Person Category: Alumni
José Matamoros
January 16, 2019
Chef José Matamoros was born in Chihuahua, Mexico where he grew up and lived until his 20’s. After graduating from University, José moved to Toronto, Ontario in 2006, where he realized cooking was what he loved and formally started working as a cook. His first real kitchen job was at the “Little Fish” in Toronto with Chef Carey Wesenberg, whom he… Read moreRead moreJosé Matamoros
Eric Robertson
December 19, 2018
Eric Robertson, an Alumnus of the Stratford Chefs School (Class of 2011), is an Ontario native and has cooked in some of Europe’s best kitchens before finding his way home. Robertson spent most of his time abroad cooking in Belgium, first at the now-shuttered Michelin-starred tasting menu destination In de Wulf in rural Dranouter, and then running the kitchen at its more… Read moreRead moreEric Robertson
Ryan Brown
September 27, 2018
From Montreal, Quebec, Ryan grew up in a home that celebrated cooking and creativity. At the age of 18, Ryan studied at the Stratford Chefs School, graduating in the 2006 class. During his apprenticeship he travelled to California to work in the kitchens of Thomas Keller, and also spent time working alongside Mauro Colagreco at the Mirazur in Menton France;… Read moreRead moreRyan Brown
Erin Negus
November 7, 2017
Chef Instructor: Pastry 1, Lab Packages, Internship Report 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 in 2014, Erin went… Read moreRead moreErin Negus
Margaux Whillans-Browne
November 7, 2017
Carl Heinrich
January 12, 2017
Carl Heinrich | Co-owner, Richmond Station, Toronto | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2005 | Top Chef Canada 2012 “When I decided to be a chef, I made it a goal to pick the best culinary school in the country to build a solid foundation. I chose the Stratford Chefs School, mostly for its reputation for producing talent, for its intense training… Read moreRead moreCarl Heinrich
Justin Dafoe
January 12, 2017
My name is Justin Dafoe. After years of cooking different cuisines, styles, and under some great, talented chefs, I have developed a love for fine dining, and techniques that showcase the greatness of the ingredients themselves. My style is pulled from many backgrounds of food, especially French and Asian methods. I have worked on both the east and west coast… Read moreRead moreJustin Dafoe
James Walt
September 26, 2016
“One of the country’s leading chefs, cookbook author and “farm-to-table” pioneer James Walt continues to inspire his guests, creating compelling regional cuisine based on local, sustainable ingredients. A graduate of the Stratford Chefs School, his impressive culinary career spans across several of British Columbia’s leading restaurants including a four-year tenure at Sooke Harbour House and as opening chef to sister… Read moreRead moreJames Walt
Eli Silverthorne
September 26, 2016
Chef Instructor: Cookery, Culinary Management, Food History, Lab Packages, Recipe Specs | Open Kitchen Manager Eli Silverthorne (Class of 2015) is a firm advocate for Canadian Cuisine, food history, and applied culinary sciences. After graduating from Stratford Chefs School with distinction, Eli worked under chefs Bryan Steele (The Prune), and Jonathan Gushue (The Berlin), while accomplishing various stages across the… Read moreRead moreEli Silverthorne
Mike Booth
September 26, 2016
Purchasing Agent, Chef Instructor: Lab Cookery, Larder, Culinary Math, Sanitation Mike Booth received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Allison University in 1999 before beginning his career in the culinary arts. In 2000, he left Canada for Europe to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. After staging in Borgomanero, Italy, at Michelin-rated Ristorante Pinocchio, he moved to The… Read moreRead moreMike Booth
Simon Briggs
September 26, 2016
Born and raised in Scotland, Simon Briggs graduated from Stratford Chefs School in 2011 and has worked in various establishments in Stratford, Ontario including Rundles, Bijou, Mercer Hall, and Keystone Alley, where his style of food is steeped in traditional technique and would be described as classic bistro. Simon was previously an instructor with SCS for 7 years teaching both… Read moreRead moreSimon Briggs
Kathlyn Bell
September 26, 2016
Senior Instructor: Lab Service | Alumna (Class of 1985) A graduate of the Stratford Chefs School’s first class, Kathy has worked at both The Old Prune and Rundles. She was formerly dining room manager at Rundles and has worked at the School since 1987 as purchaser, instructor, events coordinator, teaching assistant and now Senior Service Instructor.