Erin Negus was studying a liberal arts degree at York University before leaving to pursue her true passion in the culinary arts. She began this journey by completing pastry and baking training at George Brown College followed by attending the Stratford Chefs School to study practical cookery. Graduating from SCS in 2014, Erin went on to work in catering and restaurants around Ontario and held the position of head baker / pastry chef at The Bruce Hotel in Stratford, Ontario until leaving to start her own company.
Currently Erin owns and operates Alchemy Bake Shoppe doing local markets, events and catering. Her work is largely characterized as whimsical, nostalgic and over the top. Erin is also a faculty member of Stratford Chefs School and teaches Level 1 Pastry.
“Her Stratford training and her work in professional kitchens while a student was critical to understanding the industry. Time management and organization, food preparation, plating, and serving was all eye-opening, she says.
‘I approach and see my work as art and not just food. I want guests to really like it, but I also make food that I really like and that conveys a message that I want to deliver.‘
Having gained some experience over the last few years, Negus says she has the ability to see how opportunities can present themselves. ‘That was shaped by the School. Coming to this smaller, passionate community really opened my eyes to wanting to do bigger things. Because it’s small, it really allows people who are dedicated to follow through with ideas… It’s the reason they got into the industry – to create beautiful things and cook delicious food.’ “
-Text above is excerpted from: Farm To Table: Celebrating Stratford Chefs School Alumni, Recipes & Perth County Producers
By Andrew Coppolino Photos by Terry Manzo
Since the School’s beginning in 1983, our intensive, entrepreneurial program has provided grads like Erin a solid foundation to pursue employment opportunities in diverse areas of the Hospitality, Food and Beverage industry, and beyond!