About Us
Our name is derived from the origins of our Dutch and Canadian founders. Mark van der Pas and Kristine van der Pas-Norenius. Mark’s high European standards and unlimited imagination have set Tulips & Maple apart since day one. Kristine’s drive to build a world-class catering company ensures Tulips & Maple is constantly raising the bar in its field. Culinary Innovator meets Visioneer!
Our team exudes a passion for food, an obsession with quality and a talent for unforgettable events. Our enduring reputation is built on persistent attention to detail and a constant drive to create. We are a preferred caterer in Ottawa’s top venues, for food-lovers and VIPs alike and for those seeking excellence and excitement every time.
With a desire to contribute to your enjoyment of life through unforgettable gatherings, our enthusiasm for creative, beautiful food is contagious. Feel the buzz!
Core Values
- Honesty is the root of our code of conduct
- We are ethical, thorough and straight forward; we are transparent
- We are passionate about our craft
- We are enthusiastic, committed and raise the bar in our profession
- We are driven to accomplish great things
- We get things done well, we strive to be the best; we push the envelope
- We strive to always learn and expand our horizons
- We are continuously improving, we innovate; we step out of our comfort zone
- We seek to offer quality of life
- We build an engaging esprit de corps; we thrill our clients
Long-term Vision
Tulips & Maple will be a world-class ‘catertaining’ company un-matched in Canada. Our style of culinary entertainment will be the most sought out wherever it is offered. Our limitless imagination, perfect execution and exceptional quality are legendary. Our team of highly creative and motivated individuals is driven to “push the envelope” and outclass the competition. We attract and awe distinctive customers from around the world. We become a household name across North America.
History
Kristine and Mark met while at graduate business school in Brussels, Belgium. Mark, a graduate of Holland’s leading hotel & restaurant management university soon won Kristine’s heart with his European charm and undeniable culinary skills. Kristine, an adventurous Canadian engineer wooed Mark with the help of Canada’s natural beauty. In 1991, with a dream to bring Europe’s culinary flair to Canadian parties, the two hard-working ‘MBAs’ gave up their fancy European digs and comfy salaries to move to Ottawa and launch Tulips and Maple Inc.
Barely newlyweds, this husband and wife team applied their passions and skills to their vision of building the best catering company in the region. Mark’s exceedingly high standards, attention to detail and exceptional culinary skills soon became recognized, first by customers, then by the media and ultimately be the industry. He has been honoured with many culinary awards, invited to join the prestigious Toques Blanches organization, featured in numerous media publications and productions, received the 2003 Ottawa Chef of the Year award and Ottawa’s Top 40 Under 40 award.
Kristine’s focus has ensured Tulips & Maple’s growth, management and structure has supported the company’s vision then and now. From their tiny catering kitchen and take-home food store where they began to their current 8000 square food facility, Kristine has been the navigator behind the scenes. Her expertise and experience has been shared through many speaking engagements, media interviews and consulting contracts and honoured with the 2000 Ottawa Businesswoman Achievement Award and the Nepean Businesswoman of the Year award.
The creativity of the Tulips & Maple culinary team was captured in the company’s popular cookbook “Pillow Talk at Tulips & Maple, The Inside Scoop on Cocktail Parties” in celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary.
Now, Tulips & Maple is a team of about 20 dedicated catering professionals who share Mark’s high standards and passion for amazing food and Kristine’s drive to create a world-class catering company. They work hard, go beyond the call of duty, strive to raise the bar and are fulfilled when each catering performance flows like clockwork and the client is pleased as punch. Personable and professional, the Tulips & Maple team truly cares about each event they cater. What more could Mark and Kristine ask for?
Memberships
Founding member of the Canadian Association of Caterers, now part of the International Caterers Association
Women’s Business Network of Ottawa since 1994
Les Toques Blanches International Ottawa chapter since 2004
Canadian Association of Family Enterprise Ottawa chapter since 2005
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