Our 2011 Chefs

Last year’s three chefs were:

Executive Chef Cesare Santaguida

Cesare Santaguida, is the executive chef and co-owner of Vittoria Trattoria with two locations including in the heart of the market downtown Ottawa. This self-taught chef has been serving inventive Italian cuisine for over 19 years earning him a nomination as Restaurateur of the Year in 2009. His broad knowledge as a sommelier garnered him the “Wine Person of the Year” in 2003 by the National Capital Sommelier Guild. Cesares’ passion and adventurous spirit and continued pursuit of excellence are what have allowed this local eatery to become a local landmark.
www.vittoriatrattoria.com

Executive Chef Brian Vallipuram

Brian was born in Sri Lanka, which prepared for him a base in taste and spice. Coupled with his acquired skills in the kitchens of Europe, he has created the unique flavors and skills of a European Master Chef. His many talents and wide range of culinary expertise has prepared Brian to take on the new and challenging role as the Executive Chef of the Prestigious Lord Elgin Hotel and its new restaurant, Grill 41.
www.grill41.ca

Executive Chef Neil Mather

Neil, chef of Graffiti’s Italian Eatery and Saloon also caters to Holiday Inn & Suites. Neil began his career in Ottawa at the Hunt & Golf Club under Swiss Chef Jurg Roth at the age of sixteen. He eventually moved on to work with Hilton International travelling to Edmonton, Nairobi, Kenya, and Nassau Bahamas where he was Executive Chef for the British Colonial Hilton, Nassau. Neil graduated from Algonquin College attaining his Red Seal in 1990. After taking several other courses developing his skills at Algonquin, CIA Napa Valley and Hilton University, he became an instructor for Algonquin College working with students and aspiring Chefs in Ottawa. Neil’s passion is for classic cooking with a modern flare.
www.hisottawa.ca