Amanda Ray, Executive Chef, Drake Devonshire
One of Canada’s top female chefs, Executive Chef Amanda Ray, has over 20 years of experience in some of the country’s most respected kitchens. Chef Ray began her career with Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality in 2001. Starting at Auberge du Pommier, she then worked at Canoe, and as Chef de Cuisine/Executive Chef at Biff’s Bistro. During her years at Canoe, she completed a three-month stagiaire at Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provençe, France; a small luxury Relais & Châteaux property, where she cooked rustic Provençal cuisine and taught at the culinary school alongside Head Chef Philippe Monti. Her next role brought her to the opening of Bar George in Le Mount Stephen Hotel, downtown Montreal, where she was the Chef de Cuisine for the hotel and events space.
Chef Ray has also been involved in dozens of industry events and charity fundraisers, including Toronto Taste, Gold Medal Plates (Ontario Regional Champion, 2016), Canadian Chef’s Congress, What’s on the Table (in support of The Stop Community Food Centre), and the Brickworks Picnic (in support of Slow Food). She also appeared as guest chef at the Mission Hill Winery Epicurean dinner and at Michael Stadtlander’s globally renowned Eigensinn Farm in Grey County.
Moving to Prince Edward County brought Amanda to Drake Devonshire where she now combines her classic training and experience gained travelling to Vietnam, Israel, England, Italy, France, and Cape Cod, to create her own takes on The Drake’s comfort classics, while incorporating the vibrant local offerings and seasonal flavours the county is known for.
Chefs from every region of Canada are invited to demonstrate their artistry and vision of what Canadian cuisine can be, and to share their knowledge and culinary innovation.