Canadian Food and Wine Institute dean Craig Youdale was inducted as a fellow of the Ontario Hostelry Institute.
The achievements of Niagara College staff and graduates were in the limelight at the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Awards Dinner on April 23.
The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, celebrates the achievements of professionals in the culinary, hospitality and tourism industries.
Craig Youdale, dean of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute, was inducted as a fellow of the Institute — a recognition program for professionals in Ontario that show leadership and vision in the Hospitality and Culinary Industry. The honour is awarded in recognition of professional achievements, dedication and contributions to the culinary, foodservice wine and hospitality industry.
“Everything about being a fellow of the OHI applies directly to Craig Youdale. He is one of those people who does wonders for food and wine management,” said J. Charles Grieco, chair and president of the Ontario Hostelry Institute. “Great things are happening at Niagara College.”
“The honour is important to me in that it recognizes the growth and development here at Niagara College and that what we are achieving is being noticed by those in our industry,” said Youdale. “The award gives the industry a moment to look at those recognized and perhaps look further into their worlds and will bring even more attention to CFWI and NC because of it.”
Youdale joins a cohort of industry leaders who have been honoured as a Fellow of the OHI including Donald Ziraldo, Anita Stewart, Mario Pingue, Anna Olson, Del Rollo and Debi Pratt; as well as other NC staff members such as Dave Taylor, Jon Ogryzlo, Jeff Stewart, Peter Rod, Michael Olson, Peter Blakeman and Mark Picone.
Top 30 Under 30
Niagara College was also well represented among the OHI’s Top 30 Under 30 Rising Stars.
Brianne Hawley, CFWI, wine student liaison
Brianne Hawley is pictured with her husband Adam at the OHI Awards event.
Brianne Hawley, wine student liaison who also coordinates social media and is a part-time instructor at the CFWI, received a Top 30 Under 30 award.
Hawley, who is originally from Toronto, is a graduate of Niagara College’s Tourism Management, Business Development Co-op program (2008), as well as its Wine Business Management post graduate certificate program (2009). She began working at Niagara College in September 2014. In addition to working with students in the wine program coordinating student events, experiences and volunteer opportunities; Hawley coordinates the CFWI social media program and works part-time in the college’s wine and Brewmaster programs.
“Being a double alumni Niagara College and the CWFI feels like home to me. I had been a Program Advisory Committee (PAC for WBM) member for a few years and when a position became available I was so happy that I had the chance to come and work in a place that I love and support,” she said. “I love working with students who are in love with the food and wine industry! It is so rewarding to see students succeed in field that they truly love.”
Hawley was nominated by her Niagara College colleague Peter A. Rod. The award recognizes her work at the college as well as her former position as a marketing and event coordinator for California Wines.
“Winning this award is a real thrill and a very special honour. It was so nice to see my accomplishments being recognized among some superstars in Ontario’s hospitality industry,” said Hawley, 27.
Ben Lillico Junior Culinary Team Canada
Ben Lillico (middle) is pictured with CFWI dean Craig Youdale (left) and chef Jason Bangerter from Langdon Hall (right).
CFWI grad Ben Lillico, who is also a member of Junior Culinary Team Canada – made up of students and recent graduates of the CFWI – was also awarded a Top 30 Under 30 award.
A graduate of the college’s Culinary Management, and Bachelor of Applied Business and Hospitality programs (2014), Lillico is the current captain of Junior Culinary Team Canada and works chef de partie at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
“I am very grateful for this award and I cannot thank everyone who helped me to where I am now enough. Lots of hard work, training and networking combined helped me achieve a level where I was eligible to put together a portfolio to represent for this award,” said the Waterloo resident. “For me, this award means that I am, along with the other winners- we are young and developing leaders in the industry who strive for excellence through passion of quality product and service. Also being able to mentor and guide the next generation to push for higher standards while at such a young age.”
Lillico, who is still in his early 20s, was nominated for the award by representatives from Langdon Hall where he currently works, applying the skills and knowledge that he gained from Niagara College.
“My passion, leadership and eagerness to learn and do more was noticed by many and so from there I was nominated,” said Lillico. “A combination of experiences of attending Niagara College, representing our nation through Junior Culinary Team Canada, and working at the only five diamond property in Ontario, Langdon Hall, strengthened my ability to be a firm candidate for such an award.”
He attributes his success to his mentors: Craig Youdale, dean of the CFWI, and Jason Bangerter from Langdon Hall.
“I would not be as successful as I am today. I thank them both for all the time and commitment they have given me to grow and lead as a chef,” he said.
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Semion Merzon, who is owner/operator of Aroma Cafe at Outlet Collection Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake, has also been named among the OHI’s Top 30 Under 30 Rising Stars. Merzon is a graduate of NC’s Bachelor of Applied Business and Hospitality Operations Management program (2013).
