Chefs of the kawarthas

Chef Jordan Rusk

Chef Jordan is the owner of Nights In Catering based out of Peterborough. He is a most interesting man who has led an exciting life so far! Read on and you will understand.

ers. “It was a great experience,” says Jordan, “It was hard work and long days for six days a week. My day off was wonderful since I was in such a beautiful place. But it was time for a change.” While there, he met and fell in love with three beautiful dogs that he rescued and brought back to Canada.

Jordan once again found himself drawn back to Peterborough. “I had to decide whether to settle in Turks and Caicos for good or move home while I’m still young enough to continue being a Chef and to be around friends and family.”

Jordan worked in Port Hope for a couple of

Jordan grew up in Peterborough and went on to Brock University for Film and Communications. He says, “My dad was a business guy, so I grew up thinking that’s what I should do.”

After graduating, he rode his motorcycle across Canada. He says, “It was amazing and kind of a reset. I took my time, met great people and just enjoyed the ride. He stayed in Vancouver for a couple of years working for a motorcycle shop and high end butcher shop. He sold his bike and moved home to be closer to family and friends.

When he returned, he changed direction and enrolled in Fleming College Culinary School. He says, “I have cooked forever and worked in restaurants. So I thought, I like doing this and I’m good at it.”

Chef Brian Henry recommended Jordan for work at Magnolia Restaurant in Turks and Caicos where he spent 5 years. The year before he left, he was featured in Forbes Magazine with the Magnolia own-

“I had to decide whether to settle down (in Turks & Caicos) for good or move home.” years and got laid off during Covid. He says, “I was just so bored during Covid that I started cooking for friends and it just spiralled by word of mouth into a great career.”

That’s when Jordan started Nights In Catering. He has one menu each week, delivers it to you, reheats and plates it for you. He is conscious about food allergies and works with clients to ensure their meal is within their limitations. This service works that in a way that he can be in and out of your home in 30 minutes. “I spend a lot of time in people’s homes. I come in, chat a bit, get the oven going and reheat everything. Sometimes I will stay and clean up and some people just have me plate the meal and leave. Meals are cooked from scratch. “Other times I stay for two hours if requested. I love catering dinner parties.” If you are unsure which wine would pair with the meal, Jordan can offer suggestions. “I’m not a sommelier, but I can recommend a good choice.” It’s an affordable, delicous experience.

“I’m grateful that I can do my own thing. When I moved back home I found out pretty quickly that it would be hard to find a similar kind of opportunity.”

What better way to spend an evening being catered to by your own personal Chef? Having experienced it first hand, we highly recommend it!

You can order by emailing nightsincatering@gmail.com To see each weeks menu, go to Nights In Facebook and Instagram @nightsin_