This weekend, St. Lawrence Market will host the first ever GradsMarket, a reverse job fair where recent graduates of Toronto culinary schools can flaunt their wares for potential clients. Founder Yulia Vasilyeva, inspired by her own transition from student to budding entrepreneur, decided she wanted to create an event where students could gain exposure and meet others in their industry.
Seven groups of two to four students, from George Brown College and Liaison College, will provide sample portions of a specialty dish they have created. Most of the ingredients will be provided at a discount by shops in the market, so each station will have a card displaying the ingredients in each dish and where to find them.
“It’s good for all of us,” explains Vasilyeva. “The students get their ingredients and the stores get to promote themselves.” Vasilyeva, along with her two co-organizers, Dean Morrison and Axel Gonzalez, has been planning the event since fall of last year.
Steam Whistle will be providing beer at $2 a pop, while wine samples have been donated by Kacaba Vineyards, Rosewood Estates Winery and Stonechurch Vineyards.
Guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite team of young chefs, and the winners will receive a gift package.
In an effort to stand out, some groups have even come up with special strategies to entice guests. Look out for the team from George Brown offering an evening of personal chef services for free.
GradsMarket, St. Lawrence Market, March 17. $5 admission / $1 per sample