A Chef’s Journey – Chef Olaf Mertens “Yes, play with your food!”
January 23, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Experience a night of distinctive culinary experience mixed with storytelling and a dash of whimsy when talented Chef Professor Olaf Mertens takes over Benchmark for the evening on January 23.
The fun-loving, German-born chef is next in line as to be featured in NC’s hottest new dinner series, A Chef’s Journey. Mertens is excited about being a part of a good old fashioned restaurant takeover just for one night. For his upcoming A Chef’s Journey event, he plans to “put on a show called, ‘Yes, play with your food!” with interactive dishes and beverages throughout the evening.
Chef Mertens’ menu will take diners on a journey from his birthplace in Berlin, through Germany, and into Bavaria and Salzburg, Austria. This culinary tour reflects his roots and career, including his time at Steigenberger Hotelier School in Bad Reichenhall, where he earned his Master Chef designation.
Joining him for this special event is an impressive team of Niagara College alumni and faculty:
- Robbie Aggarwal (Culinary Management – Co-op, 2016), owner of Niagara Falls-based Norcini and Co., returns to his alma mater as a featured alumnus.
- Gavin Robertson (Winery and Viticulture Technician, 2011), NC Wine Professor and NC alumnus.
- Chef Erik Mauke, part-time NC faculty and a former member of Mertens’ restaurant team.
Get your tickets now!
- Eventbrite: A Chef’s Journey – Celebrating Students
- For more details, visit the InsideNC article: “Yes, Play with Your Food!” Chef Mertens Sets Itinerary for Fun, Interactive Culinary Journey