From the child hood summers in Germany stirring Oma’s giant pots to washing pots for popular chefs, Olaf Mertens always wanted to be a chef. He left Canada for Germany at 18, starting a culinary apprenticeship that led him to cooking in Budapest and helping a grand five star hotel celebrate Berlin’s 750th birthday.

He earned the honor of a Top Skilled Apprentice for the Class of 1989 and was then awarded Berlins Apprentice of the Year in 1989. He then spent eight years at Rogues Restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario, leading it to be one of the top 40 in Canada.

He then left Canada again to return to Germany where he successfully completed the grueling Kuechenmeister course in the Steigenberger hotelier school in Bavaria.

As Captain of Team Canada in international competitions, he led a talented team of chefs to compete for two consecutive silvers medals in Limerick, Ireland and Dallas, Texas.

His experiences have led him to where you can find him now, as executive chef and partner at either of his three Mississauga HIP Restaurants, On The Curve Hot Stove & Wine Bar & ten Restaurant & Wine Bar and West 50 Pourhouse and Grille, as well as his catering division, Catering...from the HIP. Olaf has had appearances on the food network Summers Best, and guest chef spots on other television and radio broadcasts.

His cook books are Cooking from the Hip and Olaf`s kitchen A master chef shares his passion. Olaf has a very strong bond with his Mississauga home town community contributing to several local charities and events. When he’s not cooking up a storm, he is at home with my wife Jennifer and my three sons, Nicolas, Taylor and Owen.

For More Information About Master Chef Olaf Mertens Please Visit His Website; www.chefolaf.com