Popular Food Network series ‘Chopped’ is coming to Canada

Are you a professional-grade chef who is looking for your big break? Or just a lover of competitive cooking shows?

Either way, you’re in luck. The hit American show “Chopped” is coming to Canada.

“Chopped,” which is already a top cooking show both across the border and here in Canada, pits four professional chefs against each other in a competition of skills and creativity. Unlike other popular food shows such as “Top Chef,” “Chopped” features four new contestants every episode – no drama-based storyline, no tearful pleas for a second chance. Throughout the hour-long show, the four are cut down to one after three timed rounds of cooking (appetizer, entrée and dessert), and the chef left standing takes home $10,000.

Since its premiere on Food Network Canada, "Chopped" has been a top-10 show on the network.

It's been judged by celebrity chefs including Alexandra Guarnaschelli (who was on Iron Chef) and has featured guest judge and iron chef Bobby Flay.

“The original 'Chopped' series has consistently been a proven performer and audience favourite on Food Network in Canada since premiering in 2009,” Barb Williams, senior vice-president of content at Shaw Media, tells the Toronto Star. “Producing our own edition provides the opportunity to showcase Canada’s wealth of culinary talent and add our own unique flavour.”

Canada’s own version is slated to air in 2014, and the production company has already put out a call for competitors.

But will it join other Canadian versions of top cooking shows like “Top Chef Canada,” which premiered in 2011 and is now in its third season?

“We’ve hit record audiences with several of these series, showing that there is a great appetite in Canada for these customized versions,” Williams says.

If you think you have what it takes, Food Network Canada is accepting applications until Mar. 11.