VIDEO: A Chef’s Journey: Celebrating culinary artistry and community

Called A Chef’s Journey, the event is part of Niagara College’s hottest new dinner series which celebrates the extraordinary culinary talents of academic chefs who not only enrich the lives of countless students, but have had an indelible impact on the industry in Niagara and beyond.

Mottiar and Circelli will share their journeys with guests through an evening of storytelling and a curated menu inspired by their personal lives and remarkable, distinct careers which, more recently, led them to NC’s trailblazing School of Culinary Arts where they share their recipes for success with those striving to follow in their footsteps.

Mottiar (Beamsville) is an established leader in Niagara’s culinary scene, well-known as a resident chef at Good Earth Food and Wine Company (since 2008), who has sharpened her skills at some of the top kitchens in the region, like Hillebrand, Vineland Estates, and Inn on The Twenty. She began teaching at NC over five years ago, then full-time in August 2024.

“I hope that the night is full of people getting to know each other, to reconnect,” said Mottiar. “While the theme is about our pasts, it’s really about taking time to downshift and be thankful to have time to be together; to enjoy good food, good drinks, and good fun.

“I just adore sharing the foods from my childhood with others.”

With Mottiar’s wit, as illustrious as her cuisine, guests can expect a dash of humour infused into the evening along with her mother’s ‘famous wandi’ cookies – a nod to her influence. Mottiar is also planning a variety of hors d’oeuvres inspired by her experience at The Good Earth, and by her mother-in-law’s South African heritage.

Circelli (Niagara Falls/ Chippewa) is a three-time champion of the Food Network Guy’s Grocery Games show. After making her mark as one of the most influential chefs and culinary educators in London, Ontario, she now resides in Niagara, and joined NC full-time in August 2024.

“I’m a new face here at NC, and from the moment Isa and I connected, we hit it off immediately. So, when she invited me to join her for this event, I was beyond excited,” said Circelli. “I made my mark in London at Fanshawe College, and now it’s time to bring everything I’ve learned and have to offer to NC.

“What makes this opportunity even more incredible is getting to work alongside another strong chef I truly admire. It’s going to be an amazing experience!”

Each dish on Circelli’s portion of the menu represents a unique time in her journey as a cook and chef, with recipes that were either created or inspired by mentors she has worked with.

“The entire menu has been crafted around key moments that have shaped my career, said Circelli. As a young cook, I had the incredible opportunity to travel and work overseas, and I’ve incorporated many of those lessons and flavours into the dishes we’ll be serving at Benchmark.”

After many years of running a teaching restaurant at Fanshawe, participating in a one-night restaurant takeover at Benchmark will be nostalgic for Circelli, as she reconnects with the hands-on, live kitchen environment.

“While my role here at NC is different, I’m looking forward to diving back into the action and having some fun in the process,” she said.

Mottiar and Circelli will be joined by team of student volunteers, alongside colleagues, alumni, friends and family.

A Chef’s Journey

Organized by NC’s trailblazing Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, A Chef’s Journey dinner series debuted at Benchmark in late 2024.

“A Chef’s Journey is a celebration of culinary artistry, community and the journeys that have shaped our talented chefs and alumni,” said Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Craig Youdale. “Each event creates meaningful connections between our college chefs, alumni, students and our community.”

Upcoming dinner events in the series include an exciting lineup of College Chef Professors including Riley Bennett (April 24), Scott Baechler (May 8); and Oscar Turchi (May 22).

While A Chef’s Journey with Isa Mottiar and Erin Circelli has sold out, tickets are available for some upcoming events while supplies last. Details and ticket information is available at via Eventbrite here.

A Chef’s Journey events are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events will be supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.

Student Experience Scholarship Fund

Events support NC’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund. In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark or a special event, guests are encouraged to donate to the new fund which will create scholarships for students within NC’s schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits.

Donations may be made by scanning a QR code displayed on menus or through an online donation form.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.