Bringing people together with food

Former Whanganui High School student Erin Stone is now a top chef in Canada. PHOTO/EMMA RUSSELL

Emma Russell continues her series charting the stories of former Whanganui students who have gone on to success in the big, wide world

Snowboarding in the morning and cooking for a full restaurant in the evenings is Erin Stone's dream come true.

The former Whanganui High School student has been the executive chef at Stonesedge restaurant in Whistler, Canada for the last three years.

The 35 year old said it started as a passion and eventually became a career with options.

"In my teens I enjoyed cooking meals for my family and did it regularly. I loved trying out new recipes - and that was how it all started," Ms Stone said.

In Ms Stone's last year of high school she took the subjects she was interested in which included Art Design, Photography, Calculus, Science, English.

The top chef said the most important thing she learnt at school was organisation.

"Being on top of things is so important in my job. I always have my work days and weeks planned out."

Ms Stone said she worked for a few restaurants in New Zealand before going travelling. She ended up working in England and Scotland.

Eventually the aspiring chef moved to Canada with her boyfriend and worked in a restaurant for three years until she became head chef. Four years later she helped open Stonesedge in Ontario and was appointed executive chef. 

Ms Stone said there is nothing better than the satisfaction of creating an amazing meal for someone.

"Food brings people together and I love being able to do that. There's such a rush when you're in the middle of service and pumping out all the food to the full and busy restaurant."

Working the evening shift means Ms Stone is able to enjoy the surreal outdoors during the morning.

"I often snowboard in the morning before having to go into work. We have so many places to go for a hike in the summer, I have two dogs so am always outside. Living in the mountains is so different from home."

Looking into the future Ms Stone said she is now in a position with a lot of options.

"I'm beginning to write a blog and then from there there's a possibility of food tube. I would love to have my own small restaurant or cafe one day. I'm working on concepts for that so I have a plan."