World-class Chefs, innovative cuisine, reconnecting with friends, and the beauty of a summer evening by the Rideau Canal…

The Chef’s Table is a farm-to-table feast with menus curated by Canadian chefs and musical entertainment. Presented by the Ontario Festival of Small Halls, this year’s series will run for four weekends this summer in collaboration with the National Arts Centre’s Resident Chefs Program.

This multi-weekend event will once again showcase world-class chefs, great live music, and a table alongside the Rideau Canal, on the terrace of the NAC’s 1 Elgin Restaurant. The 2023 Chef’s Table lineup will include some of the region’s most celebrated musical acts, and the respective menus will be curated by Chef Kenton Leier (of the National Arts Centre), along with several of Canada’s finest chefs.

Celebrate a special occasion with a three-course meal from world-class chefs – or just enjoy reconnecting with your closest friends over food, music, and the beauty of a summer night by the Rideau Canal.

Small group bookings accepted; tables of 2, 4, 6, and 8 available (must book entire table)

Tickets on sale to the public Wednesday, May 10th at 10AM / Billets en vente au public le mercredi 10 mai à 10h00

Schedule of Events

August 10 – 12, 2023

Chef David Vinoya (“Hilton Garden Inn”)
David Vinoya, a passionate Executive Chef from the Philippines, fell in love with cooking at age 12 and honed his skills in hotel restaurants there before moving to Canada. He is an award-winning chef with experience in Modern Western, Asian, and Canadian cuisine, and has a talent for putting his own twist on traditional dishes.

Chef Kenton Leier (NAC)
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Centre. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.

Music: Angelique Francis Quartet
JUNO Award winning , and 2X Maple Blues Award winning artist Angelique Francis, is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer-songwriter/composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Folk, Blues, Soul, Roots, Gospel and Americana.

August 17-19, 2023

Chef Carmen Ingham 
Chef Carmen Ingham, originally from North Vancouver, is an experienced executive chef with a passion for showcasing coastal British Columbia’s local ingredients. He has gained extensive professional experience in some of the province’s most prestigious restaurants and resorts and has won several culinary competitions.

Chef Kenton Leier (NAC)
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Centre. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality, and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.

Music: Jeff Rogers Trio
Jeff Rogers’ unmistakably soulful voice often evokes weighty comparisons to the past – whether that’s Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles or even Otis Redding…. However, his tone, range, phrasing, and sincerity, all make him unmistakably contemporary – and totally unique. 

Either playing sessions or performing live with various bands including The Commotions, The Cooper Brothers, Sly High, Beats ’n Keys, and HOROJO Trio, Jeff is in demand both nationally and internationally. For the Chef’s Table Concert Series, Jeff will be performing an assortment of R&B classics and a few new original songs from his soon to be released 3rd solo album “Dream Job”.

August 31-September 2, 2023

Chef Joe Thottungal (“Coconut Lagoon, Thali”)
Award-winning chef, Joe Thottungal, is known in Ottawa for his unique take on fine South Indian cuisine. The exciting and modern interpretation of authentic Kerala cuisine he serves at his restaurants, Coconut Lagoon and Thali Coconut Lagoon, have earned him both the admiration of his peers and a very loyal clientele.

Chef Kenton Leier (NAC)
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Centre. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality, and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.

Music: Dueling Pianos 
Dave Kalil, Tyler Kealey and Todd Huckabone have been a staple of the music scene in Ottawa known as the Dueling Pianos. Their musical ability and interactive personalities have captivated audiences since they formed the group in 2002.

September 7-9, 2023

Chef Siobhan Detkavich (“The Ballantyne Project”)
Originally from Vancouver Island, Chef Siobhan Detkavich was the youngest and first indigenous woman to compete on Top Chef Canada. In her latest endeavour, she is working alongside the Ballantyne Project to bring food banks providing free access to fresh, healthy foods and education in Indigenous communities.

Chef Kenton Leier (NAC)
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Centre. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality, and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.

Music: The Retrogrades
Let The Retrogrades take you on an exciting musical journey back in time with all your favourite hits from the 80’s and 90’s. From synth-pop standards to classic rock scorchers, The Retrogrades will have you moving your feet in no time!