Niagara College Chef Signature Series makes its return

The legendary Niagara College Chef Signature Series has made its long awaited return with its first guest chef bringing tastes of the east coast.

The series that debuted in 2014 brings chefs from across Canada to the school to collaborate with students and staff of the culinary program to create dinner events for guests at the campus’ Benchmark restaurant.

“The Signature Chef Series is a fantastic opportunity to bring in leading culinary professionals from Ontario, Canada and around the world to work side by side with our students and staff,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Division.

“The series also provides a great opportunity to invite in our community to experience these chefs from places and famous operations that they might not get a chance to experience and enjoy the campus and our world-famous hospitality.”

The first event of the year held on Saturday brought Executive Chef Timothy Charles from the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland for a seven-course experience that put a focus on traditional ingredients from the province.

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“It’s always rewarding to be able to cook with culinary arts students,” said Chef Timothy Charles. “Their budding passion for our craft is restoring. Niagara College’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by the renewal of their Guest Chefs Series, which we are honoured to help them relaunch.”

It’s not only an opportunity for guests to experience the talents of chefs country-wide, but also for students to learn from some of Canada’s top culinary talents.

“It’s a chance for our students to connect with additional points of view from leading chefs working in the industry,” said Youdale.

“They will hear presentations about style, approach and philosophy from our visiting chefs as well as creating a networking opportunity for our students to connect to the industry leaders and also perhaps opportunities to work.”

Saturday’s sold-out event was just the first of a line-up set to continue into the fall.