Our People

Those Who Inspire       

“I want the student Chefs to bring to the program an eagerness to learn. They have to want to be here, want the experience and want to challenge themselves,” says Oliver Li, Chef De Cuisine at The Chefs' House. “And when they leave, I want them to take a good memory. I want them to know the pride, that they are part of the top culinary college in Canada. And I want their experience here to be their inspiration for their future careers.”

Oliver Li is well placed as a mentor to aspiring Chefs. He is the kind of teacher that Irving Layton, Canadian poet laureate, speaks of  when he says that it is “from the gifted teacher” that the individual “gets his first hint of the adventure which may engage him for the rest of his life.” 

With Chef Li directly supervising student interns, their future is optimistic. “We set expectations for them and we want to nurture their growth to a high standard. I feel that the open concept of the restaurant is important to generate confidence. The focus here is the kitchen, and one in which their professionalism is constantly observed by the patron because of their proximity to him.”