Written by Rosemary Mantini | 25 August 2010
Posted in KitchenMama

Chef Michael Howell from Nova Scotia takes top honours.

Dairy Farmers of Canada has announced that Panini Toscano has been named Canada's "gratest" grilled cheese. Chef Michael Howell of The Tempest restaurant in Wolfville, Nova Scotia stole the show with his delicious creation at the Grate Canadian Grilled Cheese Cook-Off, which saw top chefs from across Canada put their spin on this classic Canadian favourite. The winning grilled cheese combined the flavours of figs, prosciutto, arugula and Canadian Gouda cheese from Fox Hill in Nova Scotia. The Grate Canadian Grilled Cheese recipes created especially for this competition included: "The Spicy Shrimp" and "Chef Corbin's Best Ever" from Chef Corbin Tomaszeski of Holt's Café in Toronto; "Cheddar Your Wagons" and "Curry Me Brie" created by Chef Paul Rogalski from Rouge restaurant in Calgary; "French Toast Grilled Cheese" and "Barbequed Ham Grilled Cheese" from Chef Melissa Craig of Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler; and "Panini Toscano" and "Dark and Stormy" submitted by Chef Michael Howell.

"Canadians are sure to be inspired by these incredible grilled cheese creations," said Chef Michael Howell. "This wonderful Cook-Off and my fellow chefs have all shown us that making a winning grilled cheese sandwich is simple - all you need is bread, your favourite Canadian cheese and some imagination."

cheese | gourmet | grill