What a great night at the CF Burnt Burger event 🍔🔥
It was inspiring to see chefs, hospitality friends, educators, and advocates come together to support mental health in our industry. The conversations, the energy, and the sense of community were a reminder that hospitality is at its best when we support one another beyond the kitchen.
Proud to have been part of an evening that helped raise awareness, encouraged honest dialogue, and reminded people that no one has to struggle alone. And yes... the burgers absolutely delivered too 👏🍔
#TheBurntChefProject #MentalHealthInHospitality #ChefsSupportingChefs
A powerful evening of community, connection, and support đź’›
CF Toronto was proud to come together alongside The Burnt Chef Project North America for some meaningful conversations around mental health in the hospitality industry. Nights like this remind us that our industry is strongest when we support one another, both in and out of the kitchen.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Novotel Toronto Centre on The Esplanade for hosting us so warmly, and to CF member Rob Hood for helping bring this meaningful event to life.
Together, we continue building a more supportive, compassionate hospitality community. #BurntChefProject #MentalHealthMatters #ChefsSupportingChefs
We need you, chefs đź’›
Our CF Toronto May fundraiser is coming up, and we’d love to see more of our community in the room. This isn’t just another event—it’s a chance to come together and support mental health in our industry alongside The Burnt Chef Project North America.
Good food. Real connection. A cause that matters.
đź“… May 11 | 6:30 PM
đź“Ť 45 The Esplanade, Toronto
🍔 Cheeseburger (beef or plant-based) + fries + drink
CF Members $15 | Guests $25
Let’s show up for each other—on and off the line.
Sign up now. Bring a friend.
Link in BIOđź”—
#CFToronto #BurntChefProject #HospitalityStrong #ChefsSupportingChefs #TorontoEvents MentalHealthMatters
Alison Iannarelli – President
Let's give a big welcome to our new CF Toronto President:
Chef Alison Iannarelli, CCC, ACF Certified, brings over 20 years of culinary experience along with a strong history of leadership within the Culinary Federation Toronto Branch, previously serving as Secretary and 1st Vice President. She is currently a Professor and Culinary Educator at Centennial College, where she is dedicated to shaping the next generation of chefs.
With international culinary experience in Italy and France, Alison combines classical foundations with a growing focus on food science and research. Her passion for education, mentorship, and continuous learning positions her to lead the branch into a progressive and impactful future.
Educator and leader shaping the next generation of chefs through knowledge and global experience.
#InspireThroughEducation
Welcom to the board :
Hope Osbourne – Young Chef Representative
Chef Hope Osbourne is an emerging culinary professional currently completing her second semester in the Culinary Management program. As an engaged student and active young chef member, she has already demonstrated a strong commitment to both her craft and the culinary community.
Hope has volunteered at numerous Humber off-campus community events and actively participates in Canadian Culinary Federation, Toronto Branch initiatives. She has proven to be a positive ambassador for the Federation, encouraging fellow culinary students to get involved, attend events, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to young chefs.
Her enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to growth position her as an inspiring voice for the next generation within the branch.
A rising chef inspiring the next generation through passion, involvement, and leadership.
#NextGenChefLeader
Shonah Chalmers – CF Toronto Chairperson of the Board
Chef Shonah Chalmers, CCC, BSc, WCCE, brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to the culinary profession, having served in multiple roles within the Toronto Branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation, including Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and President.
With a strong foundation in culinary education, sustainability, and industry engagement, Chef Shonah is passionate about advancing the profession through mentorship, innovation, and community building. Her leadership reflects a dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for chefs while driving the branch forward in a progressive and impactful way.
Leading with experience, mentorship, and a vision for a stronger culinary future.
#LeadWithPurpose #likemindedpeople
Dacyion Reid – Communications Director
Give a big welcome to Our new Board Member:
Chef Dacyion Reid is a passionate and driven culinary professional, recognized as a past Young Chef of the Year with the Canadian Culinary Federation, Toronto Branch. As the chef and owner of Dacy’s Gourmet Kitchen, she brings people together through fresh, healthy, and flavourful meals, blending her Jamaican heritage with global culinary influences.
A dedicated member of the culinary community, Dacyion actively participates in industry events, competitions, and volunteer initiatives supporting food insecurity. From award-winning recipe competitions to national campaigns highlighting women entrepreneurs, she continues to elevate her craft while inspiring others. Her commitment, resilience, and passion make her a strong and valued addition to the Board.
Entrepreneur and community leader blending culture, resilience, and culinary creativity.
#passiononeveryplate
#CFTorontoLeads
Robert Hood – 1st Vice President
Welcome to the new Board member: Robert Hood – 1st Vice President
Robert Hood, FIH, brings over 30 years of international experience in food and beverage leadership across Europe, the United States, and Canada. Currently the Corporate Director of Food & Beverage with Silver Hotel Group, he has built a career rooted in operational excellence and innovation
With a background spanning major hotel groups and hospitality organizations, Rob is passionate about both culinary and front-of-house leadership. He holds advanced hospitality credentials and continues to contribute to the industry through global affiliations and advocacy, including his role as a Canadian Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to elevating the profession.
Bringing global hospitality expertise and leadership to elevate the culinary profession.
#ElevateHospitality #cftoronto #ChefsUnite
An inspiring night with the Culinary Federation Toronto 🍕
Tonight at Constantine Restaurant inside The Anndore House, Chef Adam Lafleur and his incredible team welcomed us into their kitchen for a hands-on dough preparation and pizza stretching demo.
From technique to storytelling, Chef Adam shared his culinary journey with honesty and passion, reminding us all that great food starts with dedication, practice, and community.
We wrapped up the evening in the private dining room, connecting with fellow chefs, sharing CF updates, and enjoying the delicious rewards of our learning, fresh, beautifully crafted pizza 🍕
Moments like these are what make our community so special.
#CFToronto #ChefCommunity #PizzaMaking TorontoEats
Welcome new board member
Alex Lombardi-Hartig – 2nd Vice President
Chef Alex Lombardi-Hartig brings over a decade of experience in product development, culinary innovation, and leadership within the food industry. Currently working with Sobeys Inc., he is passionate about creating food that connects with people’s everyday lives.
Inspired by his Sicilian roots and his Nonna, Chef Alex blends tradition with global influence. In addition to his professional work, he is actively involved in mentorship and the culinary community, serving as a WorldChefs Regional Judge. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to growth continue to support the evolution of the Toronto branch.
Driving innovation and mentorship through modern food development and global inspiration.
#InnovateWithPurpose
Welcome to our new CF Toronto Board Member
Sue Spiering – Treasurer
Chef Sue Spiering brings over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial organization, along with previous board experience as a Young Chef Representative and Treasurer for a not-for-profit nursery school. Currently working as a part-time bookkeeper in a legal office, she combines strong financial skills with a deep commitment to our community.
Sue is passionate about giving back through food, regularly preparing meals for organizations supporting those facing food insecurity. She has also volunteered in school nutrition programs, taught cooking to Grades 6–8 students and supported a variety of catered community events. Her dedication to service and organization makes her a valuable part of the Board.
Combining financial expertise with a passion for community and giving back through food.
#ServeWithHeart #CFToronto
