Meet our Canada In The Rough™ Chef …a leading proponent and innovator of Canada 's Regional Cuisines!

Michael Olson

Michael has been a chef professor at the Niagara Culinary Institute since January 2001 after a nine year stint at On The Twenty Restaurant in Jordan, ON. He has been credited with pioneering the use of fresh local ingredients and working with farmers to develop a distinctive, wine-friendly "Niagara Cuisine". On The Twenty was consistently ranked as a top destination in the area and is recognized nationally as an industry leader in food innovation.

Recently, Michael and his wife, Anna were awarded a silver medal at the Cuisine Canada cookbook awards for their "Inn On The Twenty Cookbook" which was published by Whitecap Books of Vancouver. The book contains 160 user friendly recipes and beautiful photos by Toronto's Michael Mahovlich. It is currently in its second printing and has been celebrated by the Globe and Mail as "Canada's quintessential cookbook".

Michael maintains a relationship with 17 Noir at The Fallsview Casino Resort for consulting and newsletter development. He has traveled extensively worldwide in his pursuit of culinary enhancement and toured with the Epicurian World Master Chefs. Work experience has led his across Canada, Japan and throughout the U.S. and within Ontario at Select Bistro, Panache, Coco Lezzone, Liberty and Navy Blues. He contributes regularly to Chef oriented fundraising activities for Second Harvest, SafeSchool Network and various health care organizations.