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.
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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 Life, 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.
