Behind these doors, Nola has been serving up food that’s caught the attention of diners here in Winnipeg and across the country. Now, the chef behind the menu is getting some national attention of her own.
Emily Butcher, the executive chef and owner of Nola and Bar Accanto, has received Restaurants Canada’s Culinary Award of Excellence. The national honour recognizes creativity, skill, leadership and contributions to the industry, with nominations coming from within Canada’s food service community.
Emily Butcher, the executive chef and owner of Nola and Bar Accanto. (Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)
“Emily’s really developed a culinary voice that is really distinctive and personal. It’s unmistakably her own, which is so critical. And I think that really comes out in the food, the menu, and the environment that she creates,” said Kelly Higginson, the president and CEO of Restaurants Canada.
It’s the latest recognition in a year that has already seen Nola named to Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, adding to a career that includes a bronze medal at the Canadian Culinary Championships.
“To have some recognition on a national level for what we do here, just all the hard work and passion that this place has been built on, it’s really incredible,” said Butcher.
Food at Nola and Bar Accanto. (Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)
Butcher describes herself as a “maximalist” when it comes to food and flavour, drawing from childhood memories and prairie ingredients to tell stories through what’s on the plate.
For us, that meant Nola’s gunpowder roast carrots with whipped feta and candied pumpkin seeds alongside sourdough scallion focaccia with caramelized onion butter.
“So, the carrots are based on the candied carrots that my dad used to make me when I was a kid. We grew a lot of carrots in the garden, and he always used to say, ‘Just put a lot of butter and honey on them,’” said Butcher.
While Butcher is still taking in her latest recognition, she’s already looking ahead, as she’s been selected as Winnipeg’s Chef of Distinction for the 20th anniversary of the Canadian Culinary Championships.
“To go forward and just keep talking about the Winnipeg food scene and how amazing we are, that’s the next step,” she explained.
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