For Chefs by Chefs: Series Six

At Club House for Chefs, we have seen and come to understand the impact recent circumstances have placed upon the foodservice industry. Chefs and restaurateurs have been forced into unpredictable situations involving heavy menu changes, door closures, staff cuts and operative pivots.

On our platform, we've pivoted as well and have made it our mission to keep the conversations going with our community. Each week, we will share chef stories, challenges, how they’re changing their businesses and adapting them to the new industry. Through these interviews, we hope to provide valuable insight, guidance and advice for chefs by chefs.

Chef Brian Cheng & Alanna Fleischer – The Edible Story, Toronto

When businesses across the map were forced to closed and events had to be cancelled, Chefs Brian Cheng and Alanna Fleischer took a double hit; no bookings for their event space and no events for their catering business.

Now they’re taking their passion for food and thinking inside the box via themed box meals, designed for 4 servings. From Poke Bowls to Tacos, Shawarma to Salads and Protein, these filling, flavourful packages are available to hungry Torontonians throughout the GTA via contactless delivery or pick-up. Their famous Mars Bar Rice Krispies are also available for a sweet treat.

Chef Aaron Emery – Old Road BBQ, Halifax

Known across the East Coast for his wood-smoked menu offerings, Old Road BBQ’s Chef Aaron Emery has always been one to acknowledge the presence of good people. So, when Old Road BBQ had to close its doors because of the pandemic, he knew exactly how he wanted to use his time, and social media presence.

While continually sharing his gratitude online for the hard work and dedication of those on the frontlines, Chef Emery has been an active member of Cooking for Canada, a movement to provide healthcare workers with free meals. From pulled pork sandwiches to potato salad to smoked sausage, thanks to the gracious donations of Canadians, Chef Emery has been able to keep his smoke-style sustenance coming to the hungry hospital workers of Nova Scotia.

Chef Mikko Tamarra – Con Mi Taco, Calgary

Before dining room doors shut, every day was #TacoTuesday at Chef Mikko Tamarra’s Con Mi Taco. Who could resist the temptation of his daily ground corn and hand-pressed fresh tortillas; not Calgary!

But it would take more than a restriction on dine-in to keep Chef Tamarra’s passion for tacos out of the hands of his hungry consumers. Cue the Con Mi Taco Kits.

From the Con Mi Signature Al Pastor to Crab to Birria, these kits are available to pre-order for pick-up online, with add-ons like Jarritos, Agua, Tortilla Chips and Guac also available. #TacosEveryday

We’re all in this together.

#ForChefByChefs