While the spotlight was on Olaf Mertens and his menu of carefully curated culinary creations on January 23, this talented NC Chef Professor reveled in watching those around him.
“[The special highlight was] just watching all students ‘in the zones,’ focused at the tasks of plating their dishes, and seeing and ‘being hospitality’ from the kitchen interacting with our guests,” said Mertens. “Surprising, was my business partner Brian Meikle and so many alumni students (10) celebrating the night with us.”
Mertens, who is also the executive chef and co-founder/owner of HIP Restaurants in Mississauga, drew a sold-out crowd to Benchmark restaurant, offering a whimsical culinary experience rolled in with storytelling and a ‘Yes, play with your food!” theme for his guests, featuring interactive dishes and beverages throughout the evening.
“It went very well … applied experience for all the students from service, cooks and pastry,” he said. “It was a great vibe, and continued actions from food, games and storytelling.”
Featured NC alumni for the event included NC Wine Professor Gavin Robertson (Winery and Viticulture Technician, 2011) and entrepreneur Robbie Aggarwal (Culinary Management – Co-op, 2016), who was a member of Junior Culinary Team Canada during his time at the College.
Upcoming events
A Chef Journey with Olaf Mertens was the second event in the dinner series, which features the culinary talents of NC’s academic chef – or two – who plan a multi-course meal along with an evening experience to reflect their personal journeys. The events also include College alumni and a team of students.
Stories are conveyed through their menu of food and beverage selections, storytelling, visuals, and other surprises.
A Chef’s Journey launched in late November with a sold-out inaugural dinner featuring Chef Craig Youdale (Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies).
Following A Chef’s Journey with Olaf Mertens, the series will continue with an exciting lineup of NC Chef Professors including:
- Michael Olson, along with his wife, celebrity chef Anna Olson, on February 13;
- Michelin Guide recognized chef Frank Dodd (also Executive Chef at Trius Winery Restaurant) on March 20;
- Erin Circelli and Isa Mottiar on April 3;
- Riley Bennett on April 24;
- Scott Baechler on May 8; and
- Oscar Turchi on May 22.
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. Olson’s event on February 13 has sold out.
– Photos submitted by Chelsea Rose, Student Social Media Associate (Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division)
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