THE SCS ALUMNI PROJECT | Profile 7
Mohammed Barakat | Chef de Partie, The Bruce Hotel
Recent Stratford Chefs School grad Mohammed Barakat (Class of 2020) has found what feels like just the right fit as Chef de Partie at Stratford’s The Bruce Hotel. His path wasn’t always what he was expecting for himself or his career, which is often a common thread in the story of SCS students who come to cooking in some interesting and indirect ways.
After graduating from the University of Windsor with a double major in Chemistry and Biology, Mohammed worked for a time in the field of science, but it left him feeling unfulfilled. He turned to cooking while studying as he realized it was a way for him to relax and get calm. During this time, he wondered what it might be like to take his budding passion for cooking to the next level in higher end restaurants. He began to search for places to study culinary arts and when he came upon the Stratford Chefs School he says he “just knew it was meant to be.”
Working under Chef and SCS Alumna Yva Santini (Class of 2009) at Pazzo Taverna gave Mohammed what he calls “a very solid foundation and a lot of experience” which helped him move through his important Level 2 year in the program. Mohammed cites what really set SCS apart for him was “the immersive nature of the Level 2 program, which allowed us to replicate Michelin Star Chef menus from around the world.” This experience is what informed Mo’s decision to move into the realm of high-end gastronomy.
Chef Brandon Clemens of The Bruce Hotel – who has also been a Guest Chef at the School – has built a team of very talented young chefs in the kitchen at The Bruce, an inspiring team which Mohammed says allows him to “work with people who are so passionate about what they do.”
He says Chef Clemens wants them “to be the best in Canada.” It’s a goal Mo is happy to strive for and to “use all of the tools I’ve been given to further my culinary career.”
Science’s loss is gastronomy’s gain. Enjoy the journey Mo!
Are you thinking about a career in the culinary arts?
Contact Jeff Leney at admissions@stratfordchef.com for more information.
READ MORE ALUMNI PROJECT PROFILES
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)
‘SHORT’ TABLE DINNER 2021
* * * SOLD OUT * * *
Our second ‘Short Table’ al fresco dining experience will be held September 12 at Revival House, one of Stratford’s finest – and most beautiful – dining venues, for our signature 2021 event, reimagined (again!).
Thank you for your support!
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)
KICK-START YOUR TRAINING THIS FALL
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.
We’re now enrolling students for our OCTOBER 2021 intake. Limited space available, apply now!
Located in the beautiful small city of Stratford, Ontario, a cultural and culinary destination, 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.
Photography: Terry Manzo | Video Edit: Slater Manzo
5 STAR REVIEW “What a great evening!
The video instructions are very helpful, and we learned new skills… the meal was a sensory delight – so many delicious flavours, textures and colours. Thank you!” -OK@H Patron Erin L., June 2, 2021
Meal Kits Available This Week
SOURDOUGH BREAD Starter Kit | Saturday, August 21
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
ITALIAN | 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Saturday, August 21
Menu
Whey polenta with house ricotta and sautéed mushrooms
Potato and spinach tortellini in a smoked tomato sauce
Caesar Salad
Tiramisu
$40 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons:
Substitute Frozen Tortellini (in place of blanched)
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
PANZANELLA | 2 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Thursday, August 26
Menu
Panzanella salad with seared paneer (a fresh vegetarian cheese)
Pasta with house pesto and bread crumb
$30 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons:
Chicken $4
Shrimp $5
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
STEAK | 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Friday, August 27
Menu
Wedge salad
Sous vide tenderloin (4 oz)
Twice baked potato, seasonal vegetable
Chocolate mousse, hazelnut, Chantilly
$40 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons:
Shrimp Skewer $5
Mixed Mushrooms $5
Upgrade to 10 oz steak $15 each
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
ULTIMATE BURGER | 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Saturday, August 28
Menu
Baguette crostini with house ricotta, herbed tomatoes & balsamic
House ground beef burger with homemade bun, full sour pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion
Potato salad
Grilled pineapple, chocolate, hazelnut and Chantilly cream
$40 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons:
Bacon $1.50 each
Cheese $1.50 each
Gluten-free Bun $2.50 each
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
SOURDOUGH BREAD Starter Kit | Saturday, August 28
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
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!
QUESTIONS? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or email Admissions at: admissions@stratfordchef.com
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)