It’s that time of year again! Every March, I anxiously await for NAIT to announce their Hokanson Chef in Residence, a chef well-known and extremely talented in the industry to inspire and mentor the students of the Culinary Arts Program for a few days. Past chefs have included Rob Rob Feenie in 2009, David Adjey in 2010, Susur Lee in 2011, Massimo Capra in 2012, Chris Cosentino in 2013, and Lynn Crawford in 2014. And every year, I tell myself, yup! This is the year. I’m going to buy tickets to the luncheon, an exclusive meal cooked and prepared by that year’s Chef and NAIT students. I’m going to eat amazing food and take photos and write about it and ahhhh! But alas, work is always in the way of fun times and I’m never able to attend! I’m happy to say though, this is the year.
NAIT Hokanson Chef in Residence 2015 – Michael Stadtländer
Introducing this year’s NAIT Hokanson Chef in Residence: Chef Michael Stadtländer.
Born in Germany, Chef Stadtländer began his career at an early age, an apprenticeship at age 15 and working in several kitchens in Stuttgart. He was even a chef and baker on a German Navy destroyer for his mandatory military service! After immigrating to Canada in 1980 though, Chef Stadtländer found his claim to fame when he opened Scaramouche. Since leaving to pursue his own ventures, he’s made a significant impact in Canada’s culinary world, committing to sustainable food productions and a voice for the ‘eat local’ movement. Why would you not eat local? I’m so excited!
f
NAIT Hokanson Chef in Residence 2015 – Michael Stadtländer
At Eigensinn Farm, rated one of the top ten restaurants in the world by UK-based Restaurant Magazine, his philosophy is showcased with a multi-course menu featuring the organic livestock and produce from their farm. Chef Stadtländer and his wife Nobuyo, opened up the sister restaurant Haisai in Singhampton, Ontario in 2009 to extend the farm’s philosophies. From Chef Michael Stadtländer,
I’m looking forward to working with NAIT students as the 2015 Hokanson Chef in Residence. While at NAIT, I will share my views and experiences as a chef-farmer and explain how Eigensinn Farm works.”
I am sooo sooo happy that this year I will be able to attend the luncheon, hosted at NAIT’s Ernest’s dining room. And guess what? You can too! The School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts is giving away four pairs of tickets to the exclusive three-course meal which takes place on Thursday, March 12. The online contest is already open (go go go!) and runs until Monday, March 2.
You can also buy tickets, on sale Monday, February 23, 9 a.m. at Ernest’s for $85. For more information on NAIT’s Chef in Residence program, you can visit the program’s page. See you there for some good eats!
NAIT Hokanson Chef in Residence 2015 – Michael Stadtländer
Disclaimer: I am invited as a guest and media for this year’s NAIT Chef in Residence luncheon. All opinions are of my own.
let's om nom 