OUR INSTRUCTORS

 

CHEF CHRIS PODGORNIK  - IN HOUSE CHEF                                                                       We are thrilled to have Chef Chris Podgornik join us as our resident In-House Chef at the Pepper Tree Supper Club. Chris was born and raised in London Ontario and has lived/worked professionally in 3 different countries on 2 continents. At just 16, Christ started working in Hotel Restaurant Industry and obtained his  Canadian Red seal qualification in 1989, as well as Australian Chef papers in 1991 and American Chef papers in 2000. With 37 years experience, Chef is classically trained in French Cuisine, fine dining as well as high end production facilities and can't wait to experience his flair for Southern cuisine in our Supper Club studio!

Formerly an Executive Chef at Furman University in Greenville South Carolina, and at James Madison University in Harrisonburg Virginia and is an experienced  competitor and  coach  in various culinary art salons. Chef Podgornik previously owned a successful small Restaurant in Strathroy and although is currently semi retired, he is still actively working at the RBC Place London (Convention Centre) where he worked on the opening team in 1993-1996, and again from 2016-present as Executive Sous Chef. 

CHEF OLIVIA HEALEY

Chef Olivia Healey continues as our guest chef and studied at Fanshawe obtaining her Culinary Arts designation and brings over 12 years of experience creating great menus and coordinating large institutional culinary programs. 

Returning to her passion and culinary roots, Olivia will be leading some exciting culinary initiatives and is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm as the resident chef and culinary coordinator for Pepper Tree Spice Co.

We are excited to welcome Chef Ankita Vaidya as our new Culinary Coordinator for our expanded Supper Club at the Market classes! A professor at Fanshawe's culinary program, Ankita Vaidya is a passionate educator and is also a graduate of Fanshawe College Culinary Arts. With a love for both the art and science of cooking,  Ankita has been teaching since 2017 at PC Cooking School and with Fanshawe University since 2023 and brings a unique approach that blends hands-on technique with the fascinating history and stories behind every dish. Ankita loves exploring culture, dining traditions, and the journeys that shape our food, making each class both delicious and enlightening. 

 

VICTORIA COGHLAN
With nearly thirty years of professional pie making, Vicci's classes emphasizes the importance of the right ingredients, techniques, and tools to make the perfect flaky piecrust. Vicci, along with her husband Jon have owned and operated 3 very successful restaurants including the much loved Telegraph House and Pineapple Dining Room on Main Street in Port Stanley, Ontario. Vicci continues to share her vast knowledge and skills with us in our Supper Club Studio.