Person Category: Past Canadian Guest Chefs

With over 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Hani Firin has carved a niche for herself in the vibrant world of Canadian contemporary cuisine. Of Somali descent, Hani brings a unique blend of cultural heritage and culinary innovation to her dishes, captivating the palates of food enthusiasts everywhere. Hani’s culinary journey began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where the rich flavours… Read moreRead moreHani Firin

Chef Yva Santini kicked off her culinary adventure at an early age, receiving her culinary training at the Stratford Chefs School (Class of 2009). She has played a key role in many a kitchen in the Stratford restaurant scene, currently the Executive Chef for The Starlight, Stratford. Inspired by her travels, local ingredients and her chef pals, Yva is one… Read moreRead moreYva Santini

Executive Chef, LANGDON HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA As an influential leader in the Canadian culinary scene, Chef Jason Bangerter’s career spans nationally and internationally, working alongside some of the world’s leading chefs. Inspired by his exceptionally high personal standards, Langdon Hall’s culinary direction excels and continues to be honoured as the only restaurant in Ontario to be awarded… Read moreRead moreJason Bangerter

Aldous Cheung is the Executive Chef at Richmond Station, Toronto. His culinary journey began with four years at Toronto’s renowned Nota Bene, working under Chef David Lee. Joining Richmond Station in 2017, Aldous rose through the kitchen ranks, becoming Chef de Cuisine in 2022. Committed to Richmond Station’s core values of working with whole animals and partnering with local farmers,… Read moreRead moreAldous Cheung

Zach Keeshig is the head chef and owner of Naagan, a pop-up restaurant at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market. Born and raised in Owen Sound, he knew he wanted to become a chef at the tender age of 17, after a part-time job in a restaurant. He went on to study at Georgian College for Culinary Arts, then did an apprenticeship… Read moreRead moreZach Keeshig

For more than two decades, Chef Jonathan Gushue has been satisfying palates with a natural culinary style and inventiveness that balances both tradition, locality and imagination.  Born in Newfoundland, Gushue received his culinary training with the Savoy Group in London, UK. He went on the continue his studies in France, United States and Japan over the next 5 years. Upon… Read moreRead moreJonathan Gushue

Thompson Tran is Executive Chef and Owner of boutique catering company Wooden Boat Food Company specializing in Vietnamese and French fare in Kitchener, Ontario. His award-winning dipping sauce NUOC CHAM can be found in over 200 retailers in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. As a former chef instructor, chef Tran has worked in both the private and public sectors of… Read moreRead moreThompson Tran

Chef Daniel Holloway is a chameleon in the kitchen with curious and artistic energy for menu development. While his signature style can be challenging to pin down, it oscillates between refined manicured works of art using fine French techniques and rustic comfort food meant to evoke a familiar warmth. He is one half of a foodways project started with partner Marie… Read moreRead moreDaniel Holloway

Dacha Markovic grew up in the Balkans in the early nineties. He knew from a young age that he was drawn to hospitality; influenced by helping his mother cook at home and also from his father’s time working in hotels and restaurants. He worked at the Hyatt in Belgrade, Serbia during his time at culinary school and came to Canada… Read moreRead moreDacha Markovic