CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Bloom launches new dinner series featuring guest chefs for unique dining experiences

Bloom restaurant at Conestoga's Waterloo campus is hosting a new dinner series featuring guest chefs who will work in the kitchen alongside students to prepare unique culinary experiences.

The first special dinner will be on March 14 with local chef Arielle Neils, a native of Trinidad and Tobago who will prepare a four-course Trinidadian inspired meal with beverage pairings.

Neils began her culinary journey at 7 and by 15 was managing her grandmother's catering business before pursing a culinary education. Neils has worked in esteemed restaurants and resorts, as executive chef at a leading tech company in downtown Kitchener, and now manages her own catering business and popups in Waterloo Region showcasing the rich flavours of her Caribbean heritage.

Inspiration for her menu is rooted in the vibrant multicultural essence of Trinidadian cuisine, celebrating its deep roots and far-reaching influences. Dishes will include corn soup with cassava chive dumplings and oxtail, curried chickpeas, pepper shrimp and fried chicken, with each course paired with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage option.

"The Bloom Dinner Series was created to introduce guest chefs into the Bloom kitchen to work with our students to create special menus. The idea is to offer the culinary and hospitality classes a chance to expand their learning in their time at Bloom, while also showcasing the versatile dining space to guests beyond our typical a la carte & grab n go cafe service," said Dan McCowan, executive chef at Bloom.

The student-run Bloom restaurant is open to the community for lunch and dinner service, offering themed menus that change throughout the school year. Also available are prepared items for pick-up, including soups, meals and desserts.

Guest chefs for the dinner series could include Conestoga alumni, local chefs or other culinary industry professionals who can offer a memorable dining experience at Bloom.

"It is our hope the dinner series will expand Conestoga's connections with the local food scene, as well as offer our students another outlet to develop their skillset," McCowan said.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Conestoga's School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts regularly hosts events and workshops to welcome the community into Bloom.

An upcoming class covers coffee tasting, brewing and latte art with Phong Tran of Master of Taste Coffee Bar, who will share practical skills and expert tips to create café-quality coffees at home. Tickets for the March 1 masterclass are also available on Eventbrite.

Conestoga was named among Canada's best culinary schools in 2025 by University Magazine, ranking number three out of 30 colleges and universities that made the list. "Students receive training in cutting-edge kitchens and have opportunities to participate in culinary events and competitions," the magazine stated. "Its strong partnerships with local businesses and restaurants provide invaluable networking opportunities and internships."