Age: 33
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Company: Vegetable-focused fine dining restaurant
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The World Junior Championships will kick off in Ottawa in December, bringing tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city, as well as a chance for local
The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow enters important next phase
For Ginger Bertrand, some of her earliest childhood memories in Ottawa are centred around healthcare. “I grew up across the street from what was originally the General Hospital,” she explains,
Education: Bachelor of social science in political science, University of Ottawa (2008)
Charitable involvement: Taste for Hope, For Pivots Sake
Biggest biz achievement: We are still growing after seven years in business.
Biggest obstacle: Moving to a new location and expanding from the original location. It was almost as tough as starting a new business.
Biggest influence: My mom! She’s my biggest supporter and toughest critic. When I first decided to start the business, she told me that I should be prepared to run a business for at least 10 years no matter how hard it gets. I’m very close to accomplishing that.
Biggest lesson learned: If your vision evolves, be confident in that evolution, even if not everyone agrees with your new direction. When we moved to a new location in Hintonburg, we introduced a new concept that focused on multi-course tasting menus and sharing-style plates. Not everyone thought the new approach was the right choice for the business, but the concept gave us a competitive edge. As a result, we’ve gained new customers from Ottawa and beyond who wouldn’t have tried us out before.
First job: Server at a local restaurant in Peterborough when I was 16.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Keep following your instincts.
What’s left to do: Compete in this year’s Gold Medal Plates in November.
Favourite pastime: Listening to loud music.
I’m currently reading: Alinea, a cookbook by Grant Achatz
Favourite movie: Cafe de Flore
Favourite song: Now I’m All Messed Up by Tegan and Sara; Formation by Beyonce
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Ottawa Bluesfest
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Company Twitter handle: @cafemyhouse
