As a previous student of Top Toques, I can say that Chef Elaina and the staff always have your best interests in mind. They represent the words professionalism and excellence well. Chef Elaina and the other chefs have dedicated their lives to push their students to be the best they can be, and I really look up to their hard work, passion and determination. Every one of the staff members cares about their students and always go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It is an honor to be a graduate of Top Toques.
Trinity Sawyer
Graduate
Top Toques Institute of Culinary Excellence is the ideal training ground for the culinary arts. Chef Elaina has built a global reputation as a Master Chef and world-class culinary educator dedicated to the success of her students. The carefully-crafted culinary programs at Top Toques are written by expert chefs and stand apart within culinary higher education. Graduates of Top Toques diploma programs have a 97% employment rate and work at amazing restaurants and resorts across Canada. Chef Elaina is that rare person who strives for excellence not only for herself and her instructional team, but most importantly for her many students.
David Hyde
Excellence. Professionalism. These are just two words that describe Chef Elaina and her team. She has created an institution of culinary training like no other. Being recognized around the globe for her accomplishments and her dedication to her students, her school and faith make her a trainer like no other. Along with her team of wonderful chefs, all with the same dedication to you. Everything you expect in a school. Dedication to make you the best possible graduate.
Ken Armstrong
Graduate
Chef Elaina is not only a great instructor, she is also a very caring one. She wants to see you succeed. Chef Elaina and her team go above and beyond to make sure you are felt welcomed and wanted. Unlike other schools. The staff at Top Toques have the determination and drive to push you to be the best that you can be. And sometimes even tough love. I find that is what is needed in schools today to make a student push themselves. Excellence is the perfect word for Top Toques!
Leslie Armstrong
I met Chef Elaina when I was reviewing for my Red Seal too many years ago, and was instantly won over by her knowledge, character, and grit. Chef Elaina Kourie is a shining beacon of caring, integrity, and professionalism. She's also a fighter. You'll come to know what she has endured and overcome, and be inspired by that - but her determination extends past her personal story. This is someone who will go above and beyond, advocating tirelessly for her students. In an industry that can be fickle and cruel, I've never heard a bad word spoken about her. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher, boss, and mentor.
Mike Spitzer
Graduate
My experience, first as a student, then as an employee really solidified for me what the school does for the culinary community; Chef Elaina and the team take their role as teachers seriously, they make it their focus to educate and empower the students with top notch training, so much hands-on learning and a genuine desire to see their students succeed. You become part of the family and even once your education there is complete, the refreshers, the advice, the encouragement and the support the college provides never stops.
Ani Nazaretian
Graduate
Chef Elaina is an internationally recognized World Master Chef and amongst the first women to have earned the designation of Certified Chef de Cuisine in Canada. With her expertise and her deep love for the culinary arts, she has put together a talented team known among local employers for producing some of the best trained professionals. Under her leadership, Top Toques offers high quality training programs thoughtfully designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and techniques required to build a successful career in the evolving food industry. I highly recommend Top Toques for quality culinary education and training.
Olivia Kabongo
Top Toques is a top destination for those seeking a career in the culinary arts. With Chef Elaina an internationally recognized Master Chef and one of the first women to have earned her Certified Chef de Cuisine in Canada at the helm; students who pass through her doors will receive top notch training sought after by local and international employers. Committed to their students' training they quickly pivoted to online learning and even resumed in person learning with the complete confidence of Public Health and the Ministry of Training Colleges ensuring their students were able to complete their training during Covid.
As a graduate and now instructor at Top Toques I have seen from both sides of the stove the team of professionals whose teaching doesn't end when the course does. Ongoing mentorship is one of the cornerstones of Top Toques. Attending Top Toques will not only equip you with employable skills for top notch kitchens in the industry you will also become part of an alumni who work together to not only serve, but influence the culinary industry and it's future.
Nicole Puffer
Graduate and Instructor
Excellence and passion, Chef Elaina's reputation precedes her. Her bold vision for the future of the culinary arts is what's going to define the experience her students receive as some of the most prepared and sought after graduates in Canada and worldwide.
Paul Kourie
I had a very specific idea in mind when I was looking for a culinary school; I wanted a great education, as much hands-on learning as possible and a course that focused solely on culinary studies. I found it all at Top Toques. Chef Elaina and Chef Dean both take a genuine interest in the success of their students and impart on them all they know about the art of cooking and the industry. To ensure all students complete their course and enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
I am truly grateful for their desire to go above and beyond what is expected of a school when it comes to their graduates; refresher courses are available. The advice and encouragement they provided me before each of t my interview processes were invaluable. But their ability to remain professional and yet make you feel like family all at once is something that is so hard to come by.
I was able to complete the Chef de Cuisine program in months, not years, and left the college with the knowledge and confidence I needed to step into any job.
Ani Nazaretian
Graduate