To describe Ruth Klahsen as a local community and hospitality legend doesn’t quite capture her true contribution to the culinary arts both in the Stratford area and across the country. Her passion for everything food runs as deep as her connection to Stratford – beginning as a graduate of the inaugural year of the Stratford Chefs School, in the Class of 1985.
From Chef to teacher to entrepreneur and Master Cheesemaker at Monforte Dairy, Ruth Klahsen has seen and done it all. She sees the post-pandemic time as an “almost once in a lifetime, amazing opportunity for young chefs.” She would love to see the Stratford Chefs School teeming with new chefs learning in the tradition on which the school was founded.
“Training under Michelin starred chefs at the top of their game” is what first attracted Ruth to SCS, who says “understanding the skill set of a Michelin star chef gives students the ability to be in that world!”
Ruth fondly recalls being so excited to enjoy a dinner at Rundles in the early 80’s when the three course prix fixe was $29.95 and the experience was “just so cool.” She hopes that the industry post-pandemic will go back to the ways of her early days as a recent graduate working in the town’s best restaurants. Back then, Mondays were designated for rival restaurant soccer games and champagne tastings in Upper Queen’s Park afterwards. She recalls a fond camaraderie between chefs and restaurant staff which united everyone in the industry. Here’s to so many better days ahead Ruth!
Are you thinking about 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
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
JAPANESE | 3 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 Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
SOURDOUGH BREADStarter Kit | Saturday, July 17and July 24
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
ULTIMATE BURGER | 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Saturday, July 24
Menu Baguette crostini with house ricotta, herbed tomatoes & balsamic House ground burger with house bun, full sour pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion Potato salad Grilled pineapple, chocolate, hazelnut and Chantilly cream
$40 per person + 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!
