Gent’s Talk: Ep 26 - A Sit-Down w/ Tre Sanderson

Welcome to Episode 26 of our podcast, where we sat with Top Chef Canada winner Trevane Sanderson. Better known as “Tre,” Mr. Sanderson not only won season 10 but, in doing that, became the first black person to win the Top Chef Canada series! During our discussion, he spoke about his feelings after his unpredictable win, his future plans, and the importance of being hungry and staying humble.

Trevane, First Black Top Chef!

Tre has broken barriers with his monumental win on multiple levels. He is an inspiration for all black people in the industry, for black kids specifically, and anyone who has worked in a kitchen. Tre is proof that you don’t have to be an executive chef to reach your goals if you have talent, hard work, and dedication. As his popularity grows, he is excited for his voice to be heard. His voice matters to the next generation, and with that, he plans to use his voice to continue to advocate for youth in Scarborough.

He stated how his appearance on the show garnered unapproving looks from many, but “[Top Chef Canada] chose me for a reason. They see my drive. They see my hunger.” His passion is unmatched. He highlighted how his passion has been mistaken for aggression, but he still champions all to continue to follow their passion. Tre noted how the industry can be cruel to black kids and how that same “aggression” that has been misconstrued is generally only deemed as “passion” for white kids. A barrier that Tre, cornrows and all, continues to overcome daily.

“I gotta keep pushing. [It’s about] Staying humble, but staying hungry at the same time.”
Tre Sanderson on staying motivated

Chef Tre

Born and raised in Scarborough, Tre is not your typical Top Chef champion. What sets Tre apart from the competition is Tre is just a chef de partie (a chef in charge of a particular area of production in a restaurant). He has never run a restaurant. He’s never been an executive chef or a chef at the helm of any kitchen. He was deemed the competition’s underdog, and we love a good underdog story! Watching his reaction to being crowned the winner was a heartfelt moment. With his mother and grandmother as his inspiration, he hopes to motivate others with his story.

Trevane Sanderson has aspirations to take Jamaican cuisine and bring it to a Michelin Star level. He plans to “bring some of those flavours and some of those ingredients into a soigné environment.” Tre served “Black Food Energy” all season long, and we’re honoured to help share some of his story. Please tune into Episode 26 for the entire conversation with Tre Sanderson!

About Gent’s Talk

Gent’s Talk is available for streaming on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! Episode 26 of Gent’s Talk is presented by Bulova Canada and filmed at StartWell Studios in Toronto. We’d also like to thank our local sponsor Ride Rude. Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!