the flavours and style that the Vancouver Island chefs bring to the table.
"Vancouver Island has such a distinctive character 鈥� we would absolutely love to come there!"
