By Angie Sullivan
Georgina’s own Christine Gauci is taking her passion for cooking right to the top as she climbs the ranks in the Favorite Chef “Chop to the Top” competition.
She’s not the only one in our region vying for the top spot. Jason Terceira of Keswick is also red hot in the standings.
Terceria’s handle on his social media posts says, “Chef turned teacher, inspiring future chefs and helping make positive change in the industry. Entrepreneur building cheesecake empire.”
To learn more about this competition, when this reporter visited Gauci at her home in Sutton, she was treated to a cooking demonstration in a custom vintage-themed kitchen. Retro-style turquoise appliances were featured in a bright, welcoming space.
The scent of fresh herbs and garlic hung in the air as Gauci created a bruschetta with pickled onion, garden-picked basil, Parmesan, and balsamic glaze.
“Most of my recipes aren’t written down. I create as I go, though there are a few standards like meatloaf and mac and cheese,” said Gauci as she browned crusty bread on the stove.
Instead of butter, she rubbed the bread with garlic before topping it with diced tomato and pickled onion.
Gauci said, “Cooking has always been much more than preparing meals for me, it’s how I show love. I’ve worked in professional kitchens, managed a kitchen, and spent years creating meals for family and friends. Whether it’s experimenting with new recipes or putting my own spin on classic comfort food, the kitchen is where I feel most creative and happiest.”
Competitors share their culinary stories and creations online, with public voting determining who advances through the competition’s early rounds.
Gauci has showcased several of her signature dishes like Jesus Juice Hawaiian sliders, mushroom risotto, lasagna, and seafood boil.
“My kids wouldn’t allow me to change the name of my famous sliders,” said Gauci, who has five children ranging in age from 20 to 31. “Jesus Juice is a homemade barbecue sauce that adds incredible flavour.”
Public voting began on June 1, with the competition ending on August 6. The grand prize winner will be featured in Taste of Home magazine, receive $25,000, and participate in a culinary experience with celebrity chef Carla Hall.
Hall is best known for her two seasons on Top Chef (Season Five and All Stars), and hosting the daytime series The Chew.
Gauci said, “I decided to enter Favorite Chef because it felt like the perfect opportunity to challenge myself while sharing something I’m truly passionate about. I love that the competition celebrates creativity, personality and the stories behind the food.”
Anyone wishing to support Christine Gauci can vote at https://favchef.com/2026/chris-gauci
Anyone wishing to support Jason Terceria can vote at http://favchef.com/2026/jason-terceira
Video of Christine Gauci creating bruschetta can be viewed on The Georgina Post YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/7qvLuhNLw40
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