Bursting Talent & Expertise
If you want an extraordinary event, you have to start with extraordinary people. The people who work at Tulips & 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 & 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 & Maple
combo.
Kristine: Co-founder and Strategic Catalyst
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 & Maple colleagues describe her as the focused team
builder; the goal-oriented and business savvy motivator that has helped build
Tulips & 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!).
Andrew: Executive Chef
Andrew was the top graduate of his class at New York's Culinary Institute
of America. He built his culinary career with vast experience in Europe's
5-star hotels and Vancouver's restaurants. Andrew earned the honour and
prestige as the opening chef of the David Wood Food Shop, Canada's first
gourmet food emporium of its kind. Described as a jovial leader and a modest
over-achiever, Andrew inspires everyone he works with, setting the standard
for quality, fresh foods and care. This quiet giant is the skilled talent who
shows an unwavering commitment to quality of the menus in his care. If he's
not completely happy with his creation, he will re-start to present the best.
Jeff: Executive Sous Chef
Jeff is our B.C. boy, someone who walks his own path and is impassioned with
all things culinary. A graduate of B.C.'s Pacific Institute of Culinary
Arts, Jeff has worked as a Chef in quality restaurants from Mexico to Dawson
City, Yukon. A worldly soul, Jeff gets his inspiration from his travels. With
an adventurous spirit and a curiosity for all things different, Jeff can get
lost in hours of conversation about international cuisine. Some of the best
things about Jeff are his unique areas of expertise; Jeff is an expert mushroom
hunter and connoisseur, as well as a hot sauce expert – in the industry,
a “chilli head”, who will be sure to share his expertise with all
palettes willing!
Alfonso: Sous Chef
Alfonso takes you by surprise. He's quiet, hard-working and understated
but then when you taste his creations…WOW! Our Italian man is a tantalizing
food provider who believes part of the enjoyment of eating is the experience
– and he loves people who love his food! An Algonquin College graduate
of Culinary Arts, Alfonso is a perfectionist and an on-site entertainer at our
action stations. A man of few words until prompted, he's a human encyclopaedia
of fine dining - we can't wait to hear more. We recognize Alfonso's
true heritage, he makes the best lasagne in the world!
Carlos: Senior Catering Consultant
Carlos is your ‘go-to’ man for everything gala, social and soiree.
With over 20 years of world-class event and hospitality experience in Canada’s
most prestigious hotels, Carlos knows just what to do to make your event a
stand-out! With an acute eye for detail, a passion for superb service, and
a natural, sophisticated flair, Carlos ensures your event flows seamlessly
and seemingly effortlessly. You get to be a guest at your own event when Carlos
is your planning partner!
Cara: Senior Catering Consultant
Cara loves eye-catching food and the artistry of different cultures which shows in the organization of her events and her proposals. Cara sees the big picture and recognizes the needs of all of her clients - sometimes even before they do. Cara is caring, experienced and a trouble-shooter who is able to anticipate the next steps in the process, the special requirement or
the response to a last-minute request. Appreciative of crowd-pleasing gatherings, Cara can be your "rock band queen" if you need her to be! With a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and training in Effective Communications, Cara is inventive yet reliable - someone you can count on. She takes pride in not only meeting your expectations, but exceeding them, every time.
Julie: Catering Consultant
Want to know what's hot and what's not? Ask Julie! Julie is a bride's
best friend, an imaginative and sophisticated party planner. With a Certified
Event Planner, Manager and Wedding Planner like Julie, you know you're
in good hands. With boundless energy, high standards and an eye for the smallest
detail, Julie is able to fulfill on your vision for your sought after dream
day. Never content to rest on the success of her last event, Julie consistently
researches what's current; resourceful, inspired and innovative, Julie
is known to push for the next level in catering and gourmet foods. Julie pulls
together the team to make your special day everything you want it to be –
modern, classy, original, artistic, and a day you and your guests will remember
forever.
Alexie: Catering Management Protégé
An astute graduate from University of Guelph's Bachelor of Commerce Hotel and
Food Administration program, Alexie’s got the smarts and the gusto to
ensure your event is a smooth success. With a passion for beautiful, unforgettable
parties, you can bet your event will have style and panache. You can't miss
her on site, always calm and very adaptable – this up and coming leader
has presence!
Désirée: Catering
Event Coordinator
Our Swiss recruit with experience from the best hotels in the world, ensures
every aspect of your gathering is picture perfect. Her high European standards
and passion for amazing events let’s you relax and totally enjoy your
own party! But she is not hoity toity – personable and endearing –
she will become your partner in crime in no time. Oh and she speaks four languages!
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.
