Chef Chris Velden | Ryan Duffy's

Find the latest updates, news and info on my blog

A traditional bio might describe Chef Chris Velden as a European trained Master Chef with over 25years experience working in Europe, Canada, and the United States. However, if you ask him to describe who he is, you get a much simpler answer. “I am a cook, who loves to teach.”

Before coming to Halifax and transforming Ryan Duffy’s into a Modern Day steak house. Chris spent several years in Vancouver as the Executive Chef and Program Director for the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, one of Canada’s Top Culinary Schools.

While in Vancouver, Chris partnered with the Vancouver Aquarium and its Ocean Wise program helping to lead the way to sustainable practices in both the local and global fishing industries. Working as an ambassador for change, Chris is continuing his partnership with the program as the Ocean Wise Atlantic Canada Representative.

Chris on teaching today’s students “Given the state of our planet, teaching students the importance of discovering and working with local, sustainable food is as important as teaching the basics of cooking.” Chef Chris Velden is a staunch supporter of our local food producers and realizes the vast benefits of knowing where and from whom the food we eat comes from. He believes “Using local ingredients not only increases our knowledge in regards to the taste and the variety of food available but it economically benefits the farmers and helps to strengthen our community.”