We’re thrilled to be working with photographer (and SCS Alumna!) Terry Manzoon a series of profiles devoted to our hardworking and successful Alumni, here in Stratford, and beyond.
We hope you enjoy The Alumni Project!
Who is this man and why could he possibly be smiling? Stratford native, Stratford Chefs School graduate and the Chef/Owner of The Common, it’s Mr. Tim Otsuki. If you know Tim, you know that he loves to follow his heart, and he loves to laugh while doing it.
TIM OTSUKI | THE COMMON
Having grown up in Stratford, Ontario, Tim worked in the engineering field for a time. He realized that he wasn’t doing his life’s work, and took a leave – and a job in a restaurant on the Danforth in Toronto – to explore what he thought might be his true calling: cooking. It only took one shift to know he loved it.
Tim decided to pursue his culinary education at Stratford Chefs School, graduating in 2002. As he describes it, SCS gave him a great foundation to explore the world and its abundant flavours. Tim has dedicated his food and his restaurant to what he describes as ‘eating without borders’. He also credits his time spent travelling the world and his restaurant in the Turks and Caicos for offering up the exotic flavours that define his cooking.
“You would have to live 1000 years to know everything about food and food combinations,”he says.
What Tim liked most about his experience at the School was the chef instructors, who kept current in the industry by working in fine restaurants like Rundles and The Old Prune, which is still one of the many advantages that sets SCS apart today.
Recent SCS graduate Elizabeth Kerr (Class of 2021) is joining Tim in the kitchen this summer, where they will be creating some of Stratford’s most delicious food on their recently expanded and beautifully curated back patio. The support from the Stratford community over these many difficult months has been immense, which is surely a reason to smile. All the best to you and your team, Tim, for what is sure to be an incredible summer!
Are you thinking about a career in the culinary arts?
Considering a career in the culinary arts? Stratford Chefs School’s hands-on, immersive curriculum and reputation for excellence make it the obvious choice for your culinary training, whether you’re just starting out, or making a career change.
The culinary arts are creative, entrepreneurial, artistic and fulfilling. Located in the beautiful city of Stratford, Ontario, Stratford Chefs School will give you the foundation you need to succeed, whether your passion is in becoming a Chef, owning your own restaurant, catering, recipe testing, or any number of opportunities in the hospitality sector.
We’re now accepting applications for our OCTOBER 2021 intake. Experience the Stratford Chefs School difference for yourself!
Photography: Terry Manzo | Video Edit: Slater Manzo
GREEK 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Saturday, July 10
Menu Spanokopita (4) with Tzatziki Fresh Flat Bread with feta, grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion Orzo pasta with pea, mint, feta & grilled zucchini Compressed Watermelon with yogurt, rose honey, lime, pistachio
$40 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons: Vegetarian option is available Additional Spanokopita (8) $12 Add Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
SOURDOUGH BREADStarter Kit | Saturday, July 10 and July 17
Includes: 1 Litre living sourdough culture Ingredients to make Traditional Sourdough and Caraway Rye (4 loaves) Downloadable instruction and recipe booklet with 2 Sourdough recipes Video tutorials and trouble-shooting guide $15 per kit + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
JAPANESE3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Saturday, July 17
Menu Smoked Salmon Sushi Roll (1/2 roll per kit), with horseradish chevre Pork Belly Steam Bun (2 per kit), house kimchi, quick pickled cucumber Carrot salad with citrus and peanut Panna Cotta with citrus and yuzu syrup
$40 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons: Half Salmon Sushi Roll $7 Pork Steam Bun $7 Add Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE FULL OPEN KITCHEN @ HOME SCHEDULE
Where the Best Chefs Train Our innovative hands-on Professional Cookery Program will give you the foundation you need to succeed.
We are now accepting Applications for our October 2021 intake.
Since 1983, Stratford Chefs School has helped set the standard for excellence in professional culinary training in Canada and graduated over 800 students who contribute to the development of a distinctive Canadian cuisine.
Experience the Stratford Chefs School difference for yourself!
