Author of the article: Elizabeth Chorney-Booth Publishing date: Apr 16, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 4 minute read • Article content Television has been an excellent distraction throughout the pandemic and for many of us, reality TV can be a particularly delicious escape, offering the ideal mix of tension and drama without any overly stressful high-stakes consequences. This is why Food Network Canada’s Top Chef Canada is returning with a new season at the perfect time, allowing Calgarians to root for a couple of hometown heroes just when we could all use something to cheer about. Over its eight seasons, Top Chef Canada has introduced Calgarians to some of our city’s most beloved local chefs. Chefs like Charcut’s Connie DeSousa, Cluck ‘n’ Cleaver’s Nicole Gomes, and Jin Bar’s Jinhee Lee have all had strong showings on past seasons of the competition, translating to considerable success at all of their respective businesses. The ninth season of the show debuts this week and two Calgary-based chefs are among the 11 competitors vying for the Top Chef title and a $100,000 grand prize.