It’s never too soon to return to your alma mater! Rashmi Italya, who is a 2025 graduate of the Culinary Management program, will be among featured alumna for A Chef’s Journey with Scott Baechler on May 8. The event is part of an ongoing dinner series at Benchmark restaurant – a kitchen that Italiya knows well as a former staff line cook.
InsideNC caught up with Italiya who shared memories from her College days, career highlights, details about her involvement in A Chef’s Journey, and more.
NC program
Culinary Management (Co-op), 2025
Hometown
Surat, India.
Current city
Niagara Falls
Current role
I joined Four Brothers Cucina in Niagara Falls as a Cook 3 in January 2024. Since April 2025, I’ve been serving as the Kitchen Supervisor, overseeing daily operations and ensuring the quality and consistency of our dishes.
Working at this family-owned Italian restaurant, known for its authentic cuisine and warm atmosphere, has been an incredible opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to a team dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences.
Career highlights
With a deep passion for the culinary arts and a commitment to continuous growth, I aim to create memorable dining experiences that reflect both skill and care. My experience includes:
- Production cook, Bitter Sweet Symphony, 2023 (3 months);
- Line cook, Benchmark Restaurant, 2024 (12 months); and
- Kitchen Supervisor, Four Brothers Cucina, current (15 months).
Path to NC
I’ve been fascinated by food since my teenage years, but I didn’t initially see it as a career path. I first pursued interior design, but I found it challenging to fully invest myself in that field.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I noticed how cooking brought joy and comfort to people, including my own family. That realization made me understand that food has the power to make people happy. My family has always been my inspiration, and their encouragement led me to explore my cooking skills further. I decided to seek formal culinary education to learn from professionals and grow as a culinary professional.
Standout NC memories
Honestly, I’ve made so many great memories during my time at Niagara College. I built strong relationships with both my faculty and classmates, which made the experience truly special. Two standout moments for me were representing Niagara College as part of the Benchmark team at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and volunteering at the Thistletown Chef’s Harvest Party alongside Chef Mitchell Lamb and Chef Kyle Landry.
NC influences
My experience at Niagara College has profoundly influenced my career path. Each faculty member contributed uniquely to my growth as a culinary professional. From Chef Scott [Baechler] and Chef Justin [Downes], I learned the importance of attention to detail and discipline. Chef Olaf [Mertens] taught me how to create memorable dining experiences, while Chef Anthony [Greco] emphasized efficiency in the kitchen. Chef Mitchell Lamb instilled in me a deep respect for ingredients from diverse cultures.
These lessons have become integral to my daily practices and continue to shape my approach in the culinary world.
Rewards / inspiration
The most rewarding part of my culinary career is the joy of creating dishes that bring people together and make them happy. Seeing guests enjoy the food I’ve prepared and knowing that I’ve contributed to their memorable experiences is incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, mentoring junior staff and watching them grow into confident professionals adds another layer of satisfaction to my role.
What inspires me most in my culinary career is the joy and satisfaction I see on guests’ faces as they leave the dining room. Knowing that the meals I’ve prepared have contributed to their memorable experiences is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that food can have in bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
A Chef’s Journey involvement
As a featured alumni, I’ll be working alongside Chef Scott to help prepare the menu and support the dinner service for the Chef’s Journey event. It’s a great opportunity to learn from him once again, be part of a meaningful culinary experience, and enjoy the process while giving back to the college community.
Words of wisdom
Be a sponge, soak up every bit of knowledge your instructors offer. Embrace new experiences, and don’t fear failure; each mistake is a stepping stone to growth. Remember, your effort matters.
Lastly, always wear a smile and practice kindness; these qualities not only enrich your journey but also uplift those around you.
A Chef’s Journey details
Organized by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, A Chef’s Journey dinner series shines a spotlight on an academic chef – or two – who curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience that reflects their personal journeys. The events also include featured alumni and a team of students. Stories are conveyed through a menu of food and beverage selections, as well as storytelling, visuals, and other surprises throughout the evening.
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 are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
For series details and ticket information visit Eventbrite: eventbrite.ca/e/a-chefs-journey-celebrating-students-tickets-1092764741759?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please note: Tickets for scheduled A Chef’s Journey 2024-2025 events have sold out.
