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 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 & 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.
Devon: Sous Chef
Devon 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, Devon 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!
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.
Karinne: Catering Consultant
Our newest addition to the team, 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 be her only choice to cater her beautiful wedding. 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.
Alexie: Catering Event Coordinator
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, calm and focused – your event vision is safe in her hands!
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.
