All Saints/Working Title Kitchen

Chef Ricci was born on the little Australian island of Tasmania. She is a third generation chef that at a young age cultivated her love of food in her own fruit and vegetable backyard garden. She went on to earn her first cooking medal at the age of 16 in a competition against chefs from all over Australia. She’s classically trained in French cuisine, however she loves to put a fresh and colourful twist on all she creates and is heavily influenced by her global travels.

Gitanes

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Chef Mitch began his culinary career at Ottawa’s prestigious Brookstreet Hotel. Over time, he worked in all positions of this 4-diamond restaurant, creating blind tasting menus that changed weekly. His passion for food, travel, and culture led him to work internationally, staging in Japan and eventually earning 2 hats for his work at Bennelong in the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Mitch was then recruited back to Canada to help open and operate 'Riviera,' which quickly became one of the country's top restaurants. After playing a key role as sous chef, he left to start Gitanes, earning a reputation as one of the city's most esteemed chefs with his knowledge of French Canadian cuisine.

G Burger

Chef Matt has built his career working in restaurants across the country. At age 25, Matt opened Urban Cowboy Food Truck and ran it for 2 successful seasons before entering the world of fine dining.

From opening the popular Riveria in Ottawa to serving as a Chef de Cuisine for The Whalesbone Restaurant Group, Matt helped develop the restaurant scene in Ottawa and did some time in Montreal until finally joining Gitanes in 2019 as their Sous Chef.

Matt came on board as Executive Chef for G Burger to help develop the menu and grow the restaurant to what it is today.

Riviera

Jordan Holley is the Chef and Co-Owner of Riviera Restaurant. Since day one, Jordan has been committed to the vision of Riviera by working with his team from the ground up. Most of his days are spend in creating in the prep kitchen or working long hours on the line - shoulder to shoulder. Those who have had the pleasure to work alongside him site him as a workhorse, down-to-earth and the type of Chef they are proud to work for as he never fails to lead by example.

Chef Jordan grew up in a military family. Moving from coast to coast. Inspired by the landscapes of Newfoundland to British Columbia, each province impacted the young Chef to be, who still draws creative inspiration from seasonality, regionality and time-honoured classics. His work ethic informed by his hardworking background as a dishwasher, rising up through the ranks to become the Head Chef at Social, co-owner at Datsun and El Camino - and finally to own & open Riviera in July of 2016.

Arlo Wine and Restaurant

Born in Almonte, Ontario, Mitch Spent four years studying at the University of Ottawa before going to Algonquin College to pursue a culinary education. After graduating, Mitch got a job at Fauna Food and Bar just one week after their opening and spent five years working there, eventually working his way up to sous-chef. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitch began working at Arlo Wine and Restaurant and helped open the restaurant as a sous-chef.

Curry Leaves

Born and raised in the Southern part of India Ms. Janani Mahendran moved to Canada to pursue her higher studies in 2017. A Chemical Engineer by profession, Ms. Mahendran has always had an ardent love for cooking and is currently pursuing her passion by being the head cook of an all- vegetarian South Indian food truck, Curry Leaves located in Ottawa. Janani and her partner Rushabh are working towards serving people authentic and delectable Indian food.