Chef Contest
BY GOLDEN EAGLE BLACK COD
A culinary invitation to work with the world’s only fresh, sushi-grade Black Cod.
Golden Eagle Black Cod invites a select group of professional chefs across the United States to present original, thoughtful preparations of premium sablefish.
This contest is about technique, restraint, creativity, and respect for ingredients, showcasing Golden Eagle Black Cod beyond expected preparations and into the hands of chefs who value craft and precision.
Selected participants will receive whole, fresh Golden Eagle Black Cod and the opportunity to compete for an immersive, producer-led culinary experience on the remote West Coast of British Columbia.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Thank you for your interest in Golden Eagle’s Chef Contest. Follow us on Instagram for finalist announcements and details on next year’s competition.
Also note that due to the large volume of applicants, only successful applicants will be contacted. Thank you to all who submitted!
What’s at Stake?
Grand Prize
Two chefs will win an all-expense-paid trip to British Columbia, Canada, including:
- Private tour of Golden Eagle’s aquaculture operation in Kyuquot Sound.
- Guided beach foraging experience, exploring wild seaweeds, coastal herbs, and shellfish
- Once-in-a-lifetime salmon fishing expedition in pristine Pacific waters.
- Collaborative coastal cooking session using foraged and harvested ingredients.
Runners-up Recognition
Two Finalists will receive custom Golden Eagle Black Cod chef tools, limited branded items, and featured placement across Golden Eagle and distributor channels.
How to Participate
1. Application
Chefs submit a short application outlining their professional background, culinary perspective, and interest in working with Golden Eagle Black Cod. Chefs are also required to follow our Instagram account and share our contest post. Participants must be available to travel for the tour on either the week of June 15th or July 22nd, 2026.
Applications close April 8th 2026
2. Selection & Fish Allocation
A small group of chefs will be selected as Finalists and provided with whole, fresh Golden Eagle Black Cod to develop an original preparation.
3. Dish Development & Submission
Selected Finalists will submit:
- A complete typed recipe.
- High-resolution images of the finished dish.
- A short written reflection on their approach and technique.
4. Judging & Announcement
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of culinary and industry judges. Winners will be announced on May 22nd, 2026.
About Golden Eagle Black Cod
Since 2005, Golden Eagle Black Cod has been the world’s only aquaculture-raised Black Cod, a.k.a. Sablefish.
Our unique process results in a Black Cod that is premium sushi quality, fresh without freezing.
In partnership with the Kyuquot-Checleseht First Nations, we care for our fish for two years in the cold, clean waters of Kyuquot Sound, British Columbia, on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island. Each fish is harvested fresh and shipped with precision and consistency, 52 weeks a year.
Our approach centres on environmental stewardship, long-term husbandry, and uncompromising quality, providing chefs with an ingredient worthy of refined technique and thoughtful expression.
We are the only finfish farm in North America to hold both the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch “Green Best Choice” rating and an Ocean Wise recommendation.
Why Chefs Choose Golden Eagle Black Cod
- Naturally rich, buttery texture with depth and elegance
- Exceptional versatility across raw, cured, and cooked preparations
- Consistent quality and year-round availability
- Transparent, responsible aquaculture practices
Application & Judging
This contest is open to professional chefs currently cooking in the United States. Applications will be evaluated based on culinary merit, clarity of vision, and alignment with Golden Eagle Black Cod’s values.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of culinary and industry judges on the following criteria:
- Creativity & Innovation: Unique approaches, thoughtful use of ingredients, and originality in presentation.
- Visual Presentation: The aesthetic appeal and overall plating of the dish, showcasing attention to detail and artistry.
- Bonus Points for Raw Preparations: Dishes that highlight the impeccable quality
All finalists will be announced publicly and recognized across partner platforms. Winners and their dishes will be featured in a national press release and promoted posts in collaboration with stakeholders.
In addition, every finalist’s recipe will be published and showcased in a digital recipe booklet featuring all selected dishes, celebrating the creativity and craft of participating chefs.
*Terms: Participation is limited. Golden Eagle Black Cod reserves the right to select chefs at its discretion. Travel subject to availability and standard conditions. Full terms and privacy policy apply.