I attended the Superstar Chef Challenge Finale Party last night at the fantastic new resturant RELISH, on Nelson, in honour of a previous guest on The Laila Yuile Show, Gurj Dhaliwal. I met Gurj a few months ago while he was a participant and competitor of the Province’s Fitness Fantasy Contest, and he and Matt Young of Innovative Fitness joined me for a segment during my prize show on CKNW to talk about his challenges with weight loss and exercise. He did mention at the time that he was taping a new reality show challenge, but due to confidentiality reasons, could not elaborate. Well, it turns out he had been competing for the title of Superstar chef, and he has risen to the top with accolades, winning not only the coveted title of Superstar Chef, but a prize that will change his life.

10  lucky finalists from across the country made it out of hundreds who entered, to compete against each other in a series of challenges testing their hosting abilities, culinary skills and knowledge. Gurj’s win is an amazing break for a very skillful and charismatic young man- a  possible deal with Alliance Atlantis to host his own cooking show on the Food Network, which could start taping in September, I’m told! It’s one of those big breaks that everyone dreams about, and it was an honour to be there last night in the company of his family, friends and co-workers who so obviously love and support him in every way. As we watched the final episode in the series, which aired last night, the crowd was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who was the winner, but it was clear that the judges loved Gurj – his natural rapport with the audience, quick wit and superior culinary ability, coupled with shining charisma made him a clear favorite. The Champagne was flowing within seconds, as an emotional Gurj stood on a chair to say a few words of thanks to everyone, and soon the music was pumping  and the celebratory festivites were underway…

Congratulations Gurj, you deserve it!!