Chefs Isa Mottiar and Erin Circelli will share the culinary spotlight at a highly anticipated dinner event on April 3.
Called ‘A Chef’s Journey,’ the event is part of Niagara College’s hottest new dinner series which celebrates the extraordinary culinary talents of academic chefs who not only enrich the lives of countless students, but have had an indelible impact on the industry in Niagara and beyond.
Mottiar and Circelli will share their journeys with guests through an evening of storytelling and a curated menu inspired by their personal lives and remarkable, distinct careers which, more recently, led them to NC’s trailblazing School of Culinary Arts where they share their recipes for success with those striving to follow in their footsteps.
Mottiar (Beamsville) is an established leader in Niagara’s culinary scene, well-known as a resident chef at Good Earth Food and Wine Company (since 2008), who has sharpened her skills at some of the top kitchens in the region, like Hillebrand, Vineland Estates, and Inn on The Twenty. She began teaching at NC over five years ago, then full-time in August 2024.
“I hope that the night is full of people getting to know each other, to reconnect,” said Mottiar. “While the theme is about our pasts, it’s really about taking time to downshift and be thankful to have time to be together; to enjoy good food, good drinks, and good fun.
“I just adore sharing the foods from my childhood with others.”
With Mottiar’s wit, as illustrious as her cuisine, guests can expect a dash of humour infused into the evening along with her mother’s ‘famous wandi’ cookies – a nod to her influence. Mottiar is also planning a variety of hors d’oeuvres inspired by her experience at The Good Earth, and by her mother-in-law’s South African heritage.
Circelli (Niagara Falls/ Chippawa) is a three-time champion of the Food Network Guy’s Grocery Games show. After making her mark as one of the most influential chefs and culinary educators in London, Ontario, she now resides in Niagara, and joined NC full-time in August 2024.
“I’m a new face here at NC, and from the moment Isa and I connected, we hit it off immediately. So, when she invited me to join her for this event, I was beyond excited,” said Circelli. “I made my mark in London at Fanshawe College, and now it’s time to bring everything I’ve learned and have to offer to NC.
“What makes this opportunity even more incredible is getting to work alongside another strong chef I truly admire. It’s going to be an amazing experience!”
Each dish on Circelli’s portion of the menu represents a unique time in her journey as a cook and chef, with recipes that were either created or inspired by mentors she has worked with.
“The entire menu has been crafted around key moments that have shaped my career, said Circelli. As a young cook, I had the incredible opportunity to travel and work overseas, and I’ve incorporated many of those lessons and flavours into the dishes we’ll be serving at Benchmark.”
After many years of running a teaching restaurant at Fanshawe, participating in a one-night restaurant takeover at Benchmark will be nostalgic for Circelli, as she reconnects with the hands-on, live kitchen environment.
“While my role here at NC is different, I’m looking forward to diving back into the action and having some fun in the process,” she said.
Mottiar and Circelli will be joined by team of student volunteers, alongside colleagues, alumni, friends and family.
A Chef’s Journey
Organized by NC’s trailblazing Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, A Chef’s Journey dinner series debuted at Benchmark in late 2024.
“A Chef’s Journey is a celebration of culinary artistry, community and the journeys that have shaped our talented chefs and alumni,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “Each event creates meaningful connections between our College chefs, alumni, students and our community.”
Upcoming dinner events in the series include an exciting lineup of College Chef Professors including Riley Bennett (April 24), Scott Baechler (May 8); and Oscar Turchi (May 22).
While A Chef’s Journey with Isa Mottiar and Erin Circelli has sold out, tickets are available for some upcoming events while supplies last. Details and ticket information is available at via Eventbrite here.
A Chef’s Journey events are 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.
Chef Erin Circelli
Chef Erin Circelli is serving up more than just delicious dishes–she’s a triple-threat culinary queen with a side of charm and a whole lot of passion!
Hailing from London, Ontario, Circelli’s love affair with food started at a young age. By 16, she was already whipping up magic at a pasta and sandwich shop, and from there, her culinary career skyrocketed.
A graduate of Fanshawe College’s Culinary Management program, Erin didn’t just pass her classes–she aced them, collecting awards and conquering culinary competitions like a true champ. This ambitious chef even took her talents across the globe, cooking her way through Scotland and diving headfirst into local cuisines wherever she went. Her international adventures have only deepened her love for flavour, making her a true world-class foodie.
Known as one of London’s most influential chefs and culinary educators, Circelli has inspired hundreds of young chefs through her role as a culinary instructor at Fanshawe College
Since August 2024, she has been bringing her signature enthusiasm and flair to the next generation at Niagara College, teaching students how to be bold in the kitchen (and maybe break a few rules along the way).
Her motto: “Everything pairs with everything. No rules–just creativity!”
When she’s not making magic in the classroom, you can find Chef Circelli is baking up a storm with jaw-dropping cakes and sweet creations. She’s also raising her three kids to appreciate the beauty of food, because she knows that the sooner they fall in love with the kitchen, the better.
And if you think Chef Circelli’s culinary talents are impressive, wait until you hear this: she’s a three-time champion on Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network, where she wowed the judges with her skills and cool demeanor under pressure. In fact, she won all three times–making her an official champ in the eyes of the Food Network (and everyone who loves food).
Now settling into the Niagara region, Chef Circelli can’t wait to explore the local food scene, share her culinary adventures, and continue making waves in the kitchen. You might want to keep an eye on her–this chef is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
Chef Isa Mottiar
Isa Mottiar has been in Niagara’s food scene for almost three decades.
With over 25 years of culinary wizardry up her sleeve, she’s been a key ingredient in Niagara College’s Culinary Arts Program for the past five years, sharing her passion and skills with aspiring chefs.
While most of the NC community knows her from leading Good Earth Food and Wine Company since 2008, as a resident chef and retail manager, Mottiar’s resume is as rich as her most delicious ragu!
She’s sharpened her skills in some of Niagara’s top kitchens like Hillebrand, Vineland Estates, and Inn on The Twenty, as well as having served as the Chef at the Canadian Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing Canadian flavours to an international stage!
She began teaching at NC in 2019, and has been full-time since August 2024.
Now, Mottiar is bringing the best of her career favorites to NC. From the dishes she loves most from her Niagara journey to the comforting Italian flavors of her childhood and family recipes from her mother’s kitchen, get ready to experience Isa’s love of food — one delicious plate at a time!”
Student Experience Scholarship Fund
Events support NC’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund. In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark or a special event, guests are encouraged to donate to the new fund which will create scholarships for students within NC’s schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits.
Donations may be made by scanning a QR code displayed on menus or through an online donation form.
