A Weekend to Savour

Francis Blais is the first Québécois to win Top Chef Canada in 2020 at just 27. As co-founder and executive chef of Menu Extra, he brings a bold creative vision paired with precise culinary technique to craft emotionally resonant, flavour-driven dishes. A unique presence in Montreal’s culinary scene, Menu Extra defies convention to create bold, singular dining experiences. They champion seasonal cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and flawless techniques. Their dishes are crafted in harmony with wine, each pairing unfolding naturally. With a multidisciplinary team, they bring a holistic sensibility to every project, designing ephemeral moments that leave a lasting impression.

Afrim Pristine is Canada’s premier Cheese Master and co-owner of Toronto’s iconic Cheese Boutique, a family-run institution for over 50 years. With more than 25 years in the business, Afrim has dedicated his life to mastering cheese, earning the rare title of Maître Fromager from the France-based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers—making him the youngest recipient and the only Canadian to receive this honour.

Afrim’s passion, rooted in his family legacy, has made him a national culinary figure. He’s the host of Cheese: A Love Story, Food Network Canada’s first cheese-focused docu-series (also on Hulu), where he travels the world in search of the best cheeses and the artisans behind them. His bestselling cookbook, For the Love of Cheese, celebrates his favourite ingredient, with a second book on the way, hitting shelves in October 2026.

Beyond cheese, Afrim is a skilled chef, recipe developer, and TV personality, regularly featured on Canadian food shows and morning programs including 10 seasons on Marilyn Denis. Recognized by The Globe and Mail and LCBO Food & Drink as one of Canada’s most influential food figures, Afrim continues to inspire a new generation of cheese lovers while honouring the traditions that shaped him.

Charlie’s Burgers started in early 2009 as a series of private dining events by Franco Stalteri and Donato Carozza. Each dinner event is hosted by a different high-profile chef and is held in a different location. Charlie’s Burgers has collaborated with chefs recognized by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The Michelin Guide and Relais & Chateaux, in Canada, England, France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and the US. In 2010, CB was ranked by Food and Wine Magazine as #3 on their list of “100 Best New Food and Drink Experiences in the World”.

The CB team was instrumental in bringing the Michelin Guide to Toronto and Canada, having started the project in 2017 with the City of Toronto, spanning 5 years until completion. Now in its 12th year, the CB Wine Program, Canada’s Premier wine club, is a custom-curated case of wine every month from a different producer imported exclusively for members. These cases include wines from award-winning producers from around the world, and who are recognized by wine critics like James Suckling and Robert Parker.