3-Time LBPSB Alumna Competes on Top Chef Canada

A native of Pointe-Claire, she grew up in a big Italian family where her father took the lead in the kitchen.

After beginning her studies in nursing, she eventually made a career change and followed her calling when she applied to culinary school at the Pearson School of Culinary Arts in LaSalle.

She began her career working alongside Chef Danny Smiles at Bremner in Old Montreal, before moving to Italy to further develop her craft. Upon returning, she reunited with Smiles at the Auberge Willow Inn, where she worked as event chef.

“I grew up in the West Island and it was a pleasure to see my people come dine at the Inn in Hudson. It’s a beautiful space. Even on a bad day, just looking outside would cheer me up,” she says.

When the opportunity arose to help open Le Violon in the Plateau, Sara took on the role of Chef de cuisine, contributing to the restaurant’s many accolades.

After more than a decade working alongside her colleague, Danny Smiles, she is now the Chef de Cuisine at Le Violon, one of Canada’s most celebrated new restaurants, ranked number 15 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

She has also handled culinary operations at Montreal’s Osheaga Music Festival.

Her cooking reflects the experiences, mentorship and creativity that have shaped her along the way. Now, she’s bringing that experience to the national stage as a contestant on Season 13 of Top Chef Canada!

She says she was approached several times to be on the show but turned the offer down. After the team approached her to participate in Season 13, she finally accepted.

You can check out Top Chef Canada on Stack TV or Flavour Network.

Good luck Sara! We can’t wait to see you in action!