Chef Professor Scott Baechler is ready to steal the Benchmark spotlight. On May 8, he will take over the on-campus restaurant for what promises to be an unforgettable one-evening-only dinner dinner event.
The event is part of the ongoing A Chef’s Journey dinner series. Organized by the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, the series celebrates the extraordinary culinary talents of NC chefs who share their journeys with guests through specially curated menus inspired by their personal and professional lives with dashes of storytelling sprinkled throughout the evening.
“I’m looking forward to it. It will be great to share a little part of my journey with everyone,” said Baechler. “The menu I’ve written for this event is a reflection of food memories and locations.”
Originally from Goderich, Ontario, Baechler has worked in the food service industry since 1989. His chef’s journey has led him to Toronto; Banff, Alberta; and Victoria and Whistler, British Columbia; as well as to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Prior to joining NC faculty in 2014, he was the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons in Whistler.
A former member of Culinary Team Canada, Baechler competed in Switzerland and Luxembourg where the team took home gold and silver. He has also won numerous medals in other national and international culinary competitions and was a coach for Canada’s national junior culinary team.
In New York City, his work experience includes Per Se, which has three Michelin stars, as well as Restaurant Daniel.
Baechler has personally cooked for the elite. He has served Halle Berry in Vancouver, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Phillip for the Royal Jubilee in Victoria, B.C.
Baechler has invited two graduates of the Culinary Management program to be featured alumni at the event: RJ Fortes, Chef at 1 Kitchen restaurant, Toronto (Class of 2015) and Rashmi Italiya, Kitchen Supervisor, Four Brothers Cucina, Niagara Falls (Class of 2025).
A Chef’s Journey series
A Chef’s Journey events are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
The popular series debuted at Benchmark in late 2024 with eight events and nine featured NC chefs on the roster for the 2024-2025 academic year. Following Baechler’s event on May 8, the series will conclude the with Chef Professor Oscar Turchi on May 22. Details are available via Eventbrite here; tickets have sold out for upcoming events.
All events for A Chef’s Journey are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
Related
A Chef’s Journey Featured Alumni: RJ Fortes
A Chef’s Journey Featured Alumni: Rashmi Italiya
