A life well Travelled…

Who is Chef Chantel (Chef Chantz)?

Every great story begins with a turning point. For Chef Chantel, that moment came as a young adult, when she was diagnosed with a severe allergy to food additives and preservatives. Navigating daily life with these restrictions revealed just how challenging it was to find meals that were safe, wholesome, and still exciting. What began as a necessity soon became a passion: creating food that nourishes and includes everyone.

Chantel began her formal culinary career in 1999 at Liaison College in Hamilton, Ontario, and went on to complete McMaster University’s Culinary Apprenticeship Program, graduating with honours from Humber College in 2007 and completing her apprenticeship in 2010.

The idea for Sunflower Catering was first born in 2002, but it remained more of a dream than a full business while Chantel gained rich professional experience. Her journey took her to sea in 2015, where she spent five years as a chef onboard Celebrity Cruises, travelling to over 70 countries and learning from some of the best in the industry.

It wasn’t until moving to Nova Scotia that she brought her dream fully to life. In the spring of 2023, Sunflower Catering officially launched as a full-time venture, rooted in her vision of artistry, inclusivity, and connection through food. Today, she is known for her signature grazing tables, allergy-conscious menus, and a hands-on approach that treats every client like family.

Her philosophy is simple: “No one goes home hungry in my kitchen.”

— Chantel Mackay, a.k.a. Chef Chantz

Liaison College Graduation 1999
Hamilton Spectator 2005
1st catering job Hamilton Ontario
Hamilton Spectator 2006
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Culinary Salon 2007 Bronze
Four people in chef attire standing beside a table with desserts and a plaque, in a well-lit room with curtains and blinds.
Group of graduates in blue robes smiling with three children indoors
A person wearing a blue graduation gown stands outside in front of a bush, smiling at the camera.
A woman sitting on a bench outdoors, holding a Humber certificate, wearing a white blazer and skirt, smiling.
Person smiling and pointing at a Canadian flag in an indoor setting.
Person in black uniform with green scarf on balcony overlooking city and mountains
Group of chefs and kitchen staff standing in a professional kitchen, posing for a photo in front of a prep counter with food items.
Chef in uniform smiling and posing in a restaurant dining area with set tables.
Celebrity Cruises ship docked at a port, side view
Person taking a selfie near a road with a sign that reads 'Brandal.' They are wearing sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf, near a waterfront area with industrial buildings and a dock in the background.
Two people in chef uniforms smiling on a cruise ship, with a snowy mountain landscape in the background.
Group of chefs posing on a ship deck with a scenic ocean and mountain background.
Group of people enjoying a meal at a restaurant, posing for a selfie with food and drinks on the table.
Woman with red hair smiling, wearing a navy jacket with anchor patterns and a striped scarf. In the background, a coastal cityscape with moored cruise ships, buildings, and hills under a cloudy sky.
Two chefs wearing black hats and white aprons standing behind a counter in a kitchen with colorful tiled walls.
Person in a chef jacket on a ship with a scenic ocean view.
Two chefs wearing uniforms and black berets smiling in a mountainous outdoor setting with other people in the background.
Chefs preparing food in a commercial kitchen, handling raw chicken, vegetables, and kitchen equipment.
Woman posing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy, on a sunny day.
Group of people wearing chef hats and aprons participating in a cooking class. They are preparing ingredients at a countertop, with bowls and chopping boards visible. A woman is reading instructions, while others handle food items. The setting appear
A group of six people wearing chef hats, standing together in a restaurant setting. There is a table with utensils and glasses in front of them, and large windows showing an outdoor view.
Group of chefs posing on a ship deck with a scenic ocean backdrop.
Group of people in uniforms enjoying a meal with plates of food and bottles of beer on a table in a restaurant setting.
Gourmet seafood appetizer on a square white plate, featuring mussels with colorful diced vegetables, sliced meat garnished with herbs, and various garnishes on lettuce.
Sushi rolls on sticks with dipping sauces
Glass bowls with fresh salad, featuring sliced red and yellow tomatoes, basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, and a pesto-like dressing.
Two chefs wearing black hats and aprons standing behind a counter in a kitchen with colorful tiled walls, smiling at the camera.
Ocean sunset with colorful sky and distant silhouette of mountains.
Person in chef attire on a ship deck with ocean and mountains in the background, smiling.
A chef in a black uniform stands next to a buffet line filled with various prepared dishes, including lasagna and casseroles, in a kitchen setting.
Woman with two dogs wearing orange vests in a forest
Portrait of a person with long wavy hair wearing a green shirt, smiling at the camera against a neutral background.

Highlights:

Personal Philosophy on Food: Food is more than a requirement, it is art, passion, joy, entertainment and a way to share who we are. It feeds our bodies as well as our souls. Creating emotional spaces and memories that bind us

Professional Highlights:

  • Liaison College Graduation 1999

  • Featured in Hamilton Spectator 2005 and 2006

  • Toronto Culinary Salon Bronze Medal 2007

  • Humber College Honours Graduation 2007

  • Apprenticeship Completion 2010

  • Winner Community Votes Hamilton 2021, 2022, 2023

Corporate Clients Include:

  • Tell Tale Heart Productions: The Curse of Oak Island Season 11

  • Praxes Medical Group

  • Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada

  • Gerdhardt Property Management

  • Novacorp Properties Ltd

Community Engagement and Services we Support:

  • Souls Harbour Rescue Mission NS

  • Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department

  • Member in good standing with the Bridgewater Chamber of Commerce

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Do you only price per person?

    Explore our flexible pricing options! We tailor our services to your event, offering per person rates, a la carte, and comprehensive full service. Let's customize a solution that perfectly fits your needs.

  2. Do you charge automatic gratuities?

    No. At Sunflower Catering, we've led the way since 2023, ensuring our team receives a fair, living wage. We believe in ethical practices over relying on tips. While we appreciate any extra thanks for exceptional service, there are no obligatory gratuities.

  3. How far ahead should I be booking my event?

    The ideal booking time varies by event type. For weddings, we suggest at least 30 days' notice to ensure perfection, but other events can often be arranged with a minimum of 2 weeks' notice. We're also here for your last-minute needs if our schedule allows.

  4. What makes Sunflower Catering stand out?

    Our global culinary expertise, Chef Chantz’s culinary career spanning over 20 years, brings diverse, exquisite flavors to your table. We're known for meticulous on-site preparation, unrivaled attention to detail, and a passion that's evident in every dish we serve.

  5. Can you cater to my allergies and dietary restrictions?

    Dietary needs are our specialty. Whether it's vegan, pescatarian, keto, or specific religious dietary requirements, we are committed to delivering a safe and delightful culinary experience for everyone.