Maclean’s featured NC alumnus Vish Mayekar (Culinary Management (Co-op), 2014) in a self-written article reflecting on his journey from studying at NC to opening his dream restaurant, ELEM, in Vancouver.
Mayekar credited his NC professors with building his confidence and refining his culinary skills, while highlighting the importance of the industry connections he made through volunteering at the College’s on-campus restaurant and helping cater nearly 150 events.
“The connections I formed with my professors, peers and co-workers helped me build up my reputation as a chef,” he wrote.
The article traced his career from working in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley to competing on Top Chef Canada and opening ELEM in 2024. Just eight months after opening, the restaurant earned a place in the Michelin Guide.
Mayekar also reflected on returning to NC last March to host the College’s annual gala, describing the experience as “a full-circle moment” after having served food at the event as a former student.
Read the September 21 article here.
