George Brown alumni achieve Michelin star success
In a major achievement for the local Canadian culinary scene, The Pine, helmed by George Brown College (GBC) alumni Jeremy and Cassie Austin, has been awarded a prestigious Michelin star. One of only four stars awarded to Canadian restaurants this year by the Michelin Guide, this recognition places the husband-and-wife team among the global elite of the culinary world, marking a significant milestone in their careers and for the college's culinary programs.
From classroom to culinary excellence
Partners in life and cuisine for 16 years, the pair began their George Brown journey when Jeremy pursued the Culinary Arts Italian program while Cassie studied Food and Beverage Management.
The Austins credit their time at GBC as being foundational to their success. Here, they learned not only technical skills but also gained crucial industry connections and a broader culinary perspective.
"Attending GBC was the most important thing I've done in my life. The connections and skills I gained there introduced me to the industry," said Jeremy. “The program offers critical hands-on experience and crucial industry connections with its internationally renowned teaching roster.”
Post-graduation, the couple honed their craft internationally, working in Italy, Wuxi, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. This global experience refined their techniques and expanded their culinary vision. Upon returning to Canada, the Austins were poised to embark on their next adventure — ultimately leading to their Michelin-starred restaurant, The Pine.
The Pine's rise to culinary prominence
Jeremy and Cassie’s culinary dream took root in an unexpected place: a pop-up restaurant featuring a single harvest table overlooking the woods on Cassie's family farm. This humble beginning, surrounded by the area's natural beauty, would eventually blossom into their acclaimed establishment, The Pine. The restaurant's name, inspired by its wooded surroundings, reflects the Austins' commitment to creating a dining experience deeply connected to its environment.
The couple opened their first location in nearby Collingwood before expanding to their current award-winning location in Creemore, north of Toronto. Inspired by their travels and work experience, the restaurant specializes in contemporary Chinese cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally, with most produce from a farm owned by Cassie's parents, allowing them to grow a curated selection of heirloom varieties and foods not traditionally grown in Canada.
Inspiring the next generation
"Jeremy and Cassie embody the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit we strive to instill in our students, and their success is an inspiration to current and future culinary and hospitality students," said Rudi Fischbacher, Dean of George Brown's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.
As the pair continue to evolve, they stand as a shining example of the heights that can be reached with passion, skill, and a solid educational foundation. The Austins' journey from George Brown College to Michelin stardom serves as an inspiration for aspiring chefs and is a point of pride for Toronto's culinary community.
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