What started as a hobby for a Sault man has led to an appearance on national network television.
Ryan Gridzak is one of only 10 people chosen from across Canada to compete in the soon-to-air Season 9 of CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show.
“I started baking at home in 2020 during the pandemic. I just started to bake a few birthday cakes for friends and it evolved from there,” Gridzak told SooToday.
Contestants on the show are given baking assignments to complete within a time limit under the watchful eye of judges.
In each season finale, the final three bakers compete to be named the winner of The Great Canadian Baking Show and take home a decorative glass cake stand along with a lot of bragging rights.
Season 9 was taped during the spring in Toronto. Gridzak and other contestants are staying mum about the week-to-week episodes and the finale to keep viewers in suspense.
“All the people that were on the show know the results of course but we've been sworn to secrecy,” Gridzak said.
“I can't say what I actually baked on the show, but it was a variety of things. They really worked us. I'll say that.”
Despite the secrecy, Gridzak is delighted about being a contestant on the show.
“Apart from marrying my wife and having kids, it was one of the best experiences I've ever been lucky enough to be a part of,” Gridzak said.
“I enjoy watching the show. I’m an avid baker. I thought ‘I'd love to be on one of those shows.’ It was really cool to get on the show and prove that I could do it under pressure, under the time limit.
"And the way they treated us was phenomenal. They really took care of us.”
Gridzak’s being chosen to be a contestant on the show came after a lengthy application process.
“There's an online form. You submit a quick five-minute video and send some pictures of what you can do and if they like you they go from there.
"They have you bake on Zoom with the producers and the culinary team watching. They're asking you questions while you bake. I baked a patterned roll cake. It was tricky but they liked how I worked.
"I got chosen and they sent me some information on what I needed to prep for, what I had to expect,” Gridzak said.
Describing himself as ‘a big cheesecake lover,’ Gridzak said his favourite item to bake is Basque cheesecake, baked at a high temperature with a dark exterior and creamy interior.
An Algoma Steel crane operator, Gridzak said his baking hobby has turned into a passion.
“I'm the kind of guy that gets fixated on a skill and tries to be the best at it. If you have a dream, go out and do it. You don't have to be scared or nervous. Just go out and crush it,” Gridzak said.
Season 9 of The Great Canadian Baking Show premieres Sunday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.
