Metro claims Ontario’s Finest Butcher Title

Paul Gentile of Metro, Toronto took home the title of Ontario’s Finest Butcher (OFBC) in a competition hosted by Meat & Poultry Ontario (MPO) on Tuesday. Gentile is a first timer to the competition who battled his way through 16 of Ontario’s best butchers in an elimination round held on September 13, and was one of 4 finalists who moved on to the final round on September 28

“On behalf of the entire Metro Ontario team, I would like to congratulate Paul on his incredible knife skills, and winning the prestigious title of Ontario’s Finest Butcher,” says Joe Fusco, Senior Vice President, Metro Ontario.

The theme for this year’s final ‘black box’ round was ‘Game of Bones’ and Gentile, along with fellow finalists, had 30 minutes to transform a whole turkey, beef rib, and a shoulder of lamb into several mouth-watering, display-ready items. The finalists were judged on their level of skill, creativity and consumer-appeal. The three judges’ combined scores determined it was Gentile who would take home the title.

“The skills demonstrated today are just a sample of the talented butchers that work tirelessly to put local food on the plates of Ontarians every day.” says Franco Naccarato, MPO’s Executive Director.

“Paul Gentile brings home the black jacket“

The competition was attended by the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, who brought opening remarks and shared her support for the art of butchering, and the many career pathways available in food and agriculture.

“The Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition shines a spotlight on an amazing career within the province’s agriculture-food sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “I want to thank Meat and Poultry Ontario for showcasing the passion and skill butchers have and for being champions of local food and the meat industry in our province. The showcase of skill and dedication are attributes that translate into valuing locally grown food and the preparation that goes into quality Ontario products.”

In addition to donning the official champion’s black jacket, Gentile took home a $2,300 prize package, including a Minimax Big Green Egg™ Ultimate Kit, Mercer Culinary Butcher Knife set, a JVG custom forged butcher knife courtesy of Dolan Foods, a YETI gift package, and a cutting board resurfacing service from Ecoboard.

In case you missed it, this year’s final event was live-streamed courtesy of Metro. Watch it here: https://fb.watch/8ktO3WoppP/.