Best thing you’ve ever eaten?
My husband’s sweet potato gnocchi.
Other career you could have pursued?
Teacher.
Favourite beverage?
Shiraz … a close second is green tea.
Beverage that once just about killed you?
Tequila. Bad, bad memories!
Chef you’d most like to meet?
Thomas Keller. He’s a genius.
Best footwear (for the kitchen or otherwise)?
Birkenstocks. I tell new apprentices to take care of their feet.
Favourite ethnic food in Waterloo Region?
I love Ye’s sushi.
What scares you in a kitchen?
People that don’t have knife skills.
Greatest failed recipe?
Soup, one of my first attempts as an apprentice.
Something that gives you great pleasure?
Going out for dinner with my husband and children. We all appreciate food and try every new and old restaurant we can.
A favourite teacher you’ve had?
Mr. Reid, my grade 10 English teacher: he was amazing.
Do you ride a bike?
Yep. I am a bike-riding master.
A moment in your life you’d like to have back?
Oh boy … there are a few “growing” experiences I have had, but they made me the woman I am today.
Where were you born?
Kitchener-Waterloo.
Favourite band?
It’s hard to choose just one, but I guess I would say Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Who would you like to cook for?
The Queen. Go big or go home!
The thing you wish for Waterloo Region?
I would love for there to be a pastry course at Conestoga College and the demand to place the students afterwards.
Go-to late-night snack?
Cheese, crackers and olives.
Best thing about being a chef?
I get to create and be an artist every day.
Most “dumbest” purchase you’ve ever made?
When I was an apprentice, I was making like no money and I bought a pair of $200 boots. The heel fell off the first time I wore them. I had no money for food for the next month! Thankfully, I worked at a restaurant.
Favourite city?
New York.
TV chefs who annoy you?
Do you remember the “What’s for Dinner?” chefs? THEM! They annoyed the heck out of me.
Would you describe yourself as sweet or savoury?
I am soooooo sweet!
![“No Problem!” [ Not! ]](http://www.waterlooregioneats.com/wp-content/themes/WaterlooRegionEats/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Questionmark5.jpg&w=35&h=35&zc=1&q=90){kind=small}
I grew up across the street from Tara.
It’s fantastic to see Tara living a dream.
I’ve eaten here and the food is wonderful.
I have been best friends with Tara for over 26 years. We had some crazy cooking experiences at my house when we were young. all I can say is “Strawberry panacakes” LOL they were more like soup maybe that si the soup she was talking about! Tara I’m so proud of you. You have become a strong indepented woman that other women LIke myself can look up to. YOu are an inspiration. Love ya girl.
Tara – I’m so impressed by your career path and your amazing pastry talents. Keep it up lady, and thanks for all the dessert spoiling – LOVE IT!