Bursting Talent & Expertise
If you want an extraordinary event, you have to start with extraordinary people. The people who work at Tulips and Maple aren't just passionate about the culinary delights they create; they're passionate about consistently honing their talents and expertise to make every event more exceptional than the last.
Our people are:
- Leaders, not followers
- Honest, ethical, open
- Driven to excel, to innovate
- Impassioned, joyful
You'll find our team includes world-class chefs, certified wedding and event planners and savvy business people that offer service that is quick, gracious and seamless. Our team is drawn from:
- Top Schools of Management in Europe;
- Reputable North American Culinary Institutes;
- Leading University and College commerce, hospitality & event management programs;
- The school of life, with experience that delivers results.
We work hard, go beyond the call of duty, are fulfilled when event performance is clockwork-perfect and you – our client, is pleased as punch. Personable and professional, we, the Tulips and Maple team, truly care about each event we cater.
Meet Our Team
Mark: Co-founder and Visioneer
Mark's incredibly high standards have earned him some pretty lofty accolades
in life beyond his academic accomplishments (B.Comm., MSM), including Chef of
the Year, Top 40 Under 40, Gold Medal Plates Olympian, lots of culinary medals,
and membership in the prestigious Toque Blanche. With a unique approach, Mark
is an astute entrepreneur. The moment you meet him, you know he's a very
down-to-earth kind of guy – someone who puts you at ease and who cares
about your event just as much as you do. A proud father, loyal friend and industry
mentor, Mark enjoys family meals paired with a perfect wine and lively conversation.
He likes to cook “off the cuff” with lots of fresh ingredients,
and has been known to claim he has more spices than all the Bulk Barns combined.
In his spare time, Mark indulges his love of nature, organic gardening and oil
painting. Born abroad, Mark is the passionate European in our Tulips and Maple
combo.
Kristine: Co-founder and Business Director
Some people would describe Kristine by her many accomplishments, such as Nepean
Businesswoman of the Year, recipient of the Ottawa Businesswoman Achievement
Award, Past President of the Women's Business Network of Ottawa, published cookbook
author, and accomplished Toastmaster. As an electrical engineer (B.Sc. Queen's
University) with a Masters of the Sciences of Management (MSM) abroad and as
an unstoppable local trail blazer, Kristine is no stranger to discipline! Her
Tulips and Maple colleagues describe her as the focused team builder; the
goal-oriented and business savvy motivator that has helped build Tulips and
Maple into the success it is today. A naturalist, she enjoys working with the
earth to enjoy the fruits of the garden with a fine wine at home. An adventurer,
Kristine loves a good party with the team around her - keeping the team all
together, sane, loving each other – in other words, a peace-keeper (after
all, she is Canadian!).
Scott: Executive Chef
Scott brings to our kitchen a fast pace, loads of valuable experience, high energy,
enthusiasm and boundless creativity that inspires our team to raise the bar even higher.
Our clients love it and so do we! His positive vibe is catchy as this no-nonsense chef
engages his team in producing perfect, glorious culinary creations every time.
This highly regarded red seal chef, has turned around hotel kitchens, graced the
plates of fine restaurants such as Café Henry Berger and Maplelawn and expanded his
culinary horizons in lovely resort places including the Caribbean. You need running
shoes to catch up with this man of action!
Devin: Sous Chef
Devin comes to our kitchen with impeccable accolades. He discovered his love
of cooking by serendipity as a university student during a summer job as a dishwasher.
He was quick to get noticed by the chef at the time and was inspired to switch
career paths into the culinary arts. And we are glad he did. After completing
his culinary arts diploma, Devin has worked in the kitchens of some of the top
rated restaurants in Ottawa. He loves cooking, it shows and you taste it! He's
the one in white kitchen clogs!
Chris: Jr. Sous Chef
This man has presence and you can't miss his enthusiasm for excellent,
creative food. Passionate for all things culinary, proud of our local food
and farm scene and driven to excel, he keeps us excited about all our
culinary creations. He is our practical joker despite the fact that he
cheers for the wrong hockey team. You can't miss his grin while he is in
his element at events and if you need a voice to get the attention of
the crowd - he's your man!
Karinne: Catering Consultant
This sophisticated event planner brings years of event planning and management experience to your event to ensure you shine and your guests rave. Truth be told, she picked Tulips & Maple before we picked her and we are honoured to have catered her beautiful wedding at the Museum of Nature. Karinne is passionate about event planning and given her Italian ancestry loves all things culinary. Born and raised in Ottawa, with a degree in Communications, she is happy to collaborate with you in both official languages with enthusiasm and careful attention to detail.
Audrey: Catering Consultant
Audrey’s catering exploits have brought her all over North America where
she thrives on trends and innovative presentation. Want to know what the rest
of the world is doing for décor? Just ask Audrey. Her years of experience
have afforded Audrey the level head and confidence each event needs. No detail
ignored, Audrey thrives on the thrill of a job done right. Her passion and enthusiasm
will catch your attention and her know-how will win your confidence. Audrey’s
degree is in Studio Art and these days your wedding is her canvas! Let Audrey
help you make your special day truly unique, fun, and beautiful.
Alexie: Catering Consultant
An astute graduate from University of Guelph's Bachelor of Commerce Hotel and Food Administration
program, Alexie has been with us for the past two years as an Event Coordinator where she won over
our clients with her passion for beautiful décor, attention to detail and determination to make every
event perfect. She’s got the know-how to help you plan your special event that will not easily be
forgotten. If she’s not dreaming about creative parties, you’ll see her at Bluesfest or browsing Ottawa’s
unique vintage shops. She’s the one in the cool hat!
Laetitia: Catering Event Coordinator
Educated and trained in the European hospitality industry and experienced in
Canada’s fine hospitality sector, Laetitia brings an enthusiasm for creative
events and the know-how to execute them seamlessly. She has a fine eye for the
little details that make your party stand out and a way to make you feel perfectly
relaxed at your own event. Laetitia hails from The Netherlands and is part of another
‘tulips and maple’ partnership thanks to her fine Canadian man.
Ashley: Catering Event Coordinator
With a Graduate Certificate from Algonquin’s Event Management program and a Diploma in Hotel &
Restaurant Management, Ashley has an enthusiastic taste for entertaining, and will go to great lengths
to make sure you and your guests enjoy the event you envisioned. Dedication and hard work are her
rules to live by. Whether it’s behind the scenes or on-site, she aims for a flawless occasion. The force
will be with you when you have this Star Wars aficionado overseeing your event!
Erin: Administrative Assistant
What would we do without her? Our super-organized Erin is our 'go-to'
person who helps us get things done (and keeps us sane). This hard-working find
from the country keeps us grounded and happy with an abundance of positive energy.
With a diploma in Broadcast Journalism, certificate in Corporate Communications
and administration training, this hockey fan and accomplished athlete is quick
to answer your queries and ours.























