When he was a student in NC’s Culinary Management and Food Technology program (Class of 2016), Robbie Aggarwal was on the world stage competing as a member of Junior Culinary Team Canada and winning multiple medals at international competitions including the IKA Culinary Olympics.
Almost a decade later. Aggarwal will bring his skills back to Benchmark as one of the featured alumni in NC’s newest dinner series: A Chef’s Journey with Olaf Mertens on January 23.
Hometown and current residence
Niagara Falls
NC program
Culinary Management and Food Technology (Co-op), Class of 2016
Careeer
Entrepreneur and owner of Norcini and Co. and Lela Park Pizza in Niagara Falls.
Achievements
Opening Norcini (May 2021);
Operating multiple food services throughout the region;
Opening Lela Park (May 2024); and
Competing with Junior Culinary Team Canada, winning gold and silver medals (Germany 2016).
Awards / recognitions
Skills Ontario Alumni Award (2019), Queens University BEd Hospitality Tech award.
Rewards
“Guiding others to excel. Watching my team and employees grow their knowledge and skills.”
NC influence
“My whole experience at NC and all the support from the facility, administration and support staff is what led to my success in the industry.
When I was in Grade 12, I was enrolled in a joint program with NC and my high school where I was able to obtain a certificate in Food Technology Innovation. I also competed in many culinary competitions in high school that were facilitated at NC. My journey and affiliation actually started much before 2014, when I enrolled in Culinary Management and Food Technology.
When I opened my business in May 2021, many of my employees were NC alumni. Some of my current employees are alumni and as we grew as a business, running various kitchens outside of our butcher shop, we hired culinary management co-op students. I strive to give back to the institutions that helped me and pay it forward to the next generation.”
Standout NC experience
Blackbox competition 2015, which lead to me being scouted to Junior Culinary Team Canada.
The whole Junior Culinary Team Canada experience, training, learning, competing.
Words of wisdom
“Do more and work harder. Nobody cares about excuses.”
A Chef’s Journey involvement
I feel grateful and honoured to be able to come back to NC as an established alumni. I used to participate in many events held at NC through being a student then also as a member of Junior Culinary Team Canada. This is a full-circle moment to be able to give back and contribute to where the foundational training of my career started. Chef Olaf was not only my coach but a mentor. He pushed me to strive for greatness, nothing less was acceptable.
More information about A Chef’s Journey
A Chef’s Journey with Olaf Mertens will take place at Benchmark Restaurant on January 23. Learn more about the event by viewing: Chef Mertens sets itinerary for fun, interactive culinary journey
Each event in the A Chef’s Journey series will shine a spotlight on an academic chef – or two – who will curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience that reflects their personal journeys. The events will also include featured alumni and a team of students. Stories will be conveyed through their menu of food and beverage selections, as well as storytelling, visuals, and other surprises throughout the evening.
A Chef’s Journey events will be held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events will be supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
Tickets are available, while supplies last, via Eventbrite:eventbrite.ca/e/a-chefs-journey-celebrating-students-tickets-1092764741759?aff=oddtdtcreator
