Known professionally and socially as “Chef Ric,” seasoned chef and culinary leader Ric Allen-Watson has dedicated himself to serving Ottawa’s marginalized communities — and not just with food.
Known professionally and socially as “Chef Ric,” seasoned chef and culinary leader Ric Allen-Watson has dedicated himself to serving Ottawa’s marginalized communities — and not just with food.
Since 2001, Chef Ric has served up meals to The Ottawa Mission’s shelter, hospice and community clients, and has supervised staff, trainees and volunteers to do the same. In 2004, he started the Mission’s Food Service Training Program, helping marginalized Ottawans gain skills and knowledge in the food services industry and aiding them in finding employment.
Today, Chef Ric’s is a social enterprise that offers healthy and affordable prepared food, catering services and the extensive Food Services Training Program. In 2014, Chef Ric was recognized as Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation Ottawa Branch for his work with the Mission.
When he isn’t teaching or serving at the Mission, Chef Ric spends his time with his husband and their chihuahuas, walking around the city, restoring antique furniture, and — you guessed it — cooking.
In this instalment of My Ottawa, this leader in both the local culinary scene and Ottawa non-profit community dishes on his go-to route for walking in Ottawa, his top picks for live music venues, and his favourite personal chef.
What area of the city/region do you live in?
I live in the ByWard Market
What type of home do you have (condo, house, etc.)?
Condo
What type of pet do you have?
I have two Chihuahuas whose names are Ceci and Cheka
What type of car do you drive?
A Jeep. (We have a cottage and this is the best vehicle to get to it.)
What’s your favourite part of town?
The Market
What is your favourite place to eat in Ottawa?
Chef Ric’s, of course!
What is your favourite activity in Ottawa?
Walking the canal
What’s your favourite hobby?
Refinishing antique furniture
What’s your favourite local charity or cause?
The Ottawa Mission, of course!
What’s your favourite festival?
Bluesfest!
What's your favourite local sports team?
Both the Sens and the Redblacks
What’s your favourite retailer in Ottawa?
Zone on Sussex Drive
What type of music do you listen to?
Damien Rice
What's your favourite live music venue?
The Rainbow
Where do you get your hair cut?
Haha – not needed (I shave my head myself)
What Ottawa personality, past or present, do you admire?
Chef Toni Grande, who was an amazing friend and colleague through the Culinary Federation of Ottawa. Toni generously supported our Food Services Training Program for many years, acting as a volunteer instructor for many of our students. Unfortunately, Toni passed away last year; we miss him greatly.
If you took a staycation in Ottawa, what would you do?
Go for very long walks around our beautiful city. I spend my days on my feet standing, so it really helps to get out and about. There’s so much to see in Ottawa.
What’s your favourite business event or conference in Ottawa?
The culinary federation conference when it's in Ottawa
What’s your favourite meeting or convention venue?
The Shaw Centre
What’s your favourite thing to do in Ottawa to pamper yourself?
Getting my husband to cook at home!
What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa?
The people. We’re lucky to live in such a great city. 
