Yes Shef, Yes Shef! Q&A With Evelyn Chick

As Yes Shef, the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, gets set to make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga, some of Canada’s most talented women chefs are prepping to take centre stage. We caught up with one of this year’s culinary stars to talk mentorship, inspiration, and what she’s serving up at this landmark celebration of women in food and drink. —Noa Nichol

Since Yes Shef! is all about pairing established pros with the next generation of talent, if you could go back and give advice to your younger self on your first day entering the industry, what would it be?

Learn the numbers, the operations, and make use of every one of your experiences as an opportunity to evolve and learn. I spent years perfecting technique, flavour, and service flow. All of that matters. I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of failure, always improve, be a sponge and absorb all you can. Ask more questions. Know your worth and don’t wait to be invited into rooms where decisions are made.

Of all the cocktails or beverage programs you’ve created throughout your career, which one holds the most personal story for you, and where can our readers experience it right now?

The programs at SIMPL THINGS feel the most personal right now – because it is in collaboration with my team. An all-day cocktail and snack bar menu that reflects how I think about hospitality today: thoughtful, structured, and welcoming. A mixture of aperitivo, low to no abv serves, alternative , global spirits to curated natural wines. It represents every part of my journey from high volume bartender (scaling service to protecting team culture to building menus that actually work on a Friday night) to fine dining. You can experience it all day, with intention, care, and a lot of fun. We’re constantly evolving the program but staying rooted in the way a drink can make people feel -welcome and at home. 

What is the one song or album that is guaranteed to be playing behind the bar or during prep to get the team hyped during a busy Friday night service?

Anything by Kaytranada. It sets the tempo without overwhelming the room. There’s rhythm, there’s edge, but it still leaves space for focus. During prep, it keeps the energy moving. During service, it feels intentional, not chaotic.

What is your ultimate, no-judgment comfort food or drink that you crave the second you get home?

Dumplings of any kind with a spicy sauce. A very crisp white. 

You are doing incredible work for women in hospitality. Where can our readers follow your journey and keep up with your latest projects online?

You can follow along on Instagram at @evelynchick and explore my projects at evelynchickprojects.com. That’s where I share the realities of building in hospitality, from beverage development to leadership to the messy middle of entrepreneurship. Decoding it so guests can understand what they’re experiencing.