2006 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Erin Clatney, 35

Success Story: Erin founded Dish Catering in 2002 as a reflection of her love for seasonal local food and the enjoyment of serving appreciative guests in innovative ways. She has brought together an outstanding team of event planners, servers and sommeliers who are similarly dedicated to creating inspired and stylish events. Dish is now one of the city’s most sought-after catering firms. Erin credits her success on the long-term relationships Dish builds with every client.

Best Advice Received: : I am glad I followed the suggestion to have a great accountant and solid legal advice. Both are essential to the small business owner.

Favourite Canadian: Without hesitation, I’d say Peter Gzowski. His desire to understand, connect and challenge shaped me culturally.

Greatest professional challenge: Learning to bite my tongue and smile at the same time.

Someone else for a day: It’s a coin toss…either Alice Waters, who believes in the power of food and has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully. Alice is creating a food revolution, from feeding people one at a time to spearheading the ‘edible schoolyard’. Or, Ruth Reichl, the author and food reviewer for the New York Times. She writes from an outsider’s perspective about the snobbery and pretension of some well-known New York restaurants. I would love to spend many days in one of her numerous disguises.