Don Rooke

My philosophy is that life is like cooking: It is meant to be savoured. But before it can be, the freshest ingredients have to be added at just the right time to balance the flavours that create the final delights. That vision of cooking is the foundation of my life as a chef, manager, entrepreneur, and culinary professional and Photographer.

Born in Ottawa, I have worked as a chef since 1983. Highlights of my career include working at Maxine's, a renowned Catering Location on Elgin Street, ottawa. From 1986 to 2012 nearly 25 years I reported to different concurrent house chef at 24 Sussex Drive as an assistant chef; I was part of the Team of Chefs that competed in the 1988 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany.

My skills in the food service industry extend to consulting on menu design, training staff, planning diets, and teaching children about healthy food. I thrive on applying excellent cooking methodologies and skills in a professional culinary environment.

I apply my knowledge, skills, and experience to my company, Chef and Staff 4 Hire. Based in Ottawa, Canada, my company caters food services for private and corporate events. Through Chefs and Staff 4 Hire, I also provide temporary professional kitchen staff, such as chefs, cooks, servers, bartenders, and kitchen cleaners. For over 30 years in the Ottawa area, I have placed staff in many kitchens. My staff is skilled at preparing everything from simple dishes to sophisticate culinary creations.