Ian's path to becoming Chef/Owner of black tartan kitchen started in a family diner in North Bay and took him as far as Helsinki, Finland where he worked at the 2 Michelin Starred "Chez Dominique" ranked 21st in the World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2009.

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Ian studied Culinary at George Brown College and worked in Toronto at Fare Bistro.  He  traveled to Europe and worked at Brasserie Paardenburg in Amsterdam with a stage at Ron Blaauw.  In France Ian worked at Domaine de la Grezille, a vineyard in the Loire Valley.  Ian's European experience culminated at Chez Dominique where he worked for 10 months, developing his skill with modern cooking techniques and appreciation for Finnish minimalism and simplicity.  

On his return to Canada Ian worked at Absinthe Café and part-time as a Culinary Instructor with Algonquin College while working from Sous Chef to Executive Chef of KW Catering at the National Gallery of Canada.  Ian assumes Chef/Owner responsibility with undying love and support of family: wife Tessa, daughter Faye, son Alistair, and dog Noma.